The wait for the next iPhone continues, but hopefully not for much longer, with latest reports suggesting iPhone 6S pre-orders will kick off on September 11, Digital Spy reports.

With the eagerly awaited handset widely believe to be heading towards a grand unveiling on September 9, French site Mac4Ever has cited national operators in claiming iPhone 6S pre-orders will open up later that week.

If accurate, such a timeframe would give eager owners the chance to secure the device a week ahead of launch.

It's believed that the Samsung Galaxy S6 rival and iPhone 6 replacement will be available from retailers the following Friday, September 18.

As you might expect, Apple has yet to confirm any iPhone 6S pre-order or launch plans. As such, these claims should be taken with a pinch of salt.

According to recent iPhone 6S leaks, the handset will play host to a sturdier metal frame than its predecessor, squeezing in improved camera optics, a new A9 processor and the recently unveiled iOS 9 operating system.

There have even been suggestions that the traditional silver, grey and gold handsets will be joined by a new pink colour option.