A reliable source within Foxconn in China, Apple’s manufacturing partner, states that the iPhone 5 is already being prepared for production, and will likely feature a 4-inch display and an all-new form factor.
The source claims that a number of sample devices are already floating around, although each prototype varies significantly from the rest, making it difficult to tell which will represent the final version. The devices did all have a few things in common, however. 9to5Mac reports:
Some things in common with all of them, however, are:
- 4+ inch display (made by LG on at least one of them)
- No teardrop-shaped devices as were rumored in the lead up to the iPhone 4S. Samples so far have been symmetrical in thickness. Also longer/wider.
- None of the sample devices have the iPhone 4/4S form factor
- None of the devices are final versions
The most significant factor in the report is the production timing – iPhone 4S production didn’t ramp up until late last Spring, so if the iPhone 5 is already being prepared for production, Apple may well be planning to release the device in the summer, as with its previous release record with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 3G, and the original iPhone.
Interesting, the source of the claims is the same one that correctly stated last summer that the iPhone 5 wouldn’t be launching last year (in favor of the iPhone 4S), so the report may indeed have a degree of credibility.
As with all rumors, it’s worth taking this with a grain of salt – but considering the source’s track record, it’s certainly exciting nonetheless!