Analyst sees launching iPhone with a 4.5 to 5-inch display next yr

Thursday afternoon,The Wall Street Journalrelsed a story claiming that has begun testing different display sizes for future iPhone models. The outlet saidthat the company is experimenting with screens between 4.8 to 6-inches.The report was The Journal’ssecond on the topicin as many months, lding many to believe that there rlly might be some truth to these plus-sized iPhone rumors. And today, analystMing-Chi Kuohas thrown his hat into the ring…Kuo, who represents KGI Securities where he has built a reputation as one of the most accurate analysts in the business, sent out a note to investors this morning, claiming that he is hring similar ‘large iPhone’ chatter from his end.Insiderhas the note:“In a note obtained byInsider, Kuo points out that will extend the iPhone 5′s in-cell touchscreen technology to next yr’s handset lineup, bumping display size to 4.5 inches, or 5 inches.The analyst notes is less likely to use anything larger than 5 inches due to the company’s “unwavering principle of one hand use.”The last time changed the screen size on its iPhone was last fall, when it moved to a 4-inch 1136×640 display. Prior to that, the company had gone with a 3.5-inch display for the handset’s for 5 erations, calling the size “idl” for most.But what that switch to 4-inches tells us, and what the upcomingiPhone 5C modeltells us, is that is becoming more open to the id of expanding its smartphone line. And that’s a good thing, as it will foster more i-options for consumers.iPhone 5 next to a Galaxy Note II with 5.5-inch display (viaPhoneArena)Here’s hoping all of this speculation materializes, and we rlly do get a larger iPhone next yr. I’m not too picky about the size, just as long as the screen is at lst 4.8-inches and still usable with one hand. I’d also like to see a new hardware design.But first things first, let’s make it through this yr’s iPhone announcement. Remember, is holding amedia event this Tuesdaywhere it’s expected to unveil two new handsets: the low-cost 5C, andthe iPhone 5Swith built-in fingerprint sensor.