LONDON: Apple is planning to launch a mini version of its iPhone dubbed iPhone 6s Mini, rumours suggest.
In 2014, Apple launched the iPhone 6, with a 4.7-inch screen, and iPhone 6 Plus, which has a 5.5-inch display. Previous to the latest iPhone 6, all other variants of the iPhone had a 4-inch display. However, rumors suggest that Apple is working on a 4-inch device once again and it will be the mini version of the iPhone 6s, which is estimated for a 2015 launch.
Timothy Arcuri, an analyst with Cowen and Company, issued a note to investors, which suggests that Apple may launch a new 4-inch iPhone variant in 2015, which will be called iPhone 6s mini. The smartphone will join the current generation screen sizes of 4.7- inch and 5.5-inch.
According to an AppleInsider report, Arcuri cites at his sources and claims that the specifications of the rumored iPhone 6s mini will be similar to that of the iPhone 5s. However, the design may be changed with curved screen edges, similar to the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 6.
The AppleInsider report reveals that Arcuri has a mixed track record on Apple iPhone rumors. In January 2014, the analyst correctly predicted some details of the iPhone 6. However, his prediction about a powerful processor for the iPhone 6 Plus turned out to be incorrect.
If Arcuri’s latest prediction about the iPhone 6s mini comes true, then the smartphone will replace the iPhone 5c, which is currently Apple’s low-end handset. Being a low-end phone, the iPhone 6s mini is also expected to have low-cost internals to keep the price low.
Samsung launched the mini versions of its Galaxy S devices such as the Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy S4 Mini and the Galaxy S5 Mini. These mini handsets cater to smartphone customers who prefer a smaller handset. Moreover, Apple also launched the iPad mini as the smaller version of its full-sized iPad.
It should not come as a surprise that Apple is following Samsung’s steps and will release a smaller variant of the iPhone in the near-term. Not everyone likes a big phone with a screen display of 4.7-inch or more. Many existing iPhone customers may still prefer a 4-inch iPhone and may find the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus too big. Apple may be losing out on these customers and the iPhone 6s mini will be catering to this consumer category.
The release of the next iPhone generation is not expected before fall. So it remains to be seen if Acruri’s prediction about the iPhone 6s mini turns out to be true.
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