China Mobile Predicts iPhone 6c in April

We started hearing rumblings earlier this month about a 4-inch iPhone, and now it looks like the scaled-down handset may find its way to store shelves in just a few months.

A product launch calendar from Apple's carrier partner China Mobile—first spotted by Chinese tech site MyDrivers and subsequently reported up by AppleInsider—reveals Cupertino's plan to launch the device in April.

The chart in question (pictured below) reportedly translates to read the launch date in the top right corner.

"While the characters to the right are difficult to read, AppleInsider can confirm that the presentation slide does say 'Apple' in the text in question," the site wrote. "In addition, the column above it does mention the month of April."

In its report, MyDrivers refers to the upcoming handset as the 'iPhone 7c' but as AppleInsider pointed out, it's more likely to be called the iPhone 6c. Apple usually updates its flagship devices in the fall, so it's unlikely the iPhone 7c would arrive before an iPhone 7.

Meanwhile, an April launch would make sense in light of another recent rumor that Cupertino is planning a March media event, where it may unveil the 4-inch iPhone alongside a next-generation Apple Watch.

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As for what to expect from the so-called iPhone 6c, word has it the handset will resemble the iPhone 5s, though its display will be slightly curved like on the new iPhones.

It will reportedly come in the standard gray, silver, and gold colors, rather than the bright hues on the 5c. Other rumored features include Touch ID and an NFC chip to support Apple Pay, but no 3D Touch.