The time may come soon for the much awaited iPhone 6 release date as latest reports claimed that the company will commence mass production of the device next month.

Bloomberg cited unnamed sources familiar with the plans of the tech giant who claimed that the suppliers in China will begin the mass production of the largest iPhone yet next month. The rumors of enlarging the smartphone are due to the increasing competition that the company faced.

The report stated that Apple is ramping up the production of its smartphones as its rivals offer handsets with screens as big as 5.7 inches. According to the findings of Forrester Research, consumers tend to buy larger phones, especially in China. The research stated that 40% of Android-based smartphones sold have at least 5-inch screen display.

According to rumors, Apple is planning to unveil two models of iPhone 6 this year. One model with 4.7 inches screen display, which will be the successor of the current 4-inch iPhone 5S; another model is a smartphone-tablet with 5.5 inches screen panel. Both models are bound to be released in September, while there are some reports saying that the smaller smartphones will be launched earlier than the other.

Another indication of the imminent iPhone 6 release date is the price cut on the current smartphones. Walmart announced discounts on iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. The retail giant now offers the 16GB version of iPhone 5s handset for $99, instead of its usual price of $149. Also, the retailer offers the16GB model of the low-end iPhone 5c for $29 from $49.

Both smartphones will come with a two-year contract. Unfortunately, the deals are available only for in-store purchases and not online. The sudden deals for the current iPhones hinted the release of new handsets as the retailer could be clearing out its remaining stocks of the iPhone 5S and 5C.

Rumors claimed that the iPhone 6 will pack features such as A8 processor, iOS 8, and improved camera and fingerprint sensor.