Apple is reportedly considering launching iPhones with bigger screens, as well as cheaper models in a range of colors, as rival Samsung Electronics is already offering a wide variety of smartphones and phablets based on its flagship models. Apple is reportedly looking at introducing at least two bigger iPhones next year - one with a 4.7-inch screen and one with a 5.7-inch screen - Reuters reported today.

The moves are still under discussion, Reuters reported today.

Apple's possible shift to phablets is following the consumer and investor pressure the company has been receiving to deliver more than one new handset model a year.

For this year, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 5S, with new fingerprint technology, and a cheaper version in plastic casing, supply chain sources have said.

The cheaper version could also help Apple push on in growth markets in China and India, and to counter Samsung's edge in having phones priced up and down the spectrum.

Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display will supply the panels for the aluminum iPhone 5S and the plastic iPhone, while Hon Hai Precision Industry will assemble the higher-end phone and Pegatron will put together the cheaper model, the report added.