Apple is reportedly planning to pull the plug on the iPhone 5C next year.

As Digital Spy reports citing Taiwan's Industrial and Commercial Times, the company will cease production of the smartphone mid-way through 2015 (via Mac Rumours).

The device was launched in 2013 as a cheaper alternative to the 5S but delivered lower than expected sales for the company.

Despite this, the iPhone 5C was apparently the best-selling phone in the UK in August.

In March, Apple unveiled an 8GB variant of the smartphone with a cut price, in an attempt to push sales.