Apple's next iPhone could be available in two different sizes, two different prices and up to six different colors in order to compete with Samsung's "Galaxy" line, reported Reuters.
The new iPhone, which may be called the "5s," is reportedly due out within the next year and, for the first time, have more than one model. According to anonymous sources, one will have a 4.7-inch screen and one will have a 5.7-inch screen.
The latest model on the market, iPhone 5, has a four-inch screen and the cheapest capacity, 16 gigabytes, is $199. The iPhone 5s will reportedly have a cheaper model for $99, something Apple has never tried with its previous iPhones.
Another thing Apple has never tried with its smartphone is offering it a color other than black and white. The next iPhone could be available in as many as six colors. Apple has not confirmed anything, but the colors would likely be similar to those of the iPod Touch. Blue, red, green, orange, pink and yellow/gold are all possibilities.
The new variety in color, size and price is believed to be an indicator that Apple is ready to join Samsung in producing "phablets."
The Samsung "Galaxy" phones were the first smartphones to have a display to be dubbed "phablets" (phone + tablet) for having the extra large screen and cell phone capabilities. Apple declined to comment on their next iPhone, and a source familiar with the discussions said no plans are final.
"They constantly change product specifications almost to the final moment, so you're not really sure whether this is the final prototype," said the source.
The iPhone 5 was the first Apple smartphone to grow from the 3.5-inch display, which the late CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs called "the perfect size for consumers."
However, in the market today, the iPhone 5's screen is smaller than some of the other leading smartphones. The Galaxy S4 has a five-inch display and the Note 2 both has a 5.5-inch display.
Analysts say Apple is looking for ways to revamp its line of smartphones by selling them for cheaper and giving customers a wider variety in size, color and display. The company's revenue growth has slowed down since it introduced the iPad in 2010 and when the iPhone was the top-selling smartphone.
