So much for a late 2014 release date for the new iPhone.

All indications from "the upstream supply chain" at Apple are pointing towards a May release for the anticipated new iPhone 6 and an October launch for a larger, 12.9 inch tablet, digitimes.com reports.

After several years of similar iPhone and iPad model releases, Apple has really taken steps into the uncharted waters of the tech world. The iPhone 5 marked the first time Apple changed the size of the screen while the introduction of iPhone 5s and 5c marked Apple's first simultaneous iPhone release.

The tech giant has gone up against fierce competition as of late and the recent products and marketing strategies very clearly reflect that. The question has been raised of whether Apple would have even gone down these roads or released two iPhones at the same time if it was not for other companies that set the precedent.

What to Expect?

Although the rumors hint towards a spring and fall release for the respective iPhone and iPad releases, this estimated date has changed several times so it is not worth taking too seriously. However, the fact that these estimates have been bumped up to an even early date can only be good news.

As far as the expectations for the actual products themselves rather than the release date, the anticipated iPhone is said to have a 20 nm processor while the iPad's larger size is expected to put a dent in the "ultrabook" demand, according to the sources at digitimes.

"In addition to tablets, Apple is also rumored to be planning a larger size iPhone for May 2014, using a 20nm processor manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the sources noted."

"With Samsung Electronics also reportedly planning to release 12- to 13-inch tablets, the sources believe these large-size tablets will greatly impact ultrabook demand."

Other Apple News

Apple made a huge splash this week when the company struck a deal to bring the iPhone to China Mobile, the world's largest carrier. The phone will be in China by Jan. 17, the USA Today reported.

"China is an extremely important market for Apple and our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.