Paper: 3G iPhone to be smaller, lighter

The next generation of Apple's phone should include a significantly smaller phone that may replace the existing model, according to claims by Taiwan Economic News. The paper echoes recent rumors in claiming that the device will use a plastic backing in place of aluminum but also contends that the device will be significantly smaller than the original, with a 2.8-inch screen replacing the 3.5-inch model used today. The combination of a lighter material and smaller frame is said to reduce the weight to between 3.9 and 4.2 ounces from the initial model's 4.8.

Battery life will also improve, says the Economic News, though whether this is from the smaller screen alone or newer technology is unknown.

The publication also reiterates previous reports which claim that Apple is requiring that Foxconn produce 3 million iPhones for June and adds that the order will initially require a batch of 300,000 devices before full production begins. No explanation is given for the preliminary quantity.

The 2.8-inch screen size would bring the Apple device into more closer size competition with phones from several other manufacturers, many of whom have similarly adopted touchscreen-focused designs but at smaller sizes. Phones such as the LG Vu and Samsung Instinct use screens closer to the 3-inch mark, while the HTC Touch has used a 2.8-inch screen since its launch in May of last year.