Edible Apple

As the iPhone 5 continues to sell like hot cakes, rumors surrounding what Apple has planned for the next-gen iPhone are starting to trickle into the blogosphere.

This past week, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White issued a research report claiming that Apple’s next-gen iPhone may come in up to 6-8 different colors. While Apple has traditionally gone with white and black iPhone models exclusively, the recent iPod Touch line – with its array of colors – lends some credence to White’s prediction.

Even more interesting is that White anticipates the next iPhone release will see Apple offer its iconic smartphone in a number of different screen sizes.

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. This eventually opens up the possibility for a lower-priced iPhone (i.e., iPhone mini) with a smaller screen size that could allow Apple to further penetrate markets such as China and open up opportunities in India. At the same time, Apple could unveil a larger screen size compared to the recently updated 4-inch screen on the iPhone 5.

Given that it took Apple 5 years to enlarge the screen of the iPhone, it seems unlikely at this point that Apple would all of a sudden offer a number of varying iPhone screen sizes. The counterpoint, however, is that seeing the success of the iPhone 5, Apple is now convinced that different screen sizes appeal to different consumers.

Remember, there’s a lot to consider when increasing or decreasing the iPhone’s traditional 3.5-inch display and Apple is and has always been keen on consistency.

Previously, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek – who I should note doesn’t have the best track record with respect to Apple rumors – noted that the next gen iPhone will come with a new super HD camera, better battery life, and NFC functionality. Some possible additions, according to Misek, include an IGZO screen, 128GB storage option, and as White suggests, multiple colors.

via MacRumors