Apple has asked its suppliers to have larger screens for the next generation of the iPhone, which is expected to be released later this year, says the Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper notes that the production of the larger displays begins next month. The displays will be at least four inches measured diagonally, compared with the 3.5 inches that the iPhone 4S has.
Apple adds that the strategy seeks to make the iPhone more attractive to growing competition from Samsung Electronics, “who became the largest manufacturer of smart phones” and presented a device with a 4.8-inch screen.
So far, Apple has never changed the size of the iPhone screen, which has always been 3.5 inches from the first model, released in 2007.
Analysts predict that the next generation iPhone is due this fall. Among the display manufacturers working with Apple are LG, Sharp, and Japan Display Inc.
Apple and Samsung have been competing with each other for the largest share in the market for smart phones, with Samsung continuously releasing new versions and models of its Galaxy line. Apple on the other hand, has been very consistent with providing upgrades to end users, making the latest iOS versions available to customers as soon as they are released.
