Last year's release of the iPhone SE signaled Apple's return to smaller phones. Now it appears that the Cupertino tech company could be continuing that tradition.

Rumors abound that it is planning to release a 5-inch iPhone next year.

According to Mac Otakara, Apple is also planning to release a 5-inch model next year to coincide with the unveiling of the much-awaited 10th anniversary edition of the iPhone. The rumored lineup already includes the iPhone 7s, iPhone 7s Plus, and iPhone 8.

The Return of Dual Camera Phones

The 5-inch iPhone reportedly has the same qualities as those of the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, but with the size difference and installation of one integral selling point: a dual-lens camera at the back installed vertically instead of horizontally.

What's interesting to note is that the camera sensors are still located at the upper left corner of the phone, but are placed vertically, unlike the ones installed in the iPhone 7 Plus.

By installing the cameras vertically, Apple will be offering an iPhone that takes pictures on its side, the same way traditional cameras do. This could be a sign that Apple may finally be pushing the envelope by producing a phone camera that can rival the quality of photos produced by entry-level cameras.

Dual Phone Cameras: The Future of Mobile Photography

One of the biggest mobile trends we have seen this past year is the return of smartphones equipped with dual cameras. Dual cameras usually have a primary lens that takes a shot of the main image while the secondary lens takes in the details.

The HTC One M8 was the first Android smartphone to have dual lens, but it did not take flight due to its poor execution. Currently, there are three dual-lens smartphones making a splash in the mobile arena: the LG G5, Huawei P9, and of course, the iPhone 7 Plus.

LG G5's dual camera phone was widely lauded for its ability to take wide-angle shots, which are extremely useful when taking group photos and landscape shots. Huawei's dual camera phone has a secondary monochrome sensor that allows the phone to produce sharper images and greater color reproduction. The iPhone 7 Plus has a wide-angle and telephoto lens, and can be used for bokeh photography.

This isn't the first time it has been reported that Apple is issuing a 5-inch model next year. Nikkei Asian Review, a Japanese news outlet, already reported in October the possibility of a 5-inch iPhone.