With only days to go before the Mobile World Congress 2016 kicks off, fans who are eagerly waiting for the HTC One M10 are shifting into high gear and speculations continue to float online.

The latest rumors suggest that the next HTC premium flagship will be a premium version of the One A9 and might even be available as a carrier-locked iteration.

According to GSM Arena, noted tipster Evan Blass hinted that while there are no confirmed details yet about the One M10, it seems that HTC designed the upcoming flagship to be a step up above the One A9.

Blass tweeted a cryptic note, saying "If you like the A9, you'll love the M10."

The industry follower also reiterated earlier rumors that while the upcoming flagship will not likely appear at next month's Mobile World Congress, HTC seems to be on track for an early 2016 release of the premium smartphone. Speculations place HTC to be planning a stand-alone event in March to launch the One M10. Should this be proven true, then fans can see the new flagship in the market by April at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Techno Buffalo surmised that should the One M10 really be featuring a design concept taken from the One A9, then the next premium flagship will be looking like an Apple product. This stemmed from earlier issues when the One A9 was launched last year, as early reviews pegged the iteration to be an "iPhone clone," particularly in its design and form factor.

Phone Arena also added to the rumors surrounding the upcoming One M10, stating that speculations also place the device to be heading to at least one major carrier when it launches. Subscribers of AT&T will reportedly be one of the first fans to get a chance to own the flagship smartphone.