• by Mark Walsh  @markfwal, April 10, 2014

A new survey suggests that consumers are eager to get their hands on the next-generation “iPhone 6,” rumored to have a larger screen than prior versions of the signature Apple product.

The company is expected to introduce the updated device later this year, with speculation running from a single “phablet” device to the launch of more than one new model at the same time -- similar to the release of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C last fall.

The next iPhone would likely include a faster processor and updated iOS system as well.

According to the survey of 4,109 North American residents interviewed in March by 451 Research, 14% said they were “very likely” to buy and iPhone 6 and 26% are “somewhat likely.” How does that compare to interest in previous models?

Last year, 9% said they were very interested in getting an iPhone 5S, and 17% were somewhat interested. In 2012, 15% were very interested in buying the iPhone 5, and 18% were somewhat interested.

“This is the highest level of demand for an unannounced Apple model in a ChangeWave survey -- stronger than we’ve seen in previous years for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 models prior to their announcements,” said Andy Golub of 451 Research. “Speculation over a larger-screen iPhone is clearly striking a chord with consumers.”

Among people who plan to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days, Samsung saw the biggest jump -- up nine percentage points to 28% since December. That’s the highest level of demand seen for a Samsung device in a ChangeWave survey, indicating continued momentum for the Korean manufacturer, with release of the Galaxy S5 set for Friday.

The report noted that Samsung is benefiting from growing consumer demand for phablets -- or smartphones with a 5-inch or larger screen. Nearly half (47%) of smartphone buyers say they are most interested in getting a phablet -- up from 40% in December. If Apple rolls out a larger-screen iPhone -- even if not quite 5-inch -- it hopes to peel away some of those phone buyers from Samsung.