Apple may be releasing its next flagship smartphone at the end of summer.

iDigitalTimes reports that the device may be landing as early as September, possibly into October, and release alongside the iPad Air 2 and iWatch.

That would fit with the time Apple has previously chosen to release its iPhone 4, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C devices in recent years.

The iPad Air 2 release date hasn't been confirmed yet but it's expected around fall 2014.

Details of the iPhone 6 have been doing the rounds for some time now and the latest leaked images were posted to Nowhereelse.fr

The image purports to show the front casing of the iPhone 6 alongside the casing for the iPhone 4 and 5.

If they turn out to be genuine, the iPhone 6 is going to be a little larger than the iPhone 5S but not five inches as has been speculated until now. 

That's a surprise as it was being taken somewhat as given that Apple would move closer to the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Note series, with their generous screen sizes.

The Samsung ranges have gone down well with consumers who want comfort over style, and those who would have been tempted to switch to Apple if they brought out a more spacious device will probably be tempted to stick with what they've got. 

Recent rumors have pointed to the next iPhone having a much tougher sapphire crystal screen.  If these rumors are correct the device will be much more scratch resistant and durable.

That would be a plus for shoppers who want their phones to last although perhaps at the trade off of a higher price tag. 

It's also rumored that the iPhone 6 is going to come with a magnetic feature that makes it really quick and easy to add on camera attachments. 

Something similar has already been used on other electronic devices like the Microsoft Surface tablet, which uses it for the power attachment, and it's been well received by critics.

So something similar for the iPhone 6 would probably go down well with people who want to beef up the device to take better pictures. 

That in itself though is not going to be enough to attract people to the phone so it remains to be seen what special tricks Apple is going to pull out the bag to make sure it still rules the roost.