Report: iPhone 5 to boast 4 inch screen

The next iteration of Apple's iPhone will see its screen increase in size from 3.5 inches to four inches, so say loose-lipped component suppliers.

According to Digitimes' sources, Apple has started testing production lines for a new iPhone model and expressed interest in beefing the screen size up to four inches.

If that turns out to be the case, Apple would be bringing its phone in line with Samsung's Galaxy S and Google Nexus S Android lines.

There's a chance that it could be shooting beyond that though - Samsung's upcoming Infuse 4G has a huge 4.5-inch display, Acer plans to launch a 4.8-inch phone and Dell is doing its best to convince consumers that its 5-inch Streak device is not just a tablet that's been left in the tumble dryer for too long.

Apple is keeping predictably quiet about when it might unveil a new model but if past form is any indication we won't have too long to wait. The iPhone 4 hit the shops in June 2010, the 3GS in June 2009 and the 3G in July 2008.