Submitted by Frank Macey on
If you thought it was too early to start thinking about Apple's next iPhone, then think again. A report cited by MacRumors points to an iPhone 5S launch next summer, well ahead of the one-year anniversary of the iPhone 5 next September. Not only this, but Apple could also be looking to refresh the iPad with Retina display in June or July.
Announcing a fifth-generation iPad next summer would stagger the update with an iPad mini 2 launch in October 2013. Apple is rumored to already be testing the trial production of an iPhone 5S, with full manufacturing to ramp up early next year. Component suppliers in Asia are expected to benefit from strong demand from Apple during this time period thanks to the new product releases.
If the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S provides any insight, Apple will keep the same form factor as the current iPhone 5. The device will earn "S" status thanks to enhanced speeds brought about by upgraded internal components and design optimization. With an iPhone 5S launch in summer 2013, there's no telling when a redesigned iPhone 6 might arrive.
Apple launched the iPhone 4 in June 2010, with the iPhone 4S update seeing release over 15 months later. The iPhone 5 launched in September 2012, only 11 months after the 4S.
The iPhone 5 currently indicates shipping times of two weeks on the Apple online store as the company continues to catch up with demand.