Apple is rumoured to be stepping into the phablet market with the next model of the iPhone.

According to Reuters, 4.7″ and 5.5″ iPhone displays are set to go into production in Japan and South Korea this May, ahead of the iPhone 6s expected September launch.

The screen size of the iPhone increased from 3.5″ to 4″ with the launch of the iPhone 5, but Apple looks to be pushing that further, potentially as part of a strategy to increase its market share in Asian markets, where phablets have proved very popular. In South Korea, according to Flurry data, the hybrid devices hold a 41 per cent market share.

Its also interesting to note that, if the reports are accurate, this will be the second time Apple has unveiled two iPhone models simultaneously – something it first tried with the iPhone 5S and 5C. That strategy doesnt seem to have worked out for the 5C model, but perhaps the screen sizes will provide a clearer sense of differentiation.