All signs and rumors indicate Apple is developing an iPhone 6C, but a new report states the handset will not hit shelves alongside the company's main releases.

The iPhone 5C was the first time Apple released a "budget" handset, and they released it alongside the 5S. With last year ushering in the larger-than-ever iPhones 6 and 6 Plus, Apple is likely headed for an intermittent "S" upgrade.

According to DigiTimes, the tech giant will not release its latest "C" iPhone alongside the "S" models. As per usual, Apple will probably unveil the new devices in Sept. and release them shortly after and this year will probably be the first time with two different "S" iPhones.

Both the 6 and the 6 Plus are expected to get the "S" upgrade and several reports would indicate this will the most significant "S" upgrade to date. Among the new features expected are an improved camera and a Force Touch screen.

Citing unnamed "sources from the semiconductor industry," DigiTimes reported the iPhone 6C will come out the second quarter of 2016. The website also learned Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) will be collaborating on the handset's 14/16nm FinFET chip.

It is not clear why Apple would hold the new lower-cost option back, nor has anything regarding any of the aforementioned iPhones been confirmed. One possibility could be to encourage consumers to buy the high end models. Another could be to give a small boost after initial sales slow down.

(Source: DigiTimes)