Sketchy Report Claims Apple Will Release 5.6-Inch 'Experimental' Phone Without iPhone Branding

Apple is planning on introducing two new phones this year featuring displays of 4.7 and 5.6 inches, with the former using a traditional Gorilla Glass display and the latter featuring a sapphire screen, according to a new report from Taiwan's Economic Daily News [Google Translate] (via Mac Otakara). The report also states that due to its experimental nature, Apple's 5.6-inch phone will not be known as an iPhone.

While it is somewhat probable that Apple could release two versions of the iPhone as previously suggested by other reports, it is very unlikely that the company would drop the iPhone name for the larger phone given the iconic reputation of the brand.

The report adds that Apple's next-generation phones will once again be assembled at primary supplier Foxconn (also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.), with other suppliers including Cheng Uei Precision Industry and Simplo Technology also helping with production. Furthermore, the sapphire displays to be used in the 5.6-inch phone are said to come from new Apple partner GT Advanced, which was reported to be gearing up for massive production of devices with sapphire displays earlier this month.

Apple has been experimenting with a range of screen sizes for the next-generation iPhone since early 2013, with size rumors varying from 4.7 to 5.7 inches. Last week, the South China Morning Post stated that the company would be launching two new iPhones with larger flat sapphire displays in September, while The Korea Herald reported that the iPhone 6 would adopt a "bezel-free" display.

In addition to a new display, other reports have indicated that the iPhone 6 will feature a slimmer profile due to thinner and lighter backlights and a 10-megapixel or higher camera with an improved filter. The iPhone 6 is generally expected to arrive in the same September-October timeframe seen in recent years.