Experts were initially only expecting two phones - an iPhone 6s and 6s Plus with performance boosts and possibly a new touchscreen.

However, new claims by Digitimes say a third iPhone could also be unveiled.

According to the report, the display panels for all three models will be sourced from Japan Display and LG Display, with the Plus and 'C' screens also going into production at Sharp. 

The displays will be made from Corning's Gorilla Glass, indicating that Apple may have given up on its attempts at sapphire smartphone displays for now.

The larger phones are expected to ship with Apple's Samsung-made A9 processor, but the iPhone 6C will reportedly stick with the current A8 chip. 

Some analysts claim that Apple will also stick with an 8 MP camera for this hardware update.

Digitimes says that all three phones will ship with Touch ID sensors and NFC support for Apple Pay, but doesn't mention any other possible differences.

Apple's next iPhone will also know exactly how hard you are pressing it, and will have new 'smart' features to take advantage of that, it has been claimed.

The system is already being used in the Apple Watch and the firm's new Macbook portable computer.

Called force click, it even allows users to 'deep press', allowing them to see the dictionary definition of a word, or access a customisation menu on their Watch.

Now the Wall Street Journal says the same technology will come to the iPhone.

'Apple plans to add sensors to detect how hard a user is pressing on a screen to its next iPhones, incorporating a technology used in its forthcoming MacBook and Apple Watch, according to people familiar with the matter,' it said.

The touch technology is one of the changes that Apple plans for the next versions of its iPhones due for release later this year, these people said. 

Mass production for some of the components used in the new phones is expected to start in May

It is believed an iPhone 6s and 6s Plud could be revealed in September, when Apple traditionally launches its new iPhones.

The technology will first be seen in the new Macbook.  

'MacBook also features the all-new Force Touch trackpad that brings a new dimension of interactivity to the Mac,' Apple said when it was introduced earlier this week.

'The new trackpad features built-in force sensors that allow you to click anywhere and haptic feedback that provides a responsive and uniform feel. 

'You can even customize the feel of the trackpad by changing the amount of pressure needed to register each click. 

(dailymail.co.uk)