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Will Apple's new iPhone live it Large?
Tue, 23rd Jul 2013
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Apple is testing larger screens for both its iPhone and iPad products, with the prospect of a super-sized smartphone a potential reality.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal claim Cupertino has been in discussions with Asian suppliers over plans to increase screen sizes, with Apple allegedly asking for prototypes of the devices.

"In recent months, Apple has asked for prototype smartphone screens larger than 4 inches and has also asked for screen designs for a new tablet device measuring slightly less than 13 inches diagonally, they said," the WSJ reported.

At present the iPhone 5 has a screen measuring four-inches, with an iPad sizing up to 9.7-inches and the iPad Mini a smaller 7.9-inches.

Unsurprisingly, Apple has declined to comment on the reports, which even if true could still not guarantee larger screens making it to the market.

It is not uncommon for the company to examine different options, sizes and designs - suggesting the rumours are likely to be true. But whether the dimensions make it to the shop floor remains to be seen.

"The tests with suppliers seems to suggest that Apple is exploring ways to capture diversifying customer needs at a time when many mobile device makers offer smartphones and tablets in various sizes," the WSJ claimed.

Apple, in the midst of iWatch secrecy, looks also set to release a low-cost iPhone following ongoing speculation in the press.

A shift to a larger screen would see Apple still some way off Samsung's five-inch plus screens, as companies begin to blur the lines between smartphones and tablets - or 'phablets' as the industry likes to call them.

Will Apple go large with the next iPhone and iPad? Tell us your predictions below