It seems that the production of the upcoming Apple devices, including the rumoured iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S, is on the roll as the company bought its own chip maker to produce a new chip for the devices.

According to reports, Apple is in the process of buying out United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), a Taiwanese company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

This is undoubtedly a move by the Cupertino-based company to become more autonomous in its handset production, cutting out manufacturing partners such as Samsung, Foxconn and Pegatron, with whom it has worked in the past. Apple's previous devices have been plagued by production issues, with third parties unable to keep up with demand and producing components that are below Apple's exacting standards.

Apple has long since used manufacturing partners based in the Far East, but the decision to base its chip manufacturing plant there could also be indicative of the fact that it has set its sights firmly on the emerging markets in the East and wants to take its slice of the market as quickly and cheaply as possible.

The next iPhone is rumoured to feature Retina or IGZO screen display, A7 quad core chip processor, iOS 7, 128GB internal storage, 13 mega-pixel camera, and longer battery life. The lack of NFC support on the iPhone 5 was one of the biggest criticisms aimed at Apple's smartphone.

Meanwhile, the cheaper iPhone 5S is rumoured to sport a plastic casing, 4-inch screen display, dual core processor and 8-megapixel camera. The smartphone is speculated to be available in five to six different colors.

Both Apple smartphones are rumoured to include a fingerprint sensor technology for added security. The rumour is strengthened by the report that Apple bought a fingerprint technology firm Authentec last year.

It is initially reported that the new iPhones will be launched in September. The Apple chief Tim Cook also dropped several hints that the upcoming iPhone 6 and 5S will be released later this year. Cook said that no new products are to launch before the end of the year.

However, In the D11 interview of Apple's chief Tim Cook subtly suggested that the company will not release a low cost iPhone or a phablet this year. Tim Cook stressed that Apple invests time and effort in making each phone that serves various markets rather than making a myriad of phones aim to serve specific users.

Rumour has it that iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S are pegged for release later this year. However, Apple has not confirmed yet the exact release date of its devices.

However, the Cupertino-based tech company did not give an official statement on the rumours surrounding iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S.