News

The Wall Street Journal reports rumors are once again surfacing that Apple is considering plans to introduce iPhones with screens between 4.8 and 6 inches, a significant increase from the current standard of 4 inches. These “phablets” would be a cross between a phone and the larger sized tablets already on the market.

While this is not something Apple is planning to announce this coming Tuesday, insiders are saying it is being considered as the company seeks new opportunities for expansion. The size increase would be the first since the iPhone was introduced in 2007.

PayPal has immersed itself deeper into the mobile payment world by completely redesigning its iOS and Android apps. The company has also sweetened the deal by offering $100 worth of in-store deals to those who choose its app over other mobile payment options.

PayPal's iOS app will begin offering the ability to order ahead at local restaurants and cafes, and will allow independent merchants to offer a line of credit to PayPal users with the new "BillMeLater" option. The app also now features a way to search for local businesses who accept PayPal payments, and a "Pay at Table" tab for viewing and paying your bill at participating restaurants.

Apple is known for having high quality cameras in its flagship smartphone. Now Sony has announced an accessory that could boost iPhone photography even further, the smartphone attachable lens camera. This new concept was leaked several times earlier this year, with photos previewing the devices ahead of Sony's official announcement.

Now the details have been revealed, and two models of lens camera are available for pre-order ahead of shipping on September 28. These all-in-one lens and sensor units clip to any smartphone running the PlayMemories Mobile app, which is currently available for iOS and Android. The smartphone pairs via Wi-Fi to the lens camera, and acts as the camera display and controls.

Apple could be shaking up the entire iPhone lineup with the release of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. A leaked screenshot from Canadian carrier Telus reveals that the mobile provider is planning to discontinue the 32GB and 64GB models of the iPhone 5 on September 28. That's only a few days after the rumored launch of next-generation iPhone and new low-cost iPhone. The 16GB iPhone 5 model will most likely replace the iPhone 4S as the $99 model in Apple's new lineup. While this is nothing new, it is the rumored iPhone 5C that is really throwing a wrench into Apple's future iPhone pricing plans.

In a typical Apple iPhone cycle, the iPhone 4S would normally slip into the Free slot of the upcoming lineup, but the iPhone 5C could be slated to take its place. If the rumors are true, this means we will be losing the iPhone 4 and 4S, instead of just the oldest model, and Apple could be planning to announce an all iPhone 5-branded lineup on September 10.

Now that Apple's official iPhone announcement is only a week away, several photos of the iPhone 5C have leaked showing iPod-like packaging. Besides multiple colors on the exterior of the device, Apple adds the finishing touch of a matching iOS 7 background in the package. Chinese site iapps.im pulled the images down, but not after they were widely circulated on the web.

The iPhone 5C is expected to ship with the same internals as the iPhone 5. Instead of an aluminum and glass back, the less-expensive 5C comes with a plastic shell that's available in multiple colors. Pictured above is the blue version, while additional leaked photos show white, pink and yellow variations on the iPhone 5C.