Come early 2014, an Apple iPhone 6 with a bigger display compared to the iPhone 5 could be on the horizon. Furthermore, iPad Mini Retina display might be delayed by at least three weeks, which could pose a problem for Apple and give the competition more room to hit back.

According to a research note to investors from Citi Research that was picked up by CNET, Apple is apparently on the verge of launching a cheaper version of the iPad Mini this year. The new device is expected to cost around $230 to $250 with a Retina display model of the same device to follow later than originally expected to due to delays with the Retina display.

"Whereas we had been expecting a new iPad 5, iPad Mini 2, and iPad Mini Retina in 2H13 [the second half of 2013], we now believe that iPad Mini Retina has been delayed until late C4Q13 [calendar fourth quarter] or C1Q14. This puts the emphasis on the reduced-price iPad Mini 2 (we expect this to be priced at $230-$250 versus $329 for the current iPad Mini), ostensibly to better compete with the plethora of low-priced competing tablets, but creating some risk to 2H13 iPad revenue estimates in the process." According to Citi Research.

Furthermore, Citi Research believes the iPad 5 will have similar characteristics to the iPad Mini where a slimmer and lighter form factor is concerned. Folks who are expecting an iPad 5 with Intel inside should not get their hopes up, as talks between Apple and Intel have not resulted in anything meaningful.

"We continue to expect iPad 5 to sport characteristics similar to iPad Mini (slimmer, lighter), although the prospect of a higher-end solution (like the MS Surface Pro) seems unlikely given discussions with Intel have not resulted in an Intel design win at 22nm. We note that 3Q13 is expected to be the last quarter of iPad 2 and iPad 4 production."

On the matter of Apple's upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) beginning on June 10, Citi Research believes there won't be discussions regarding a new iPhone, but rather talks would center around new Macbook computers and Apple's iRadio music streaming initiative.

"We suspect any hardware discussions will only center on the upcoming Macbook refresh. Instead, we anticipate some focus on native services from Apple, namely a Spotify-like music streaming and Pandora-like Internet radio service. In addition, extrapolating from comments made by [Apple CEO] Tim Cook in recent public appearances, we expect some indication that Apple will open up their API to developers, allowing outside influence to things like iCloud, Maps, and Siri," Citi said.