Reports from China’s most prominent newspapers picked up and translated by BrightWire say Apple will unveil not one but three new iPhone models in 2013, one of which will reportedly sport a 4.8-inch screen.
Reportedly dubbed “Math,†this 5-inch phablet device (as the industry calls them) is said to be hitting the market no later than the end of June, around which time Apple will be holding its annual developers conference.
“Apple will announce three new iPhone models in 2013, and two of them, the 4-inch iPhone 5S and 4.8-inch iPhone Math (both featuring 8-mega-pixel cameras), will hit markets before the end of June,†according to BrightWire citing China Times and Taiwan-based Commercial Times.
The third device, the theoretical iPhone 7, is reportedly launching in winter.
The Chinese reports are citing Apple suppliers as saying that “the third model, which has not been exposed, will be launched before Christmas.†According to the rumor, this new iPhone will have a 12 megapixel camera, which certainly doesn’t sound farfetched.
No other technical details are provided.
Seemingly aimed to appease investors, the reports add that “The shipments for components, including touchscreens and cameras, will start rising significantly in March, and iPhone manufacturers will begin production in late April. Hence, Apple's suppliers will see major growth in 2Q 2013.â€
In other words, the Wall Street Journal’s report on the alleged low iPhone demand is nothing to be concerned about. Apple is adjusting its orders, but not because it’s losing any ground. Sadly, this also remains to be confirmed.
Manufacturing of the three devices will be handled by Foxconn (90%), according to the story. Largan Precision has reportedly been tapped by Apple for 8 million camera lenses.
