Apple To Start iPhone 5S Production In Second Quarter [Wall Street Journal]

According to a new report by The Wall Street Journal, Apple will start producing its next generation iPhone in the second quarter of 2013. People with knowledge of the device’s production plan are also claiming that the next iPhone will sport the same size and shape as the iPhone 5, fuelling speculations that Apple’s next smartphone will most likely be called the ‘iPhone 5S’.

The report seems to hint at a possible summer launch for the next version of Apple’s flagship device. Meanwhile, the same source also suggests that Apple is indeed working on a cheaper iPhone, that could be released as soon as the second half of this year. Previously, WSJ has reported that the company was working on a less expensive iPhone that could go on sale around the summer of 2013.

Apple continues to work with its manufacturing partners in Asia on a less expensive iPhone that could be launched as soon as the second half of this year, these people said. The 4-inch device will likely use a different casing from the higher-end iPhone. Apple has been working on different color shells for the phone but its plans remain unclear.

More recent reports have claimed that Apple is expected to hold a media event on June 20th to announce the iPhone 5S, with a release set the following month in July, while a lower-cost iPhone may be launched in August.