Apple to release two 4-inch iPhones featuring in-cell touch in 2013, say sources

Apple is planning the release of two iPhones in 2013 that are likely to be sized 4-inch and feature in-cell technology, according to industry sources.

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 lancuhed 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.

However, the sources noted it is still yet to be determined if Apple will have adequate supply of in-cell touch panels in 2013 for a lower-cost version of the iPhone due to mass production issues from the technology in 2012. The iPhone 5 took a hit in sales during 2012 as a result of poor yields for in-cell technology, but the sources are now saying those yields are improving.

Meanwhile, shipments for iPhone products are expected to reach about 37 million units in the first quarter of 2013, 20 million of which are expected to be for the iPhone 5. Additionally, the iPhone 5 is expected to drop even further in shipments to approximately 18 million units in the second quarter of 2013.

iPhone products released in 2013 are expected to be sized 4-inch and feature in-cell technology
Photo: Shihmin Fu, Digitimes, January 2013