Apple’s next round of iPhones: Bigger, cheaper, to include a fingerprint sensor

In order to combat Samsung’s ever-expanding line of smartphones, Apple is supposedly getting ready to launch several new versions of their iPhones device, including models with bigger screens as well as cheaper versions in different colors, and higher-end models that incorporate new technology like fingerprint scanners. 

 
(Image via cnn.com)

Samsung has long been the leader in mobile device market share — a direct result of the South Korean company having spent the last few years flooding the market with various devices to meet the wide-ranging demands of a growing customer base.

That being the case, it appears as though Apple is now looking to make moves before they fall even further behind. One of the things they’re apparently looking into is offering the iPhone in two different, larger sizes: one at 4.7 inches and the other at 5.7 inches. Doing this would officially bring the California-based company into the increasingly legitimate “phablet” market.

According to sources who spoke with Reuters, which originally reported this story, suppliers have been approached with plans for larger screens. Those same sources were quick to note, though, that it’s not entirely clear whether Apple will actually venture down this road.

“They constantly change product specifications almost to the final moment, so you're not really sure whether this is the final prototype,” said one source.

In terms of the immediate future and more definite plans, if you will, Apple is expected to launch two new versions of their iPhone: while the name is not officially set in stone, one is being referred to as the “iPhone 5S”, an update to the current iPhone 5 model. Of the more noteworthy features, this version is expected to include a fingerprint scanner. To most, this comes as no major surprise, what with the company’s recent acquisition of Authentec, a company that makes fingerprint sensors for mobile devices. It is expected that should this technology make it into the next incarnation of the iPhone device, it will be used unlock a user’s phone with one’s fingerprint only, as opposed to entering a passcode or slide pattern. This would make it more difficult for thieves to access the device should it ever be stolen.

The other iPhone is expected to be a more affordable version. It will be enclosed in a plastic casing and available in 5-6 different colors to choose from (the regular model is available in only black or white). A $99 price point is being floated around, and timing for launch of this particular product is expected to be early 2014 or, should the company push for it to be done sooner, completed right around the holiday season.

Story via: reuters.com