Maybe, maybe not, according to Bloomberg’s sources, who saw the prototype sometime last year. Apple has considered announcing the tiny handset this (northern) summer, but could still decide to scrap it in favour of a different model.
If Apple does go small, there are also plans in the works to offer the next iPhone for just $US200 off-contract; the current cheapest iPhone in the US goes for that amount only with a two-year service plan).
And even if Apple decides to stick closer to the current form factor, they’re still intent on giving iPhone 5 dual-mode powers (like the Verizon iPhone 4 almost had), as well as a “Universal SIM” that would let users switch back and forth between GSM networks without having to switch out your SIM card.
That price, with those features, and that size, would be a pretty unprecedented leap forward; certainly enough to confirm Apple as the frontrunner in its ongoing mobile battle with Android. Also intriguing is the possibility that Cupertino might expand its offerings to include multiple form factors at once, something they’ve steadfastly avoided since their very first handset.
Dean
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 10:56 AMHell no, why would I want it that small? The screen is perfect as it is, any smaller would be dumb.
Simon Reidy
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 10:57 AMWho wants a a phone with a smaller screen? Screens are getting larger, not smaller.. Imagine how frustrating that would be to operate if you had large fingers.
If anything I’m hoping the iPhone 5 has a 4″ screen, but I have a feeling Jobsey is in love with the pixel density on the 3.5″.
Viddy
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 11:06 AMWhat a load of tosh! I have 20/20 vision and the screen on the iphone is cramped enough – retina display or no retina display.
A thinner form factor maybe, but if it goes smaller, than I’d bet my neighbours’ dogs life on the fact that the screen stays the same size or even increases slightly larger in proportion.
Food for thought… those games with two thumb controls in the bottom corners of the screen would actually take up half the screen real estate – I never play them now because you can’t see what going on, so no chance if the phone/screen got smaller.
roherian
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 11:34 AMiPhone Nano
Lochlan
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 12:23 PMiPhone Nono!
Cam
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 12:21 PMCurrent screen size is near on perfect (IMHO). Just like steve has said regarding the ipad (right size, and its not going to go smaller), I think he will stand by the screen size of the current iphone.
I reckon the devil is in the detail. The new one may well be 2/3rd’s the ‘volume’ of the current phone, all it needs is a few mm off a couple of current dimensions. Who knows, the whole bottom of the phone might be ditched, including the home button!
Jobsless
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 1:14 PMJust wait for it: iPhone 5 will be smaller, creating a void for an apple smart phone sized between the weener iPhone 5 and the over-shlonged ipad, paving the way for yet ANOTHER apple product that everybody must have.
chinosts
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 3:15 PMWill it come with a watch band accessary? Cool!
randomambling
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 5:42 PMEach one will be supplied with a file or sandpaper, because “your fingers are too big”.
iPhone Nano won’t happen..
But bring on a 7″ iPad, and I’m there.
until then….
/randomambling
Andrew
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 9:39 PMJust the iphone screen with a boarder. No home button. As thin as the iPod touch. The back like the magic mouse with multiple gesture control.