The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 could ship as soon as August, while the larger 5.5-inch model could follow in September, according to the latest news out of Taiwan.
Apple is largely expected to introduce two large-screen iPhone models this year and the rumor mill has been working overtime in anticipation of the next-generation iPhone 6. Previous rumors had indicated that the 4.7-inch model would launch first and the larger iPhablet would follow afterwards, and a new report now bolsters those claims, but offers a new timeframe.
The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 was widely expected to debut in September, as per Apple's product cycle, but new information from the Taiwanese media now claims that Apple may unveil this model in August and make it available for purchase the same month. The 5.5-inch version, meanwhile, will reportedly go on sale in September.
The information comes from Taiwan's Economic Daily News (via Reuters), which further notes that Apple will produce 80 million iPhone 6 units this year. Suppliers Foxconn and Logan Precision will reportedly work on assembly and camera module production, respectively. Previous reports have also claimed that Apple supplier Pegatron will be making roughly 15 percent of all iPhone 6 orders, focusing on the 4.7-inch model.
As previously mentioned, Apple's product cycle in recent years has involved iPhone launches around September. The company launched the last three iPhone iterations in the fall, and an August launch would be a slight deviation from this strategy. On the other hand, Apple may want to speed things up in order to better compete against rivals and the idea of launching an iPhone model in August followed by the other in September may not seem so crazy.
In addition to the highly-anticipated shift to larger displays, Apple is also expected to pack its next-generation iPhone 6 with its latest 64-bit A8 mobile processor, as well as an improved camera that will reportedly use EIS instead of OIS. The 2014 iPhones are also rumored to sport a thinner profile, but recent rumors have claimed that manufacturers may be facing challenges in meeting Apple's demands to make a thin-enough battery for the 5.5-inch model.
Lastly, some rumors also claimed that Apple was pushing carriers to raise the price of the iPhone 6 by $100. All of this, however, is based solely on leaks, rumors, and speculation, and should be treated accordingly. Until Apple makes an official announcement, take everything with a grain of salt.