Next iPhone to be 'smaller and thinner'

The CEO of France Telecom, the parent company of network operator Orange, says Apple's at once iPhone will be smaller and thinner.

Orange has hinted that Apple wanted to use smaller SIM cards earlier but to all appearances the network operator has managed to persuade Apple not to adopt an e-SIM system.

The e-SIM would be an embedded chip within the handset that would not be removeable - something that Orange and other network operators were unhappy with. The new, smaller SIMs are a compromise.

"We are going to work with them in order to standardize a new format of SIM which takes into accout our needs with security and authentication and as well is compatible with their wishes in terms of size. I understood that the at once iPhone would be smaller and thinner and they are anyway seeking some space," he continued.

The power the Apple wields with its App Store

Richard is as well wary of the power the Apple wields with its App Store. Other handset manufacturers allow Orange to pre-load its apps on to mobile phones sold on its network, although this is not possible with Apple.

"We after all are in a position to bring those apps to our clients through the app stores, provided anyway you look at it we have access to the App Store. The problem is the day when Apple says 'I don't want this one'," he said.

The interview is unusually frank

The interview is unusually frank and as Apple Insider points out, network operators have been punished by Apple in the past for giving away information about the company's future plans.