Roughly one month has passed since Apple launched its latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and already the rumor mill is abuzz about the release date and specs of a purported iPhone 7.

According to the latest rumors, the purported iPhone 7 will feature a Sapphire screen display and will be made by Apple's long-time partner - Foxconn.

Currently, all news regarding the future Apple handset originated in the grapevine. As it stands, Apple has decided not to pack the iPhone 6 with a Sapphire screen display, and rumors have surfaced on the Internet that the Cupertino-based tech behemoth would incorporate it in its future smartphone.

In addition, there are rumors that the purported iPhone 7 will be transparent. According to iPhone7info, Apple has already filed a patent for a "transparent phone" concept.

Apart from the speculations regarding the Sapphire screen display, there are additional rumors that state that the Cupertino-based company will assigning the job of manufacturing the handset to its partner and supplier, Foxconn.

In fact, the Chinese supplier also appears to be eager to bag more contracts from Apple. According to rumors, the contract involves producing displays for high end smartphones.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that currently Foxconn and the Zhengzhou government are negotiating how to split up the investment involving the construction of a factory that would be dedicated to manufacturing smartphone screens.

The report also stated that although there is no solid investment proposal from Foxconn, if Foxconn succeeds in bagging the project, it will certainly be the largest investment in China thus far.

In fact, many Apple fans were actually disappointed when they learned that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus would not come with Sapphire screen display. Nevertheless, the use of a Sapphire screen is not new to Apple, as two of three Apple Watch models launched by the company recently come with the feature.

While there is no solid plan for iPhone 7 yet, some have been predicting that the device will be launched in 2016.