Digitimes is reporting that Apple (AAPL)’s partner suppliers will start shipping components for the next-generation iPhone by the end of May.
Citing sources from the upstream supply chain, the report says the May timeline could yield the so-called ‘iPhone 5S’ by the third quarter, matching with other reports that Cupertino would introduce an “S series” update to its iPhone lineup in July or August, a break from the pattern Apple has established over the last two years. The iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5 were released in the September/October time frame.
“Components for the next-generation iPhone will start shipping at the end of May with the new smartphone to have a chance of showing up in the third quarter”, sources told the Taiwanese tech publication. Citing their latest specification data, the same sources also said that “the new iPhone will not receive a major upgrade and may just be a slightly enhanced version of iPhone 5 (iPhone 5S).”
DigiTimes’ sources also claimed that the next-gen iPhone would have a higher-end processor and a higher-megapixel camera. This fits with the prediction of KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who earlier this month said he expected the 5S to launch with a faster processor and an improved camera sensor.
If components are shipped smoothly, manufacturers should be able to deliver assembled devices to retailers about 1-2 weeks later.
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