Apple's iPhone 6 will reportedly be the company's first handset featuring NFC connectivity, Digital Spy said.

BrightWire's sources claim that the tech giant has reached an agreement with banking organisation China UnionPay to enable users to make payments with their iOS handsets.

The inclusion of NFC technology will also allow iPhone users to pair their devices with external hardware, such as wireless speakers and headphones.

The news follows reports that Apple is in talks to purchase Beats Electronics, which specialises in wireless audio accessories, in a big-money deal.

Purported leaked photographs of the iPhone 6 have already begun to appear online, suggesting that the handset will feature a larger display and more rounded design than its predecessors.

It was recently reported that Apple is planning to reveal the iPhone 6 at the earlier-than-expected date of August.