Apple mulls chunkier iPhone, taking cue from Samsung
US technology giant may follow Korean rival Samsung in providing chunkier smartphones
Apple is exploring launching iPhones with bigger screens, as well as cheaper models in a range of colours, over the next year, four people with knowledge of the matter said.
The moves by the electronics giant, which are still under discussion, take their cue from rival Samsung Electronics, underscoring how the US firm that once ruled the smartphone market is under threat from its aggressive South Korean competitor.
Samsung has overtaken Apple in market share through the popularity of its bigger-screen Galaxy "phablets" and by flooding the market with a range of products at different prices.
Apple is looking at introducing at least two bigger iPhones next year - one with a 4.7-inch screen and one with a 5.7-inch screen - said the people, including those involved in the supply chain in Asia.
They said suppliers had been approached with plans for the larger screens but noted it was still unclear whether Apple would launch its flagship product in the larger sizes.
"They constantly change product specifications almost to the final moment, so you're not really sure whether this is the final prototype," said one person.