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Most accurate Apple analyst explains why there won’t be a new 4-inch iPhone this year

Published Apr 22nd, 2015 10:30PM EDT
iPhone 7 4-Inch Display
Image: BGR

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Despite rumors that Apple has plans to release a 4-inch iPhone 7 later this year, Ming-Chi Kuo, largely regarded as the most accurate Apple analyst on the planet, recently issued a research note explaining why such rumors may ultimately fall flat.

In a research note obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo relays that with the iPhone 5s currently poised to become Apple’s “free with subscription” model, the Cupertino-based company has opted not to engineer an entirely new 4-inch iPhone 7 or 7c model, as had previously been rumored.

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The iPhone 5s is certainly a more than capable device, but because it lacks an embedded NFC chip, folks opting for Apple’s flagship 2013 device won’t be able to use Apple Pay. I suppose the calculus Apple did led them to the conclusion that a cheaper to manufacture iPhone 5s is ultimately more profitable than a brand new 4-inch iPhone with Apple Pay functionality enabled.

All that said, folks who aren’t into the larger displays that come with the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, there’s no reason to fret. Kuo adds that Apple in 2016 will come out with a brand new 4-inch iPhone model for those who prefer an overall smaller display.

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.