Apple iPhone to get larger display in 2014

Apple is expected to launch a larger version of the iPhone in 2014, supply chain sources have told financial investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald.

iPhones are offered with a 4in display at this time, but it looks like the one-size only rule is going to be relaxed just like it was for Apple's iPad devices.

"Our meeting with a tech supply chain vendor during our China/Taiwan Tech Tour today highlighted a bigger iPhone is in the works, and our contact expects a launch in the 2Q:14/3Q:14 time frame," noted Brian White, global head of technology at Cantor Fitzgerald in a blog.

"We are confident a larger iPhone will be launched in 2014."

The lack of screen size choice was seen as a missed opportunity in our review of the iPhone 5s and it looks like Apple is actively addressing this issue.

White also shared details about Apple's iWatch, noting the firm is aiming to position it as more than just a companion device.

"As an Apple supplier, our contact offered insight into the iWatch' and described this potential new device as much more than an extension of your iPhone but as a multi-purpose gateway in allowing consumers to control their home (i.e., heating/cooling, lights, audio, video, etc.)," White continued.

"In our Apple initiation report dated 9/4/13, we estimated that Apple would launch the iWatch' before the end of CY [calendar year] :14, and we continue to stand by this view."

Apple has had success with being first to market in the smartphone and tablet categories, but has not rushed out a smart watch.

The smart watch market is still in its infancy, with devices seen as a novelty rather than a necessity like a smartphone. So far the most popular device appears to be the crowd-funded Pebble watch, which shipped 85,000 units between January and July 2013. However, Sony claims to lead, with the firm stating that it has sold a total of 500,000 smart watches.

Samsung entered the market in 2013 with the Galaxy Gear, but the Korean firm's device received a critical mauling. Many reviewers gave the device two stars and labelled it as an expensive, ugly and unnecessary device.