One feature that many iPhone fans want in the next version of the smartphone is a larger display, as many Android handsets now feature displays that are above four inches in size. Today we have more evidence that the iPhone 5 may feature a 4-inch screen.

There have been rumours for a while now suggesting that Apple were looking to have a larger display for the next iPhone, and according to 9To5 Mac Apple is currently testing a number of prototype handsets and at least two of these feature a larger display. These prototypes the iPhone 5,1 and iPhone 5,2, are currently at the PreEVT stage of development and are codenamed N41AP and N42AP, but it is not known if these models will make it to a production stage this year.

The two handsets feature a larger display that measures 3.999 inches diagonally and the company are not just thinking of increasing the screen size and continue to use the current resolution, but will also add more pixels to the display. It will have a resolution of 640 x 1136, which is an extra 176 pixels longer of a display. This will mean the display will be the same width as the current model, but it will grow to 3.484 inches and be taller.

This new resolution is close to a 16:9 screen ratio, which will mean that 16:9 videos will be able to play at their native aspect ratio. It is also being claimed that Apple is testing versions of iOS 6 that are built with the new display in mind, which include a tweaked home screen that feature a fifth row of icons and extended application user interfaces that provide views of more content. The prototypes also feature a home button along with a smaller dock connector.

Meanwhile MacRumors have some images of some parts that are being claimed to be from new next generation iOS devices, and includes what seems to be the front panel for the next generation iPod Touch that could also be for the iPhone 5. Again it shows a display that is taller but the opening measures 4.1 inches diagonally, and if Apple were to bring a larger screen to both devices they would possibly use the same display size for both.

With recent claims of a 3.999 inch display it would make you think that at least one of the claims is false, but the viewable portion of the iPhone’s screen is slightly smaller than the opening in the front panel, which explains the slight difference in sizes. The source also has some listings for other new parts that are claimed to be for the new iPhone that includes components for the camera.

There have been a number of alleged components leaked for the iPhone 5 that have included a headphone jack/earpiece assembly, and a micro SIM tray. Previously some of the components that have been leaked for iPhones have proven to be genuine, but not all of them. Are you hoping for a larger display on the next iPhone?