Apple to launch a new smartphone alongside next year's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus?

It had been suggested that alongside the eventual successors to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple may also add a third upgrade on 2015. That third model, it was thought, would be a new 4-inch variant to cater to the portion of the market still wanting a smaller-sized handset. Those rumors were quickly put to bed, though, and it's widely thought that Cupertino will focus solely on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus this year, possibly retaining the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c for a third innings.

But that's not the end of the story, though. According to the Economic Daily News, manufacturer AUO has struck a deal Apple to supply 4-inch displays for an "iPhone 7c", with shipping to commence from Q1 2016. If there's any truth in this, then Apple could roll out three new iPhones next year, which would be a first for the company. 

Given that the iPhone 5s is the best iPhone of all time according to your vote, it makes a great deal of sense for Apple to continue offering a smaller handset of some description. Just because it's being dubbed the "iPhone 7c", though, this doesn't necessarily mean it will include a plasticky, iPhone 5c-like finish. But since we're talking about a device that potentially won't be announced for well over a year -- if, indeed, at all -- we're taking this one with a pinch of salt for now.

(phonearena.com)