Although there have been on-off rumours about the upcoming iPhone 5, that have suggested it will have a larger screen size than the current model, it is being reported now that it will have a smaller than 4 inch screen.

The current model comes with a 3.5" screen, and there had been expectation that the next model would come with a 4.2" screen, assisted by shrinking the width of the surrounding fascia to keep the handset portable.

Citing sources from upstream panel suppliers, Taiwan's ­DigiTimes is however reporting that the iPhone 5 is expected to come with a screen somewhere below the 4" size possibly between 2.5"-3.7" in diagonal width.

In addition, they reported that the iPhone 5's back design will be changed to a metal chassis instead of reinforced-glasses.

On the web: DigiTimes