Apple To Bring Back 4-Inch iPhone

Earlier this year, Apple introduced the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, moving on from the 4-inch models of the past. For years, the tech giant had pointed to 4-inch smartphones as an advantage over larger devices, but consumer preferences for larger displays caused the company to launch their big-screen iPhones in September. However, it appears that Apple will introduce a new 4-inch phone in 2015.

Apple had been reluctant to move to larger screens and enter the phablet market, but did so earlier this year. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are both extremely popular, as sales have been outstanding. There are some Apple consumers that are accustomed to the smaller iPhone, however, as it is easier to use with one hand.

In response to these consumers, Apple is rumored to be releasing an iPhone 6s mini. Cowen & Company analyst Timothy Arcuri said in a research note that Apple was already working on the 4-inch iPhone 6S Mini, which will be similar to last year’s iPhone 5s. This device will become the company’s low-end smartphone, a position currently held by the iPhone 5c.

In order to keep prices down, the iPhone 6s mini will feature low-cost, purpose built components from Qualcomm. This will allow Apple to offer 4-inch iPhones as a low-end smartphone, without the latest and greatest internal components. This will differentiate the smartphone from some of Apple’s other offerings, as they are also expected to release the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 next year..