Apple's iPhone 6 is not due to be unveiled until this evening, but luxury designer Alexander Amosu is already taking orders for a 24-carat gold model of the handset, Digital Spy said.

The Amosu 24ct gold iPhone 6 is available to pre-order now in yellow and rose gold variants for the hefty price of $3,870.

The designer claims that he coated the handset with the precious metal via the same techniques used to gold-plate Rolex watches.

Customers who order the gold-plated iPhone 6 before September 12 will receive a free Amosu leather case, worth $240.

Apple will announce the iPhone 6 at a press conference later today, with the latest reports suggesting it will go on sale on September 19.