The iPhone and 5c and 5s might have only arrived in Irish stores a few weeks ago, but already speculation has started concerning what form the next generation iPhones might take.

Bloomberg cite "a person familiar with the plans" in their article suggesting a pair of iPhones with bigger screens are imminent. According to the report, there will be two models: 4.7 and 5.5 inches variants. In comparison, the current iPhones are 4.0", while the models released up until the 4S measured in at 3.5". Bloomberg also state that Apple will be following in Samsung and LG's footsteps by releasing the phones with a curved display. Their source also indicates that the company are developing new touch sensors capable of recognising light and heavy touches, although these are unlikely to be ready for the next iPhone revisions.

The release of the iPad mini shows that Apple are already experimenting with offering different sized models of their mobile devices. However, Apple has so far tended to stick with one size of phone, with 2012's iPhone 5 marking the first significant screen size increase for their smartphone line since the launch of the iPhone in 2007. The release of two different iPhone models this year - the 5s and the slightly cheaper, more colourful 5c - marked the first time Apple has opted to 'split' the market for their phones, although both models are the same size. 

So-called 'phablets' - referring to devices sized somewhere between a typical phone and tablet - are already well-established, with Samsung's current Galaxy Note 3, for example, sizing in at 5.7". The forthcoming HTC One Max is 5.9" - compared to 4.7" for the standard One.

Samsung and several other smartphone manufacturers already offer multiple variants of their flagship smartphones. Samsung offer a 'mid-range' mini version of the Galaxy S4, with the smaller phone slightly lower-specced than the standard model. There's also the more rugged S4 Active, which is designed to be more water and dust proof, aimed at customers who will be taking their phone through more difficult terrain