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Rumor: Next-gen 'iPhone 5S' to be offered in 3 colorways, debut in July

Colorways of Apple's iPod touch lineup. | Source: Apple

As speculation regarding the next-gen iPhone launch gathers steam, a new rumor out of the Far East claims the supposed handset will be offered in a total of eight different colors.


Citing a "trusted source," Japanese blog Mac Otakara reports that when the "iPhone 5S" hits store shelves, it will come in three colorways, adding one color to Apple's usual black and white variants. The source failed to reveal the mystery color.

It should be noted that the Google translation on the blog's webpage incorrectly states "3 colors added to 2 colors of iPhone 5," suggesting there will be five color options for the iPhone 5S. The actual translation is, "One new color will be added to the iPhone 5's existing two color options for a total of three colors."

The report relates to one analyst's expectations from January, when Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets said industry checks led him to believe the next-gen "iPhone 5S" would come in eight colors: pink, yellow, blue, green, purple, silver and slate shades currently found on the iPod nano, and a (Product)Red model with proceeds benefiting AIDS research.

Tuesday's rumor also claims the cheaper iPhone will be getting the color treatment, though failed to offer any details on the matter.

Apple is widely expected to launch an entry-level iteration of the iPhone in a possible bid to compete with cheap Android models. In March, the well-informed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the less expensive unit fiberglass and plastic in order to shave build material costs. Additionally, Kuo believes the low-cost iPhone version will boast the same design as the iPhone 5, including the handset's 4-inch screen.

Finally, the latest rumor pegs July as a likely timeframe for Apple to debut the next-gen iPhone and corresponding budget model, largely congruent with market watchers' expectations.