Apple is reportedly training its eyes on new iOS devices that employ the smart screen pads seen in the regular-size iPad and iPad Mini, further shoring up hopes for an iPhone 6 release date in Q1 2014.

A new report from IT News in South Korea revealed that "Apple plans to further diversify the size and variety of their smart pads," creating the possibility of future touch screen devices with sizes that range between 5-inch to 12-inch.

This projection is in line with the recent developments in the smart pad display market, which the according to the same report "has been undergoing significant changes, introducing smart pads with various sizes and functions."

The new report, according to Patently Apple, supports the assertions aired by a number of tech and market analysts - that Apple could soon the take the path of product expansion and come up with devices that deviate from its gadget models.

Almost immediately, the iPhone 6 came into mind, which its supposed maker has yet to confirm though many are convinced is way beyond the drawing boards at the moment. Analysts like Ming-chi Kuo of KGI Securities and Glenn Yeung of Citi Research have been harping about the Apple phablet, which they insist is coming our way by next year.

However, the IT News also provided clues that Apple is actually diversifying its present crop of iPad models, with the likelihood that two iPad Mini editions will be issued before 2013 ends - one with a Retina display panel and the other with mid-range specs for buyers with predetermined budget.

Both tablets, however, will run on faster processors and will be powered by the recently unveiled iOS 7 mobile platform.

But it is the iPhone 6 that excites the Apple universe the most, the subject of which the tech giant has consistently dodged to date. At the same, the company is not closing its doors on a smartphone with screen size exceeding that of the iPhone 5's four inches.

As far as Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, is concerned, it could hit Apple's product pipeline so long as his concerns on technology tradeoffs are adequately addressed.

Clues now abound that the iPhone 6 is an approaching reality as patents, supply chain movements and phone concepts provides snippets that likely would lead to a final product form that would be Apple's first phablet.

The popular belief is Apple will directly tussle with Samsung Note series and other phablet contenders by scheduling an iPhone 6 release date that would occur anytime between January and March next year.