KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated in a recent research note that a 4-inch iPhone is in the works, and that it will be an upgraded version of the iPhone 5s, Apple Insider reported.
The device is expected to feature an all-metal case and run on Apple’s A9 system-on-chip, which will be a last-generation component when the handset debuts.
Kuo predicted that mass production of the device will begin in the first half of 2016, suggesting this new “budget iPhone” will launch alongside the iPhone 7.
With respect to the iPhone 7, Kuo said Apple is on track to stick with its September release pattern, and that the device will have a revamped external design.
He predicted that the while the 4.7″ version of the iPhone 7 will have the same 2GB of RAM that the iPhone 6s has, the iPhone 7 plus will have 3GB RAM for greater performance.
Both the iPhone 7 and the 7 Plus will run on a new generation of mobile processor from Apple, likely to be called the A10.
While the iPhone 6s is slightly thicker than the iPhone 6, Apple’s next iPhones are expected to be the company’s thinnest yet. At 6mm thick, the phones will be even thinner than the current iPod Touch and iPad Air 2.
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