Apple (AAPL) will unveil its next generation iPhone 6 one month ahead of schedule, Taiwanese media reported on Friday citing unidentified supply-chain sources.
Apple’s 4.7-inch screen version of the iPhone 6 is expected to be introduced in August, the Economic Daily News reported, without providing any specifics in terms of which markets would receive the handset first.
A high end 5.5-inch or 5.6-inch iPhone 6 model will still be unveiled in September as previously planned, the newspaper said, adding that Apple expected total sales of 80 million units for both versions, about 33 percent more than market rumors.
Industry observers have said increasing the iPhone’s screen size from 4 inches would help Apple regain global market share from rivals such as South Korean-based giant Samsung Electronics and Taiwan’s HTC, who they say have responded to consumer desire for more screen size.
Apple shares were down 0.84% to $583 and change at 9:57 a.m. on Friday.