As usual, the Internet is awash with speculation and rumors regarding the release date, specs and price of the iPhone 6, the much awaited next-generation handset from Apple, which is expected sometime in September 2014, according to recent unconfirmed reports.

With the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C being simple updates of their earlier models, the iPhone 6 is expected to be a crucial device in the history of the Cupertino-based tech titan. No doubt, there is immense pressure on the iPhone 6 to be more innovative than recent upgrades in the iPhone series of smartphones.

A recent survey covering 4109 consumers in the United States shows that the iPhone 6 is perhaps the most anticipated smartphone from Apple, even surpassing that of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5.

If recent reports are to be believed, the iPhone 6 is almost certaain to have a 2014 release date and chances are that it will be available as early as this September. This is because records show that Apple has launched most of its recent smartphones at special events during September.

This speculation gains ground from the fact that ifun.de has recently reported that Apple has restricted the holidays of its employees at German Apple Stores during September - suggesting that iPhone 6 may be launched during this month and the company will want all hands on deck in its stores to deal with the demand from customers.

It is also likely that Apple will reveal the details of its new operating system, the iOS8, at the WWDC 2014 in June, but users may have to wait until September to actually see it in a handset.

According to another rumor, Apple may split the iPhone into two models and launch a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 in August, while a bigger 5.5-inch model will be launched in September to combat the market for larger devices, currently led by the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and HTC One range. While Taiwan's Economic Daily News suggests that the two iPhone may be launched in August, many are of the view that this is unlikely.

Meanwhile, Apple has launched an enhanced reuse and recycle program with a view to encourage iPhone users to upgrade to a new iPhone now, as iPhone sales struggle in the run up to the iPhone 6, with many consumers now eager to wait a few more months for the new device rather than invest in last year's device now.