iPhone 6C: What to Expect from Apple’s Rumored iPhone Mini

For now, rumors about Apple's products are more focused on the iPhone 7, which is expected to roll out in September 2016, but there are also continuing speculations about a smaller iPhone 6. Here's what you need to know about Apple's rumored iPhone 6C.

Apple's 4-inch form factor is not fresh news in the tech giant's portfolio. In 2013, the iPhone 5C was introduced as a plastic remake of 2012's iPhone 5. The iPhone 5C, however, didn't necessarily click with the public and was eventually scrapped, leaving the iPhone 5S in its wake, CNET wrote.

According to CNET, there's a huge chance that the iPhone 6C will be equipped with a sapphire display, which would provide a higher tolerance from scratches and shatters than its predecessors' Gorilla Glass. The latest Apple Watches already boast of sapphire displays, as well as OLED technology that gives impressive back levels, contrast, and colors.

As for its internal specs, customers should not expect that the iPhone 6C will come with the latest and greatest. The news outlet speculated that Apple would shift from 2013's A7 chip in the iPhone 5S and use the same A8 chip from the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Other rumored specs and features for the iPhone 6C are Apple Pay, an 8-megapixel camera like the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and 16GB and 32GB internal storage capacities, CNET listed. The latest iPhone has an impressive 4G LTE coverage that work with an extensive range of wireless carriers around the globe. If the company aims to have this capability for the iPhone 6C as well, then it's plausible that the same capacity will be present in the device.

There are also rumors that Apple would ditch the physical home button of its iPhones and exchange it for a pressure-sensitive 3D Touch screen and Siri's hands-free functionality, CNET noted. However, this feature would come with a radical redesign for the iPhone -- the large top and bottom bezels will be reduced -- and it makes sense that this appearance will be reserved for the iPhone 7 instead of the 6C.

iPhone 6C - Price & Release Date

CNET speculated that the iPhone 6C could be priced with Apple's entry-level "free on contract or $450/£379/AU$749." The handset is expected to be introduced in March 2016 with a retail launch following days after.

Meanwhile, Apple Insider reported that veteran Apple analyst Gene Munster supposes that the iPhone 6C will be announced alongside the iPhone 7 in September.

Note that these are all speculations for now and fans will still have to wait for Apple's official announcement.