It's been a while since a new smartphone came out in a smaller, more pocket-appropriate size, but Apple seems to be planning to conquer the market once again. The leading electronics company will reportedly release a four-inch device based on the iPhone 5s.

According to a report from Mac Rumors, the leak came from a reliable Japanese blog, Mac Otakara, saying that the upcoming Apple smartphone dubbed the "iPhone 5s Mark II" will drop with impressive sixth-generation iPod features.

Under the hood, the new Apple device is equipped with an A8 chip, plus an 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. The FaceTime HD snapper is also upgraded for the upcoming phone, now with ƒ/2.2 aperture.

While this device will likely be a bit less premium than the larger smartphones of Apple, there are likely consumers eager for a handset that is easier on the pocket - even if it means compromising a few luxuries. Lauded feature 3D Touch will reportedly be absent in this more compact iPhone.

The predecessor for this device has been out for over two years, so the fans could be ready for a new one. Hopefully, it's on its way to the market as the much-awaited smartphone has reportedly entered production and could be expected to be shipped any time.

The report from Mac Rumors revealed that KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is expecting this four-inch stunner to be released in the first half of 2016.

According to a report from Tech Insider, the smaller iPhone will debut next year alongside two other handsets: the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The predecessors have been a huge hit with positive reviews, and it's interesting to see if Apple can continue its pedigree with the new offers.

There haven't been much information announced regarding the iPhone 7 lineup, but a report from Forbes let a few details leak including a lack of an AMOLED display in the upcoming smartphones. Kuo reportedly expects the technology in Apple devices no sooner than 2018.

Website Alphr rounded up the details available on the hotly-anticipated iPhone 7 including a completely waterproof body. The possibility of an Intel-made LTE chip was also brought up, expected to make the premium devices even faster and more efficient.

Other features that could make its way to the new flagship device include a camera upgrade and the consumer favorite 3D Touch. The iPhone 7 will also reportedly carry 2GB of RAM, while the iPhone 7s Plus will be equipped with 3GB of RAM, according to a recent report from Digital Trends.