The iPhone 6 is one of two new smartphones Apple is reportedly planning to release in 2014, while the other is a revamped iPhone 5S.
The iPhone 6 is said to come in three different sizes, incorporating features
from the iPhone Air, iPhone Pro and iPhone Air Mini, DesignTrend.com reported.
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At this point, consumer technology bloggers are largely basing their reports on rumors and speculation. Apple has not confirmed that its engineers are working on a new device, let alone that it would be called the iPhone 6,
CNET.com noted.
According to industry insiders, however,
the iPhone 6 will have a 20 percent larger screen than its latest version that is 4.8 inches long.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple's rumored larger version, at
5 inches, would bring the new device into "phablet" territory. Phablets are a separate class of mobile devices that combine the functions of a smartphone and tablet.
According to DesignTrend.com, the iPhone 6 features three thin 6-mm titanium alloy cases that come in the colors copper, titanium and slate. It will incorporate a new version of TouchID that blends into the phone and uses operating system iOS 8.
Whether the industry's larger smartphone screens are better has long been debated among techies, but if smartphone sales are an indication, consumers prefer larger screens.
According to Canalys.com analyst Jessica Kwee, Apple needs a larger screened smartphone to remain competitive, considering that 1 in 4 smartphones shipped worldwide in the third quarter of 2013 had displays of at least 5 inches.
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When Apple will release its newest device is unclear. However, in January, the Chinese news website Huanqui reported that the new device could be released as early as May. In its report, Huanqui added, "This phone is not a real iPhone 6, but belongs to a new product line."
Apple reported a profit of $7.5 billion on revenue of $37.5 billion for the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year. The iPhone accounts for more than 43 percent of all smartphones in U.S. market, but that number is down from the 53 percent in 2012.