For years, Apple has kept its audience glued to their seats by announcing just one model per year. Usually, the conglomerate would release one handset sometime during the month of September. The yearly release would typically be for a new model with its slightly modified "S-version" to be released a year later.
Until 2013, this was a common practice that Apple and its customers have gotten used to. As what took place last year, Apple used their September event to announce a couple of new devices scheduled to launch -- the flagship iPhone 5S along with its "cheaper" alternative, the iPhone 5C. This year, Apple was able to launch its iPhone 6 and the larger iPhone 6 Plus model. With the release of these two new devices earlier this year, many speculate that they will capitalize on its sales for 2015.
But apart from just unveiling these two models, Apple is already getting ready to announce its next release. According to reports, it is possible that Apple will be holding a couple of iPhone launch events in 2015 -- one to release the iPhone 6S model sometime around spring, the other event to launch the iPhone 7 set for September. Together with the iPhone 6S release, the much anticipated Apple Watch may go on sale at the same time. These claims were collated by Stabley Times' Jerry Miller and were made by his "sources in the supply chain."
According to these reports, it is possible that the iPhone 6S could be released to customers who wish for a slightly cheaper model. Especially since Apple is slated to announce the flagship iPhone 7 model in autumn of the same year, the iPhone 6S release could give their customers another option.
Sources also speculate that the 6S could be packaged along with the Apple Watch. As explained by Miller's source: "Apple is hesitant about launching the iWatch in the spring of 2015 without a new iPhone to go along with it."
If this report is true, it will give customers an excuse to wait until fall to buy both the iPhone 6S and Apple Watch. By launching this model, Apple could kill of production of its iPhone 5C earlier than summer. With its spring launch, there would still be the same amount of handsets available even if the 5C would be discontinued.
Even without revealing their reasons behind their plans, Apple has been known to discontinue specific models as soon as a new version replaces it. But with the poor sales of the 5C, Apple does have a reason to pull the plug on the model. As a matter of fact, research firm CIRP has reported that sales of the 5C model only accounted for 27 percent by the end of 2013, contrary to the expectations of its manufacturer.
With disappointing sales, the production of the handset may start winding down as early as January before it is completely stopped by the "middle of 2015." Many believe that the reason behind this is because Apple will be concentrating on the production of the more saleable high-end iPhone 6 range.
Until an official statement has been released by Apple, it is safe to assume that these are simply reports based on claims. Customers will have to wait until then.
