We've been hearing about Apple's return to small iPhones for well over a year and those rumors aren't going away. A new report from Economic Daily News claims Apple is using AU Optronics to produce 4-inch displays for an iPhone 6c that will arrive early next year. There are some reports that suggest a launch could occur this year, but the release will probably be pushed back until 2016.

The iPhone 6c would arrive as a budget-oriented iPhone and perhaps be targeted at developing markets, children, and the elderly. It will have a plastic design (like the iPhone 5c) and include a new Sony camera, NFC, and Touch ID for Apple Pay.

AU Optronics' deal with Apple reportedly has 4-inch displays shipping out in early 2016.