China Times has claimed that the iPhone 5 will release in the second week of September, joining similar claims from various other sources that hint at September release of the iPhone 5. They also claim that Apple will initially put an order of 400 million iPhone 5 units.
Here is why September iPhone 5 release seems possible: At WWDC 2011, Apple did not even breathe a whisper about the next generation iPhone, all they talked about was iOS 5, Mac OS X Lion and iCloud. Previously Apple has been known to announce new iPhone model at WWDC 2011, however it was on the contrary this year. Apple is also known for organizing a music event in September in which it releases the new iPod models. Various sources, some of our own even, have claimed that Apple is pushing back 2012 iPod release in order to release the iPhone 5 in September because they really do need to push out a new iPhone in the market or risk losing precious market share to the various Android competitors.
A poor Google Translation of the source says the following:
Long-awaited new iPhone plan for the second week of September (September 6 to 15) choose the listing, the first batch of 400 million units in terms of shipments, component suppliers will ship before this week trial production of 400,000 units. Mainly responsible for assembly of Hon Hai is expected victory, 8 to 9 monthly revenue forecast is expected to be high, and the remaining components plant performance will be higher.
It turns out that suppliers are currently manufacturing 400,00 trial units of the iPhone 5. We've also heard that the iPhone 5 is currently in beta testing and Apple is testing the next generation iPhone hardware hidden inside iPhone 4 units so as to minimize the chances of leaks. Rumours indicate that the next generation iPhone is going to be thin and tapered, may have a bigger screen and might support all U.S. carriers.
We previously reported that it was possible for Apple to release iPhone 5 on September 5 in the U.S. and on October 5 globally. All we have for now, is scuttlebutt from numerous sources around the web. Let's just hope an invitation to an Apple event in September comes to the iPhoneism HQ soon. Watch this space for the latest updates on the next generation iPhone!