iPhone Mini Rumors: Apple To Release New 4-Inch Phone In 1H16

Rumors about iPhone Mini have surfaced again with KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo claiming that Apple will release the “mini” smartphone with 4-inch screen early next year, Macrumors reported.

“As there is still demand for a 4-inch iPhone, we believe Apple will upgrade this product line. Because the iPhone 5s is more popular than the iPhone 5c, we think Apple is likely to launch an upgraded iPhone 5s”, Macrumors quoted Kuo.

Kuo believes that the iPhone in question, that "resembles an upgraded iPhone 5s", is still in the works at Apple. The handset is said to be equipped with an A9 processor.

“We predict Apple will mass-produce this new 4-inch iPhone in 1H16 with metal casings. In order to make the current iOS 9 or next-generation iOS 10 run smoothly, Apple may adopt an A9 chip for this new phone”, Kuo added.

However, in order to set it apart from the recently released iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the device is not expected to include 3D Touch support. Kuo estimates that the Cupertino company could ship 20-30 million units of this new iPhone through the end of next year.