iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C Release Date: Apple To Release 2 Models in 2013, Tweaks Design & Price To Revive Disappointing Performance In China

In an attempt to improve its sales and compete once again with Samsung, Apple Inc. will release not just one, but two iPhone models this year.

The iPhone 5s and its smaller sibling the iPhone 5c will be announced on September 10, and released in stores on October 25 as tipped by Phone Arena.

The iPhone 5s is expected to sport an 8MP camera, a bigger battery for more juice, and a rumored fingerprint scanner, while keeping most of its well-loved features intact. A dual LED flash is also rumored to provide better lighting in photos and video recording.

Meanwhile, several leaked pictures of the smaller model showed a plastic body that will help keep the cost down.

The early announcement of Apple's new smartphones came in after reports showed its worsening market performance in China.

In July, Apple reported that its China sales dropped by 14 percent year-on-year during the last quarter.

But Apple was quick to relate its poor sales in the country's GDP growth, which eased from 7.8 percent to 7.6 percent.

However, analysts say the reason for Apple's misfortunes in China is simply tough competition with cheaper local brands such as China Mobile, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Industry leaders Samsung Electronics and HTC Corp have also taken their share in the Chinese tech market.  

The iPhone 5s will likely be available at $199 on a two-year contract, while the iPhone 5c may be priced at $99 in a two-year contract with network carriers.