14 DAY TRIAL // Apple investors have received a note from Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty this past weekend, in which they learned that Apple will begin mass production of its next-generation iPhone towards the end of summer.
"Apple’s next iPhone will begin production in mid to late August and ramp aggressively" into the calendar fourth quarter, Huberty wrote, according to AppleInsider.
The analyst reportedly predicts a late third quarter release of the handset which prompted Huberty to shift her 2 million iPhones sold from the third quarter estimates to the fourth quarter.
Their estimate of 72 million units for the entire year remain unchanged, says the report.
The analyst does note, however, that if the iPhone 5 launches in early September, it would "drive upside" to their lowered estimates
In addition to launching an enhanced iPhone, Apple is also expected to announce a consumer-level phone.
Apple could be actively working on the lower priced iPhones as well as an Apple-branded TV, Huberty said,
"We also believe Apple is in the early design stages for a TV, which could add $19 billion and $4.50 of annual revenue and EPS longer-term," said the analyst.
Huberty previously reported that checks with Asian suppliers suggested Apple was working on a "Smart TV prototype."
Recent reports citing a "former Apple executive" also indicate there are plans in Cupertino for a new, iOS-based full-fledged television set.
Specifically, DailyTech reported last week that this former Apple employee said Apple plans to "blow Netflix and all those other guys away" by bundling Apple TV and iTunes inside a physical television set.
The company is reportedly talking with a major supplier to craft the hardware. Many believe this company is Samsung, the Korean-based electronics maker who is also responsible for the A4 and A5 chips inside Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch players.