Apple’s suppliers are to begin shipping components for the next-generation iPhone by the end of May, ready for the handset’s launch during the third-quarter of 2013, according to sources in the supply chain. As suspected, the device won’t be a major upgrade, the sources claim, but rather a “slightly enhanced” version of the iPhone 5 that’s likely to be called the iPhone 5S.
That’s certainly no surprise; we’re all quite familiar with Apple’s iPhone release cycle now, which delivers a major update every two years and a slightly improved handset in between. That’s been the same since the company launched the iPhone 3G, followed by the iPhone 3GS.
And the release date is hardly surprising, either. Given that the iPhone 5 made its debut last September, a successor around 12 months later is to be expected.
Nevertheless, it’s always nice to get updates from the supply chain, courtesy of DigiTimes, which reports the iPhone 5S will have a “higher-end” processor and an improved camera. Along with the rumored low-cost iPhone, the device is set to provide component makers with around 30% growth in the second quarter of this year.
Foxconn CEO Terry Gou previously stated that the company’s performance would see improvements around April or May, but he declined to comment when asked about iPhone rumors.
Source: DigiTimes
