Phone makers Foxconn and Pegatron have started producing
Apple's next device, according to reports, signaling a highly-anticipated
October launch.
Japanese site
Macotakara reports that Foxconn, which is fulfilling 85 percent of the order, and Pegatron, which is taking the remaining 15 percent, are stocking iPhone 5 units -- without iOS 5, which Apple will install, along with the final packaging.
Macotakara also says the manufacturing schedule points to a U.S. launch in early October, while Asia should see it later in the month.
In March, reports surfaced that the iPhone 5 started production, but problems in manufacturing delayed its regular summer release schedule.
Last month, sources indicated the device had once again gone into production, with Apple placing a 15 million unit order.
Apple has yet to confirm the iPhone 5 report, but Macotakara's claim is in line with several other rumors. In fact, Deutsche Telekom has started taking pre-orders in anticipation of a fall release, while Best Buy is gearing up for an October launch, according to leaked documents.
Apple skipped its June summer launch window, causing many to speculate when the iPhone 5 would be released.
If Apple releases the iPhone 5 in October, the new iPhone will enter a competitive fall season, against releases like Samsung's Galaxy S2 and Motorola's Droid Bionic. But until Foxconn or Pegatron confirm they're manufacturing the handset, all reports will continue to be just rumor and speculation.
The iPhone 5 is rumored to run on both CDMA and GSM networks, so Apple can sell the same version on AT&T and Verizon. It is also expected to offer a wider touch screen, an 8-megapixel camera and feature a Qualcomm chip with NFC mobile-payment capabilities.