'iPhone 6 production starting next month'

Apple's new larger-screened iPhone 6 is rumoured to be heading into production as early as next month

Apple's next iPhone, which is said to feature a larger screen than previous incarnations, is reported to be heading into production next month.

The next model, dubbed the iPhone 6, will come in two sizes - a 4.7-inch display version (compared to the 4-inch screen of the current iPhone 5s), and a 5.5-inch model, unidentified sources told Bloomberg.

Alleged difficulties in the production of the larger-screened model mean the 4.7-inch version is likely to be released first, expected to be around the early autumn.

Both iPhone 6 screens are expected to use in-cell touch panel technology - built into the screen and allowing for thinner construction than with standard touch panel films - that was introduced with the iPhone 5.

The news comes as Apple's much-rumoured iWatch is also said to be starting mass production in July, ahead of an October commercial launch.

The Californian company's first smartwatch will sport a 2.5-inch arched rectangular display supplied by LG, sources allege.

The screen will contain a sensor that monitors the user's pulse, and the device will need to be paired with an iPhone in order to send messages and voice chat with others, they added.

The next generation iPhone is also expected to be thinner and feature more curved edges than in the past, people close to the matter said.