14 DAY TRIAL // A source that has previously leaked accurate Apple rumors is signaling that the iPhone 5 has reached the final testing stage with a scheduled launch for September.
According to this source, “The next generation iPhone has reached the final testing stage […] and is now being carried around by high level Apple and carrier executives.”
9to5mac also claims to have learned that Apple and Verizon are yet to sign a deal for having FaceTime work over the carrier’s 3G network. The video chatting standard currently only uses WiFi.
The two companies are also trying to lay out the best way for customers to get over-the-air (OTA) updates.
During the WWDC 2011 keynote, Apple confirmed that beginning with iOS 5, customers would be able not only to activate their devices wirelessly (out-of-the box), but also that all incremental software updates would be downloadable wirelessly as well.
To do this on cellular networks, Apple and the operators carrying the iPhone need to find the best method to deliver the bits on cellular waves without impacting the carrier’ networks.
Apparently, discussions regarding this function between Apple and the carriers have not yet reached a common point.
By far the most important detail leaked by 9to5’s source is, of course, the alleged September launch date of the iPhone 5.
There have been many reports regarding the potential delay of Apple’s fifth-generation handset, and WWDC 2011 proved they were accurate.
Apple has officially broken its yearly refresh cycle of the iPhone, by announcing software-only updates at this year’s event.
As a result of this, rumors regarding a fall launch of the iPhone 5 suddenly gained more credibility.
It is also worth noting that Reuters also mentioned the timeframe citing three people familiar with the matter back in April.
According to these people, Apple suppliers had been told to begin production of the next-generation iPhone in July, with the finished product expected to begin shipping in September.