Apple's 5.5-inch iPhone 6 to be released in 2015

CUPERTINO, Calif., July 14 (UPI) -- Reports suggest that Apple will postpone the launch of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 till 2015 as it is facing serious production problems that are causing delays.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in a note that Apple is facing problems with the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 but is having to deal with larger production problems when it comes to the 5.5-inch phablet-like device. Sites covering Apple and its products like MacRumors and AppleInsider reported that the device could be delayed by a year or that at the very least the company will limit initial availability.

According to Kuo, Apple is having trouble with its new metal casing and its new in-cell touchscreen, which compresses multiple layers into one, giving the device a sleeker and lighter design.

Kuo also said that he is worried that the new scratch-resistant sapphire glass that will be used on the 5.5-inch version will not pass the drop test. He estimates that the delays could push back the launch to 2015 but that the 4.7 inch model could be released to boost holiday sales this year.

Apple never comments on products it's working on or their possible launch dates. But the company has traditionally launched its flagship devices during the fall months of September and October.