Since releasing its larger Apple iPhone range in 2014, the tech giant's devices have consistently topped the sales charts, but many have lamented the demise of its 4-inch handsets. Rumours that Apple will return to manufacturing these smaller 'iPhone minis' have been circling for months, but a Chinese network operator may have just given the best indication yet. In a presentation outlining its 2016 roadmap, China Mobile showed a slide that revealed an iPhone 7c will launch in March. This is the first time this name has been used for the upcoming, smaller device. It has previously been referred to as the iPhone 6c. It is the same presentation during which the operator leaked the similar release date of Samsung's Galaxy S7 and the translation has been verified by Chinese website MyDrivers, as spotted by 9to5Mac.
Elsewhere, the 4-inch iPhone is expected to have an A9 chip manufactured by both TSMC and Samsung, and glass with curved edges like the iPhone 6s.
It will come with Apple Pay, two to three colour options, and the same camera specs as the 5s - an 8MP rear-facing camera and 1.2-MP front shooter. Earlier this year Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster told clients 'we expect the iPhone 7 to sport a unique design from the iPhone 6/6S'. He believes it will do away with the home button, instead relying on the 3D Touch screen introduced in the 6S. The move would mean Apple has to move the Touch ID sensor to elsewhere on the phone.
Writer - Liam McClelland | @Liamicy