Apple is reportedly planning to return to the familiar 4-inch iPhone size with an upcoming "iPhone 6s mini," according to a new report.

This year saw a big change when it comes to Apple smartphones, as the company finally moved to larger screens with its 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. As with anything, opinions are mixed and while some praised the company for finally launching smartphones with extra screen real estate, others believed that a 4-inch iPhone was perfect. As it turns out, a new 4-inch iPhone may be in the works after all.

Analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company has reportedly issued a note to investors this week, revealing that Apple has been working on a new iPhone model with a 4-inch display to debut in 2015. The news comes from Apple-centric publication AppleInsider, which has obtained a copy of that note.

According to AppleInsider's report, Arcuri claims that Apple could launch three new iPhone versions in 2015, including this so-called iPhone 6s mini that would feature a 4-inch screen.

The analyst further mentioned that his sources suggest the iPhone 6s mini would come with specifications similar to last year's iPhone 5s, but may sport a new design with curved edges like the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launched earlier this year.

When it comes to the credibility of the source, as AppleInsider points out, Arcuri has a mixed track record. The analyst has previously proved to be accurate regarding a number of iPhone 6 details back in January of this year, but he also said the iPhone 6 Plus would pack a more powerful processor than the iPhone 6, and that's obviously not true.

Nevertheless, if Arcuri proves to be correct this time, the new 4-inch iPhone to debut in 2015 may come to replace the iPhone 5c, which is currently at the bottom of Apple's smartphone lineup in terms of specs. Arcuri further mentions that this purported iPhone 6s mini may feature "purpose-built low cost components" from Qualcomm in order to keep the costs down and come at a low price point.

Nothing is confirmed at this point, however, so it is best to take this report with a grain of salt. If Apple does indeed plan to launch a 4-inch iPhone in 2015, more information should surface in the near future.