iPhone 6 rumored for a July launch with iOS 8 on-board

With a slew of new phones announced at Mobile World Congress 2014 this week, new rumors about the iPhone 6 have surfaced. Apple is rumored to unleash the new, bigger iPhone 6 in July, much earlier than expected.

Mizuho Securities analyst Abhey Lamba delivered some research to clients yesterday, which said that the iPhone 6, as well as a new phablet, will be launched by Apple in July, instead of September or October, like usual. Lamba says that he has checked with Apple's suppliers in Japan and throughout Asia, who suggest things are ramping up much earlier than expected.

Lamba said in his note: "Recently, the company has been introducing new lineup in September time frame whereas the next generation phones could come out in July this year. The earlier launch will be helpful for Apple as it will ensure significant availability and distribution of the new device during the holiday season".

The analyst believes that previous rumors of a bigger screen are true, with the new iPhone 6 launching with a 4.7-inch display, while the phablet will launch with a 5.5-inch screen. Lamba added that he thinks iOS 8 will feature enhancements that will open up Apple's secure Touch ID fingerprint scanners to developers.