Apple might be returning to the 4-inch form factor in 2015, despite overwhelming success with the 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhones in 2014.

Reports say Apple will launch an iPhone 6S Mini next year, to go alongside the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. The Mini will replace the 5C, currently the lowest-end smartphone available in Apple Stores.

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The sales records in 2014 show the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are both very popular devices, but users not looking for a size upgrade should be happy with the iPhone 6S Mini.

Apple might have seen some interest in the iPhone 5C and 5S in 2014, enough to make them rethink the "bigger is better" motto, used throughout 2014.

Mini versions of the flagship smartphone are not uncommon, Samsung, HTC, Sony and other mobile providers offer cheaper mini versions of their own flagships.

It looks like Apple will continue the trend, putting mid-range specs in the iPhone 6S Mini, to keep it cheap. The smartphone will most likely be available for $99 on a two year contract.

Some reports point to a summer launch for the iPhone 6S, to fit alongside the Apple Watch launch. The iPhone 7 will reportedly launch in the second half of 2015, meaning a potential of six smartphones from Apple in one year.

Having six smartphones in one year would be a big commitment for Apple, normally opting for two smartphones in a year. It might cannibalize the market as well, something Apple is keen to avoid.

The iPhone 6S Mini will be modelled of the iPhone 5S, but with the curved design seen on the iPhone 6. If Apple intends to drop the iPhone 5C plastic design, it means the phone did not sell enough to be considered as a product category for 2015.

Apple is expecting up to 70 million sales throughout the holiday season for iPhones. Setting this record might make it extremely hard for 2015 to live up to expectations.

TagsiPhone 6 Mini, iPhone, 4-inch phone