Foxconn Insiders Claim Apple Will Release 2

According to a recent, wild-sounding rumor that nonetheless corroborates previous analyst scoop from NPD DisplaySearch, Apple will be releasing two iPhone 6 variants in 2014 – a 4.7-inch version, and a phablet-sized 5.7-inch handset.  The source of the rumor, apparently, was a couple of employees from Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn, who purportedly spilled the beans at the company’s New Year’s party – a case of too much to drink for those o-called Foxconn “insiders”, perhaps?  In any event, that case of loose lips brought back memories of NPD DisplaySearch’s report from November that suggested two different-sized iPhone 6 variants in 2014, with the same screen sizes mentioned above.
One reason why the above rumors are so interesting is the potential for Apple to monetize two smartphone classes with its two upcoming iPhone 6 variants, assuming the rumors are true.  Currently, Samsung is ruling the roost in the phablet class, thanks to the success of its Galaxy Note series.  Apple may be trying to outdo its bitter rival in the phablet space, but it remains unclear as to how the company plans to make its 5.7-inch “iPhablet” special.  As for the smaller, 4.7-inch iPhone 6, this device will likely fit in the flagship phone category as a Samsung Galaxy S5 competitor, while more importantly allowing Apple to go beyond 4-inch screens in any event.  Previous rumors have hinted at 4.8-inch to 5-inch screen sizes for the iPhone 6, so 4.7 inches sounds just about right, should this be Apple’s next flagship.
Separately, it has been rumored that both iPhone 6 models will feature biometric technology as one of their selling points.  This could mean Apple trying to improve the Touch ID fingerprint reading system that debuted on the iPhone 5s, or probably the debut of a new form of technology, such as the motion sensing tech it acquired when it purchased PrimeSense.