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| Apple is believed to preparing a new iPhone for early 2016 |
APPLE is on the verge of releasing an "updated iPhone 5S" smartphone, a prominent technology analyst has revealed.
Apple is believed to be hard at work on a new iPhone model with a smaller four-inch screen size.
The new smartphone is expected to resemble "an upgraded iPhone 5S" – one prominent technology analyst has speculated.
IHS technology research director Kevin Wang today changed his prediction for a new smaller-screen iPhone, which he had previously said was schedule to launch by the end of 2015.
Mr Wang has since changed his prediction for mid-2016 – some six months before September, when Apple habitually refreshes its iPhone smartphone range.
The IHS analyst made the announcement on Chinese microblogging service Sina Weibo, collaborating a previous report from reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The long-rumoured iPhone is expected to have a four-inch screen – the same size as the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S.
KGI Securities Mr Kuo has previously said the iPhone will resemble "an upgraded iPhone 5S" with an all-metal aluminium design and powered by the latest Apple processor, the A9.
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| The so-called iPhone 6C is expected to resemble "an updated iPhone 5S" |
Apple currently only offers two screen sizes for its hugely popular iPhone range, the 4.7inch iPhone 6S and the 5.5inch iPhone 6S Plus.
The new iPhone would allow the company to cater to customers who prefer a smaller smartphone, like the previous generation.
KGI Securities Mr Kuo has previously stated the so-called iPhone 6C will not include the new pressure sensitive 3D Touch display Apple unveiled alongside the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus.
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| 3D FUTURE has mocked up a concept image of the new iPhone 6C |
By removing the pressure sensitive display, Apple will be able to differentiate this new device from the flagship iPhones, Mr Kuo believes.
Foxconn is expected to be the main manufacturer behind the refreshed four-inch smartphone.
Some 20 to 30 million shipments are projected through the end of 2016, both analysts agree.
The so-called iPhone 6C was first rumoured to launch in 2015, but those plans have reportedly since been scrapped.
Apple could be planning to launch the iPhone 6C alongside a second generation Apple Watch, which is also rumoured for the first quarter of 2016.
The Cupertino company is also expected to hold its annual September iPhone event, when it is rumoured to launch the iPhone 7.
Not much is known about the new smartphone.
Apple was recently granted a patent for a panic button – built into the home button of the new iPhone.
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