(Telecompaper) Apple is exploring the possibility to launch several new iPhone models in the next year, some with larger screens, others lower priced and coming in different colours, people close to the matter told Reuters. The plans being discussed reflect the group's effort to retake the initiative in the face of increasing pressure from Samsung. Apple plans to launch at least two "phablet" models with 4.7-in and 5.7-in screens, and display makers have been approached, but it is still not certain that it will go ahead such plans. Apple would not comment on the matter. Two new Apple phones would come out before the end of the year, the first called the iPhone 5S and featuring fingerprint recognition technology, and the second a cheaper iPhone with a plastic case. Test production of the models under consideration are due to begin in July ahead of a product launch in September, the two sources said. Some 20 million plastic-cased iPhones could be shipped in the fourth quarter, according to another.