Mikey Campbell
Fresh rumors out of the Far East say that Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn has already started production of the so-called iPhone 5S, with the next-generation handset reportedly being built on the same lines as the current iPhone 5.
Citing a source familiar with the matter, Japanese Apple blog MacOtakara reported that Foxconn is starting to ramp up production of Apple's iPhone 5 successor. The site noted that because the design of the "iPhone 5S" is substantially the same to the company's existing handset, little to no tooling is needed to manufacture the two models on the same production lines.
In a note to investors in January, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek estimated that production of the next-generation iPhone would begin in March ahead of a launch expected in either June or July. He also predicted that Apple will be launching a second smartphone alongside the 5S, possibly a much-rumored low-cost version targeted at developing markets.
MacOtakara also claimed that Japan's number one cellular provider NTT DoCoMo, which is not yet an Apple partner carrier, is apparently reducing orders for Android-based smartphones for the upcoming fall 2013 season. The supposed move has prompted rival carriers to speculate that DoCoMo may soon start sales of the iPhone.
Rumors surrounding the release of Apple's next-gen smartphone have been heating up, with two reports on Monday claiming the iPhone 5S will likely see a summer rollout. The exact dates haven't been pinned down, with predictions ranging from a June announcement to a release in August.
Just as previous "S version" iPhones, the forthcoming model is not expected to see a design change, and will instead benefit from updated internal components. While a faster A-series SoC is almost a given, some rumors point to an upgraded camera or camera lens assembly and the possible implementation of a Smart Flash that uses white and yellow LEDs to improve image color rendition.
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53 Comments
Since I skipped the 5 (still extremely satisfied with my 4S) I think this will be my next phone.
I'm still on my 4. Haven't seen a hugely compelling reason to upgrade, particularly as the 3GS blew my 3G away, and the 4S blew my 4 away. I think I'll continue holding off a few more months for the 5S...
I'm still on my 4. Haven't seen a hugely compelling reason to upgrade, particularly as the 3GS blew my 3G away, and the 4S blew my 4 away. I think I'll continue holding off a few more months for the 5S...
I'm also still on the 4 (and wife on my old 3g). I'm tired of paying the same monthly fee as if I was paying a phone subsidy though, it's ridiculous. I need to figure out what other carriers besides ATT work in my area or start getting new phones every two years.
Doesn't this seem early for production to be starting? Assuming it's true, I would think the release is going to be sooner (June?) rather than later (Aug/Sep).
I wonder if they will release the 5s in different colors
I started having buyers remorse after I bought the 5 and considered returning it and going back to my 4S but it's just so damn fast, I couldn't do it.