iPhone 5S Production to Start Soon, Release Set for Summer?

Apple is set to start production of the next iPhone soon, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal. The new iPhone is said to be "similar in size and shape to its current one", which is consistent with rumors that have indicated the next iPhone release will be a "5S" model rather than a complete ground-up redesign.

Summer Release Possible

The report from the Wall Street Journal suggests the next iPhone may launch as soon as this summer. Summer 2013 officially begins on June 21 and ends on September 21, providing a fairly wide range for a possible release that is consistent with several past iPhone launches.

iPhone 5S Features?

Little is known about the next iPhone, but it's likely the model will follow the same trajectory of the iPhone 4 to iPhone 4S transition. Thus, a theoretical "iPhone 5S" would be likely to include significant internal component upgrades from the existing iPhone 5 model, including a faster processor with improved graphics handling, a better battery life, and a better camera offering sharper images at an increased megapixel size. The device is also likely to ship with iOS 7.

Color iPhone Models at Lower Cost?

Apple is also said to be working on a lower cost iPhone that may be released this year as well, according to the WSJ. The report indicates the cheaper iPhone model will probably use a different casing material than the existing higher end models built with aluminum unibody and glass, and the shell of the "less expensive" model may even include different colors.

Though not directly mentioned, multiple case colors on a lower-cost iPhone could be similar to that offered by the current iPod touch lineup, which is available in a rainbow of offerings.

Though product rumors should always be viewed with a certain degree of suspicion, The Wall Street Journal has a very strong track record with Apple reporting, rumors, and release schedules.