For a moment, it appeared that all is set for the much-awaited iPhone 6 release date, rumoured to happen on Sept 20, as Apple reportedly advertised the impending arrival of new iOS applications designed for optimal function with the giant-screen handset.

The leak was first reported by The Verge, saying that key iOS apps such as iMovie, iPhoto, Pages and Keynote have been made compatible with iOS 7 and are "optimised for iPhone 6."

However, the same report was updated shortly, stating in the revised version that the announcement was due to technical glitch in the App Store.

For instance, "it looks as if all Canadian iTunes web links include the iPhone 6 text, while the US link says 'optimised for iPhone 5' and the app page says 'optimised for iPhone 7' in New Zealand," explained The Verge.

Notwithstanding, this latest piece of news only stoked further speculations that the iPhone 6, which will become Apple's first phablet-size device, is headed into the real world with the reputable U.S. publication The Wall Street Journal pitching into the fray.

Reports said the tech giant is seriously mulling the release of a handset that bears screen beyond its current 4-inch standard and actual prototypes are now being studied and experimented on. They range from 4.5-inch to 6-inch and up.

And Ming-chi Kuo of KGI Securities totally agrees, according to Apple Insider. Yet he added that if indeed the iPhone 6 comes into fruition, its screen size will be no more than five inches, insisting that Apple is sticking to its philosophy of creating handsets that users can enjoy with the use of one hand.

Target rollout for the bigger iPhone is likely in the early parts of 2014 though Mr Kuo did not discount the possibility that Apple is adhering to its in-place gadget upgrade calendar cycle. That would mean consumers will need to wait until the second half of next year before experiencing the iPhone 6.

His note douses water on flickering hopes, based of course on wild rumours, that the planned Apple media event on Sept 10 is really about the iOS phablet or at least, the tech giant will offer glimpses of the iPhone 6 as it introduces the iPhone 5S, the iPhone 5C and the iOS 7.

But all is not lost for an early iPhone 6 entry, CNET said, arguing that "Apple's engineers have had enough time to figure out how to eliminate the unwanted trade-offs in having a bigger screen."

The same report refers to a declaration made earlier this year by Apple CEO Tim Cook that a large-screen iPhone will not be issued anytime soon. First, iOS device designers will have to deal first with technology trade-offs that are found on phablets, Mr Cook stressed.

Besides, "my view continues to be that the iPhone 5 has the absolute best display in the industry," CNET quoted the top Apple honcho as saying.

So it looks like that while Apple fans are looking forward to an exciting iPhone 6 release date this year, they will have to wait until 2014 and make do for now with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.