It appears Apple Inc. is gearing up to start iPhone 5s production later this month in order to meet demand for its plan to produce 15 million of the devices according to Jefferies analyst Peter Misek.
In a note to investors on Monday morning, Misek said the latest speculation about the iPhone 5s, which has been the subject of many rumors surrounding both its existence and production dates, is that its finally getting ready to build the device. Apple has kept any information about an impending new iPhone very quiet. Technically the iPhone 5s, as well as the rumored plastic encased low-cost iPhone 5s which is rumored to have gone into production earlier last month, doesn't even exist. However, based on checks, Misek believes a small batch production of the low cost version of the 5s started last month and the new flagship smartphone from Apple will begin later in July. He estimated availability would be in late September or early October based on the typical lead times it takes an iPhone to go from production stages to a customer's hand.
This will mean that the iPhone 4s is mere months away from being retired. The iPhone 5s will hit 15 million, each with the low-cost and the normal version. Misek is known for getting his predictions about Apple mostly correct. However, CNET points out that he has had a few misses in his career as well. For example, last year he posted about an imminent launch of an Apple TV set for earlier last year which, obviously, didn't pan out.
Photos of the low-cost iPhone 5s have been circulating amongst tech industry insiders for quite some time now, however, no information has actually been confirmed. The low-cost iPhone 5s will likely come in plastic allowing the manufacturers to release it in a variety of colors, much like Apple has done with its iPod Touch lineup.
