One week after Apple rolled out iOS 5 (but no new iPhone) at its annual Worldwide Developer’s Conference, reports are surfacing that indicate the iPhone 5 could be coming very soon after all.
First reported by 9to5 Mac, a new model iPhone is now in “the final testing stage” and far enough along that the device is being distributed to Apple executives as well as high-level contacts at the carriers.
Speaking of carriers, Apple (AAPL) and Verizon (VZ) also appear to be haggling over how FaceTime will work over the CDMA carrier’s 3G network. Apple and Verizon also need to tighten up how over-the-air updates will work on that network before the fall release of iOS 5.
All of this points to the likely release of the iPhone 5 this coming September. Traditionally, Apple hosts its music-oriented event right around Labor Day. As the focus of the 2011 WWDC was largely music-related with the unveiling of iCloud, logic and a steady drumbeat of leaks point to that event to be the launchpad for the iPhone 5.
This is also consistent with a Reuters report back in April that said production of the iPhone 5 would commence during the Summer in time for a September roll-out.
“Apple Inc suppliers will begin production of its next-generation iPhone in July this year, with the finished product likely to begin shipping in September, three people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.”
Stay tuned.
