Apple is reportedly testing the iPhone 6 and iOS 7 based on the developer logs that appeared in the iOS App Store.

Tech website The Next Web reported that "one developer showed us that Apple has been testing hardware relating to a new 'iPhone6,1′ identifier, powered by a device running iOS 7, which is expected to be released by Apple in the middle part of this year."

TNW reports that these developers have seen references for Apple's upcoming iOS 7 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch operating system running on unreleased iPhone 6,1 hardware. The IP addresses of the devices are reportedly from inside Apple's Cupertino, California base.

The current iPhone is marked in developer logs as 'iPhone5,1' and 'iPhone 5,2'. Therefore, Apple appears to be testing new hardware.

This iPhone 6,1 hardware is a step over Apple's current iPhone 5,1 and iPhone 5,2 iPhone 5 models. A change in the first number of Apple hardware's numbering sequence typically points to major internal changes for the device. Every iPhone upgrade, starting with the iPhone 3GS, featured major processor changes.

In last two years, Apple has released a new iPhone in the fall. The fact that a new iPhone is showing up in developer logs already suggests that the release date will be earlier than expected.

The iPhone 6 is rumoured to be released early next year and one of the possible reasons of the rumoured early release date is because Apple will be launching a redesigned iPhone.

Reports indicate that Apple is looking to switch to a 6-month cycle instead of a 1-year cycle with the iPhone to be more aggressive against competitors such as Samsung and Google. This means consumers may be able to snatch up a colourful iPhone 6 around March 2013.

This rumour is supported by Asymco's analyst Horace Dediu who believes that Apple's future will indeed consist of a new generation of device every six months. This assumption is based on the statement of former Apple CEO John Sculley.

According to Sculley, the company is "going through a very significant change now in terms of product cycles," and that "now it's really introducing products twice a year."

Reports said that the iPhone 6 will include a "Super HD" screen display and camera. Speculations claimed that it is beyond the Full HD displays in HTC Droid DNA.

This notion is backed up by an analyst. According to Jefferies stock analyst Peter Misek, "the iPhone 5S has a new 'super HD camera/screen, a better battery, and NFC,' and 'possible updates include an IGZO screen for Retina+, 128GB storage."

Other rumours claimed that iPhone 6 will steer away from its usual hues and will offer 6 to 8 different colours to attract younger generations in buying the handset.

Apple has yet to comment on the rumours towards its upcoming smartphone.