claims to have been tipped off by a source that has provided reliable information in the past that there will be two models which will be immediately distinctive from each other.

The low-end model will be aimed at taking on cheaper Android-based mobile handsets, according to the report, though no other details are given.

The high-end model will sport an all-new design and be obviously different in looks and feature set to the low-end model, the source claims, but again few other details are offered.

There have been a number of seemingly contradictory rumours about new iPhones circulating in recent months that could be explained by plans to launch two new models rather than one.

Reports about a new iPhone 4S, with only slight updates to the features and design of the have disappointed those who were hoping for new bells and whistles in the next-generation iPhone. Conflicting reports about a thinner, lighter iPhone 5 with an 8-megapixel camera have also been in recent days and weeks.