Apple Launching Next-Gen iPhone at WWDC 2010, Industry Sources Say

Reports have emerged saying Apple has been ordering yet more parts for a next-gen iPhone set to launch in the second half of 2010, making it likely that Apple will lift the curtain off the device at next year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

A 9to5Mac report informs that Taiwanese sources are suggesting that an all-new model iPhone, equipped with a 5-megapixel camera, could be introduced by Apple at the WWDC 2010 event rumored to take place in June. Citing other industry sources, the site reveals that orders for OmniVision’s CMOS image sensors (as used inside the iPhone) are set to more than double next year.

Digitimes cites its own sources saying that OmniVision has “secured 5-megapixel CIS orders for the next-generation iPhone model, which will hit shelves during the second half of 2010.” Although OmniVision doesn’t manufacture the cameras inside every Apple iPhone, it does provide the 3.2-megapixel camera inside the latest model (the Phone 3GS), 9to5Mac outlines.

Readers may remember that, earlier this month, Eldar Murtazin writing for Mobile Review (touted as the “ultimate insider” for news in the mobile-phone world) used his Twitter account to announce that, “Foxconn received order for next generation iphone.” Foxconn is the largest manufacturer of electronics and computer components worldwide, and mainly manufactures on contract to other companies. Foxconn primarily produces the Mac mini, the iPod and the iPhone for Apple, as well as Intel-branded motherboards for Intel Corp.

As intriguing as it may sound, Foxconn is also believed to be handling the production of Apple’s forthcoming (but unconfirmed) tablet device. Rumored to feature a 10-inch screen and a hybrid operating system borrowing from Mac OS X and the iPhone OS, the elusive product has been on everyone’s lips for far too long not to materialize. The only question remaining is, of course, “when?” Most bets are on 2010, but Apple may surprise the world once again by not launching such a device after all.