Apple could launch a 5.4-inch iPhone this year, say reports

Apple may be working on a new compact iPhone. The phone could come with a 5.4-inch display, much smaller than the current iPhone 11 series.

Mentions of the compact 5.4-inch iPhone were spotted in the latest iOS 14 beta version. Besides the compact iPhone, the beta version also reveals the availability of a Display Zoom feature. This allows users to zoom the content on the smaller iPhone variants without disrupting the interface experience. For instance, Display Zoom activates the interface of a 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro on a larger 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max. As the name implies, it enlarges text, buttons, and icons.

According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 14 beta 3 update brings the Display Zoom feature on the iPhone X, XS, or 11 Pro for the first time. The website reports that the display resolution 960 x 2079 pixels is scaled back to what is likely to be a 5.4-inch display. The optimisation indicates the presence of a smaller iPhone which may be showcased soon.

The latest report is pretty much in line what Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted last year. Kuo had said Apple will launch a compact 5.4-inch iPhone with OLED screen and 5G support in 2020. Earlier this year, he added that the phone will enter mass production in September, just ahead of the official launch of the iPhone 12 series.

Apple iPhone 12 series is expected to launch on September 8. The smartphone series will be accompanied by a new Apple Watch, new iPad and the long-awaited AirPower wireless charging mat. The leaked 5.4-inch phone could very well be part of the iPhone 12 series.