The upcoming 4-inch iPhone that has been picking up steam in the rumor mill the last few weeks won’t be a weakling when it comes to processing power, according to a new report that claims Apple’s new A9 chip will power the device.
Apple expert Ming-Chi Kuo at KGI Securities told investors today that his sources indicate the iPhone 6c is definitely real, and that it will look more like the iPhone 5s than an iPhone 6.
In his latest research note shared by Macrumors, Kuo argues that Apple still has good reasons to launch a cheaper 4-inch smartphone when you consider demand is still strong for the smaller devices. In fact, sales of 4-inch iPhones still reached 15 million to 17 million units in 2015, despite the trend toward bigger displays.
Kuo predicts the new 4-inch iPhone will come with an A9 processor and have curved edges like the iPhone 6. NFC for Apple Pay will also be on the feature list, plus an 8-megapixel iSight camera and two or three color options for the phone’s anodized aluminum casing.
Kuo says the iPhone 6c could account for 8 percent to 9 percent of iPhone sales in 2016, and the important new features will be even more alluring thanks to its $400-$500 price tag. Production of the device is expected to begin at the beginning of 2016, with units launching in time for Valentine’s Day.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
6 responses to “4-inch iPhone 6c may pack Apple Pay and powerful A9 chip”
Ming Chi Kuo has had a pretty good track record
I got the 5s over the 5c but would pick the 6c over 6s or 6s+, both of which are just too big. I’d expect that the 6c would not “flop” like the 5c did.
All of this makes perfect sense. ti would be a great way to goose sales mid-cycle.
How about a new name instead? iPhone 6i maybe?
Should distance itself from the plastic proud “Cheapass” (OK.. “ChĂ© pas”).
I know several people who think the 6s is too heavy, especially compared to the 5s when the 6 was already heavier. They would probably go for the lighter phone and they’re probably not the only ones.
After all Apple has built and relied on all these people wanting just a 4-inch screen and not run to the competitors just for a bigger screen, it would really be a pity to abandon them now. I am one of them, I bought 6 tried it for 4-5 months and just could not adjust to the size so switched back to 5S.