The next-generation iPhone hardware will arrive in mid-October, sources indicate

Sep 26, 2011 08:41 GMT  ·  By

The iPhone 5 is expected to hit Apple’s retail stores around October 14, with the Cupertino tech giant blocking out vacations in the second week of next month, according to people who are familiar with Apple’s plans.

Recent leaks attributed to people close to Apple indicate there will be a lot of fuss in the first two weeks of October. According to multiple sources, things will be going down in the following order:

October 4th - Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 5 to a relatively small crowd with Tim Cook pitching the new hardware and software (iOS 5) at his company’s Town Hall Auditorium. iCloud will also be unveiled then.

October 10th - Apple plans to launch iOS 5 to the masses. The software is compatible with multiple existing iDevices, therefore Apple has reportedly instructed help desk staffers to anticipate an incoming flux of iOS-related calls on and after the 10th of October.

October 14 - With the two aforementioned dates holding water, iPhone 5 would become available exactly two weeks after October kicks off, which means Apple requires all the manpower it has to welcome hungry customers at its retail outlets in the U.S as well as Europe, and Australia. Asian territories generally follow soon.

As such, it’s not hard to believe this AppleInsider report saying Apple is denying requests for employee vacations in the second week of October.

An iPhone 5 announcement will require additional staff at each store not only to keep order as avid fans flock for the next-generation handset, but also to provide assistance to those who are less technically savvy.

There is also talk of Apple unveiling a second new iPhone this year - an iPhone 4S that would pierce through the mid-tier market with a more affordable price point and attractive plans from the operators who agree to carry it