The New York Times is dismissing recent rumours that Apple will soon release a smaller iPhone form factor. Citing “people briefed on Apple’s plans,” the report indicates that Apple has no plans to introduce such a device any time soon.
Not only would a smaller iPhone not be significantly cheaper to manufacture, it would also likely force developers to rewrite their apps to support the smaller display, something that Apple wants to avoid. There are also suggestions that it would be more difficult to operate. Instead, Apple will continue its current practice of offering older models at reduced prices when it introduces the next version, expected to be released this summer.
Aside from the latest iPhone, Apple is also at work on new voice commands that will make it easier to operate the device. It is also apparently enhancing its MobileMe service with new capabilities such as cable-free file syncing. It could also drop the price of this service from the current US$100 to free to compete against similar offerings from rivals such as Google.