Could there be a delay in production of the new iPhone?

One of the hottest rumors regarding Apple hardware has been the potential for a physically bigger iPhone 6. This has included everything from a slightly increased model to one that looks more like the iPad mini and is called a "phablet." However, what the company is actually looking at could be anyone's guess.

According to a recent article from CNet, the larger version, which will have a screen size of 5.5-inches, could be facing production issues that will cause it to miss the traditional fall launch date. This would push its arrival until 2015 or create a limited availability if it were to launch at the end of the year.

The piece cites KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said that the problems will impact all new versions of the iPhone but will be particularly bad for the 5.5-inch model. These stem from problems with technology related to the in-cell touch display panel, metal casing and scratch-resistant 5.5-inch sapphire cover glass that is struggling to pass the drop test near term.

These problems are worse for the "phablet" because it is believed to be the only version that will use the Sapphire glass when it launches. Using new technology in only one model is something that Apple has done in the past and most recently happened with the ID Touch fingerprint scanner.

Of course, with any Apple rumor, until the company actually announces something, it should be taken with a grain of salt. With the help of an Apple support service, any company will be able to stay on track with any and all changes that could be coming.