iPhone 6 4.7" Tipped To Launch Alone As 5.5" Version Lags

The upcoming iPhone 6 has long been rumored to exist in two sizes: 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches. Of these, the 5.5-inch model in particular has been more of a mystery, appearing less frequently in leaks and, on more than one occasion, being tipped as troublesome on the manufacturing level. The latest report on the model is no different, suggesting that the larger of the two iPhone 6 handsets will launch later on in the year, or possibly not until 2015.

The information comes from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has been cited as the source for several other tidbits of speculation concerning the iPhone 6. In Kuo's latest research note, it is said that some production issues are expected, but primarily concerning the 5.5-inch model.

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Problems with uneven coloring for the metal casing and the in-cell touch panel could prove limiting, and the Sapphire cover isn't expected to "easily pass the drop test near term." Because of these and possibly other issues, it is anticipated the 4.7-inch model will launch by itself, with the larger version arriving at a later date.

When that later date will be, however, isn't known. According to the note, a 2014 launch would likely take place after the middle of this year's fourth quarter, and that shipment numbers will be low at between 15 and 20 million units. This falls in line with previous rumbling we've heard concerning Apple's upcoming handset.

SOURCE: 9to5Mac