Rumor: Apple to release “iPhone 6c” alongside “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” handsets

It’s a rumor, but it’s a rumor that essentially puts a small, medium and large next-gen iPhone in your hands so that everyone is happy with the size of the device.

The new word around the camp fire is that Apple will release a smaller “iPhone 6c” as well as ship the device in a variety of colors alongside the flagship models.

The rumor comes from Evan Blass, whose @evleaks Twitter account has been the source of numerous accurate leaks in the past.

Apple is expected to hold a media event on Sept. 9 to unveil its latest iPhone lineup. The company’s flagship “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” are expected to feature Force Touch input, allowing for new ways of interacting with the devices, much like on the Apple Watch.

It’s been speculated that Apple might be interested in repackaging the iPhone 6 parts into a tweaked, more colorful design, allowing the “iPhone 6s” series to stand alone. It’s expected — and leaked parts have affirmed — that the “iPhone 6s” will feature largely the same external design as the iPhone 6.

Apple updated its long-ignored iPod touch last month with the same 64-bit A8 processor found in the current iPhone 6 lineup, and sporting an aluminum case in six colors. That helped fuel speculation that the iPod touch was foreshadowing a new “iPhone 6c” with the same 4-inch form factor and six color options.

Should this be the case with the iPhone,Apple’s fall 2015 iPhone lineup would feature a 5.5-inch “6s Plus” starting at US$299, a 4.7-inch “6s” starting at US$199, an aluminum 4-inch “6c” in a range of colors for US$99, and the 4-inch iPhone 5s available for free on contract.

Still, it’s all up in the air for the next month, so it’s anyone’s guess as to what the final offerings will be this year.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider and @evleaks