Apple is reportedly planning to launch its newest iPhones, including the iPhone5, next month.
Technology blog AllThingsD (ATD) reported that Apple could "change its plans anytime," but added that Apple’s new chief executive Tim Cook is expected to preside over the launch of the iPhone 5 on 4 October.
Last month, Cook replaced company co-founder Steve Jobs as chief executive. This could be Cook’s first public appearance since he took over from Jobs.
ATD said in the report, citing sources familiar with the matter, sale of iPhone 5 would begin within a few weeks after the announcement on 4 October.
Meanwhile the Guardian reported that the launch is expected to include a simpler version of iPhone 4 as well.
The report quoted Al Gore, a member of Apple’s board, speaking in South Africa that "new iPhones [are] coming out next month. That was a plug." Toby Shapstak, editor of Stuff magazine in South Africa, who was at the meeting, told the Guardian: "I listened to my voice recording, and he clearly said [iPhones] plural."
Last month, world’s biggest mobile operator China Mobile had revealed that the company was in talks with Jobs.
Though the company executives did not disclose the subject of the talks, reports suggested that China Mobile could be discussing prospects of introducing an iPhone exclusively based on its network standard.
At present, Apple products do not support the 3G mobile network operating on China Mobile’s home-grown TDSCDMA standard.
The company does not sell iPhones through its retail network. However, China Mobile has 7.44 million iPhone users on its 2G network, China Mobile executives said at a news conference after the release of its first-half earnings.
China Unicom is the only operator in China that offers the iPhone.
