A new report from within the industry has suggested that Apple intends to begin selling the iPhone 5 during the second week September, with an initial test shipment of around 400,000 handsets having rumored to have been delivered already. However, the same report goes on to indicate that component shortages look set to delay the release of the next iteration of the iPad at least until after Thanksgiving.
A series of rumors and leaks have suggested that a new iPad will be arriving in one form or another before the close of 2011. This week saw a number of sources step forward to indicate that Apple have added at least four further circuit maker to their current supply chain, in order to step up production for what looks to be an iPad 2 Plus or iPad HD later this year.
In March, there were a number of whispers regarding a potential new iPhone entering circulation with an improved antenna, a four inch screen and NFC capabilities. However, as with the iPad, a distinct lack of confirmation or denial from Apple themselves means all have had to so far be digested with a pinch of salt.
So far, the only word directly from Apple has been to suggest that production will indeed be stepped up over the summer and that preparations are in progress for a new product direction before the close of the year. Needles to say, with alternative options of titanic proportion offered by manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola thrown into the mix, Apple’s chances of claiming 2011 as their own will certainly not be around forever.
