iPhone 5S
File photo of Apple iPhone 5S being displayed at an Apple shop in Tokyo's Ginza shopping districtReuters

In the past few weeks, numerous leaks have surfaced online indicating that Apple is planning to bring back the 4.0-inch iPhone 5s series with advanced features soon.

Now, a new report has emerged revealing the launch time-line of the device. Technology blog 9to5Mac, citing reliable sources, has claimed that Apple is all set to unveil the new smartphone dubbed as "iPhone 5se" by the end of March or early-April.

Apple iPhone 5se, internally known as N69, is expected to come packed with Apple's proprietary A8 CPU with M8 co-processor, 8MP primary camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime snapper on the front, similar to iPhone 6 series.

Tipster also reveals that iPhone 5se will also share a few features seen in the current flagship iPhone 6S series, such as Live Photos, Bluetooth 4.2, VoLTE, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi chips.

Other notable enhancements include Barometer sensor to track elevation to assist Health app and NFC (Near Field Communication) for cash-less Apple Pay feature.

That said, iPhone 5se will not boast iPhone 6S series' 3D Touch feature so that the former has some specification difference with the flagship models. It is learnt that once the iPhone 5se makes its debut, the company will retire 2013 flagship iPhone 5S.

Besides iPhone 5se, the company is reportedly planning to unveil two new devices as well –one the second generation Apple Watch and another iPad Air 3.

Though there is no proof to validate the 9to5Mac report, the good track record of the tech blog of predicting Apple devices makes us believe it might be a real deal. Watch this space for more updates.