Apple is working on two new iPhone models with curved displays and screen sizes measuring 4.7 and 5.5 inches, respectively. Both devices will be launched in the second half of 2014 according to a Bloomberg report. The Wall Street Journal had earlier hinted that Apple was working on large screen iPhone models, but this is the first time we've seen a reputable publication suggesting plans to actually launch such devices in the near future.
Rumors of large screen iPhone models are a little easier to swallow given the growing popularity of the form factor. Android's heavy hitter Samsung Galaxy S4 sports a 5-inch display, while other popular flagship phones on the platform such as the Nexus 5, HTC One and Moto X are all in the same 4.7 to 5-inch range.
Curved displays have yet to prove themselves with consumers and Apple isn't know for rushing into new technologies just for the sake of being first, or in this case keeping up -- after all, they've neglected NFC all this time. But given their South Korean rival has already released the Galaxy Round, the first smartphone to come with a curved display, it makes sense for them to at least have something in the labs.
Bloomberg further adds that Apple is working on enhanced sensors for its smartphone displays that can detect varied pressure levels. An inbuilt pressure gauge would not only make drawing and writing applications better, but could also have an impact on how comfortable using a touch screen is. That said, the report mentions this is unlikely to be ready for the next iPhone release and is instead planned for a later model.
Be sure to take this with a grain of salt. The report cites a person "familiar with the plans" who declined to be identified as the details aren't public yet. It's difficult to comment on the accuracy of information, but the sources do throw some weight behind it. It'll be quite a few months before we know for sure, though.
Curved iPhone mock-up via Businessinsider
