Edible Apple

Earlier this week, Digitimes released a dubious report alleging that Apple was working on an iPhone model (dubbed iPhone Math) that would sport a 4.8-inch screen. This mythical, larger screened iPhone was reportedly going to come with an 8 megapixel camera and was going to launch alongside the iPhone 5S. And oh yes, the initial report from Digitimes also claimed that Apple was working on another new iPhone model with a 12-megapixel lens to be released this holiday shopping season.

Given that Apple executives have publicly derided larger screens that are harder to use, it was hard to take the report seriously. And as it turns out, even Digitimes can’t take it seriously.

Today, Digitimes published a new report where it backpedals on its initial claims of a 4.8-inch iPhone.

Previously it was said that Apple would release a lower-cost version of its iPhone with a bigger screen in 2013. But the sources claimed that Apple is indeed developing an iPhone with a bigger screen, but that will not be among the models to be launched this year.

One of the two versions to be introduced this year will target the midrange market segment, but both will adopt in-cell touch technology.

The report also notes that it remains to be determined if Apple will have enough supply of in-cell touch displays to accommodate a more economical version of the iPhone due to poor yields.

Lastly, the report claims that iPhone shipments will reach 37 million units during the first quarter of 2013, of which 20 million are anticipated to be for the iPhone 5. Looking ahead, the report claims that iPhone 5 shipments the following quarter will drop down to 18 million units.

As for Apple’s 2013 iPhone roadmap, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has traditionally spot on in such matters. Kuo noted in a research note last week that the iPhone 5S will have Apple’s A7 chip and will feature a long-rumored fingerprint sensor. There will also be a newly designed iPhone 5 that will be comprised of somewhat cheaper materials such as plastic. The cheaper iPhone 5 may also come in about 6 colors but will utilize the A6 processor currently found in the iPhone 5 and will not sport a fingerprint sensor.