Rumor: iPhone 5S to Debut in First Quarter of 2013

Image courtesy of appadvice

The public has barely had time to get used to the sleek shape, precise bevels, and elongated body of the iPhone 5 and already rumors of a new model have surfaced. According to a report originating in China, Apple has begun trial manufacturing of the next generation iPhone.

Posted in the China Times, and discovered by 9to5Mac, the Chinese language report refers to the new model as the iPhone 5S. The report claims that 5 to 10 million units are slated for trial production in December, with the commercial debut of the new model forecast to come some time in the first quarter of 2013. However, such a rapid turnaround seems unlikely given that Apple usually staggers new iPhone releases at least a year apart.

In addition to the iPhone, the report also mentions refreshes of the iPad and the Apple TV digital media receiver. Again, the notion of a new iPad so soon after the fourth-generation iPad was released seems unlikely. Although, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the iPad mini might be updated in the next 4-5 months given the public's somewhat chilly reaction to the device's non-Retina screen, offered for what some deem a premium price at $329, when compared to other 7-inch tablets that are considerably less expensive.

Apple recently revealed that its new iPad offerings had set a new record by selling over 3 million units the first three days of release. Even now, anecdotal reports from major cities claim that many stores are sold out of the device. But despite that great start, some Apple watchers have openly questioned why the company hasn't specified how many iPad minis sold versus the fourth-generation iPad model. But, contrary to any conspiracy theories analysts might concoct, that lack of delineation is actually consistent with Apple's practice of reporting sales numbers for general product lines.

Nevertheless, if this new report from China turns out to be accurate, it could represent a dramatic shift in product release strategy for Apple, perhaps spurred on by increased competition from the likes of Samsung, and a raft of other Android-based smartphone competitors.

Source: PC Mag