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In December, Apple will begin “trial” production of their seventh-generation iPhone. The so-called “iPhone 5S,” begins production with an initial run of 50,000 to 100,000 units, according to DigiTimes.
According to the report, Apple has “accelerated” the certification process for parts and materials in the new handset. Because of this, full production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013.
If this is true, Apple may be signaling that the iPhone 5S will debut in June, which would be a return to normal of sorts for the company. Prior to 2011, Apple released iPhones in June or July. However, beginning with the iPhone 4S, Cupertino’s release schedule switched to fall.
This possible switch arrives as Apple shifts iPad releases to later in the year. The fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini debuted last month. Prior to this, iPads launched in March or April each year.