Apple shares have plummeted more than 25 percent since the release of the Apple iPhone 5, and that might explain why the company is rumored to be taking its iPhone 5S smartphone in a new direction.
According to Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, Apple plans to refresh its iPhone line by offering the iPhone 5S with new options never before seen from the smartphone manufacturer.
In speaking with Apple parts manufacturers, White revealed:
“Our checks indicate that the next iPhone will have more choices for customers. This entails an expansion in both the color patterns and screen sizes with the next iPhone (i.e., likely called the iPhone 5S) that we currently believe will be launched in May/June with certain supply production starting in March/April.”
White believes the iPhone 5S will ship in pink, yellow, blue, white & silver, and black & slate. The analyst also expects Apple to offer two screen sizes, a first for the company on a single device release.
While not confirmed at this time, the analyst believes Apple will offer something in the range of the iPhone 5s’ 4-inch display and the iPhone 4S’ 3.5-inch display.
He writes:
“Our checks are also indicating that the next iPhone will offer customers more choice in terms of screen size. Although Apple offers a 4-inch screen on the iPhone 5 and a 3.5-inch screen on the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, the Company has never offered multiple screen sizes for a single model. We believe this is about to change with the next iPhone offering different screen sizes that we believe will allow Apple to better bifurcate the market and expand its reach.”
By releasing the iPhone 5S with a smaller display, Apple could increasing sales in emerging markets where lower-priced phones perform better. At the same time, the larger screen could be offered in solid Apple iPhone markets.
Apple has not confirmed nor denied this rumor. At this time, it looks like we’ll be waiting for a June announcement to determine if Apple really does take the iPhone series in a new direction.