Apple will reportedly launch its 4.7-inch iPhone 6 first and the 5.5-inch model several months afterwards, in an effort to avoid competition between the two.

This is not the first time we hear that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 would launch first, but previous reports mentioned other reasons. More specifically, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 was reportedly facing some production issues that would delay its launch or limit its availability, prompting Apple to launch the 4.7-inch variant first.

According to a new report, however, the 4.7-inch model is indeed expected to launch first, but for reasons other than supply issues with the larger device. A new report from DigiTimes, citing supply chain sources, claims that Apple wants to launch the two iPhone 6 models several months apart so they would not compete against each other.

Apple reportedly wants to avoid making the same mistake it made last year, when it launched its iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C at the same time. While the iPhone 5S proved successful and saw great sales, the iPhone 5C was mainly seen as a flop.

It's worth pointing out that DigiTimes has a mixed track record when it comes to the accuracy of its leaks, and it's all a haze overall when it comes to the yet-to-be-announced iPhone 6. Early rumors suggested that production issues with the 5.5-inch model would delay its launch, then a report from Bloomberg claimed that Apple had resolved those issues and the two iPhone 6 models would launch simultaneously, only to see subsequent reports again indicating launch delays for the 5.5-inch iPhablet, again over production issues.

Apple is widely expected to take the wraps off at least one iPhone 6 model in September, and its next-generation smartphone is one of the most highly-anticipated devices of this year. Launching the two iPhone 6 variants several months apart in order to avoid competition between them would make sense, as Apple already has plenty of rivals to take on.

On the other hand, it's all in the rumor state at this point, so it is highly advisable to take all leaks, rumors, and speculation with a hefty grain of salt. We'll keep you up to date as soon as more information becomes available, but nothing's for certain until Apple makes an official announcement.