Apple to Begin Production of Next iPhone This Quarter, Summer Launch Possible

iphone_5_lteThe Wall Street Journal reports that Apple will begin production on the next iPhone this quarter, setting the stage for a potential launch this summer.

Apple Inc. plans to begin production of a new iPhone similar in size and shape to its current one in the second quarter of the year, according to people familiar with the device's production, teeing up a possible summer launch for the next version of its flagship device.

At the same time, Apple continues to work with its manufacturing partners in Asia on a less expensive iPhone that could be launched as soon as the second half of this year, these people said.

In line with some previous rumors, the report claims that the lower-cost iPhone will include a 4-inch display like the iPhone 5, and likely make use of plastic casing materials. The report claims that Apple has been testing "different color shells" for the lower-cost iPhone but that its ultimate plans remain unclear.

Update: The Wall Street Journal has expanded its report to include additional context, including word that iOS 7 is expected to debut in the middle of this year, presumably alongside the new iPhone hardware as is tradition for Apple.

How the innards of the next iPhone may differ from the iPhone 5, which went on sale last September, remains unclear. Apple often upgrades the processor and other components like the camera between models. Apple is also expected to ship the next version of its iOS mobile operating system around midyear, other people familiar with the matter have said.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone eSIM Feature

Apple Hints at iPhone 17 Models Lacking SIM Card Slot in More Countries

Sunday August 31, 2025 8:52 am PDT by
Another hint has surfaced that Apple is preparing to eliminate the physical SIM card tray from iPhones in more countries this year. In particular, a source familiar with the matter has informed MacRumors that retail employees at Apple Authorized Resellers in the EU are required to complete a training course related to iPhones with eSIM support by Friday, September 5. There are 27 countries...

Top Rated Comments

Northgrove Avatar
162 months ago
The iPhone 5 is already awesome in my opinion. The problem isn't the phone. It's the freaking OS.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cclloyd Avatar
162 months ago
We all look for the 5S then BAM iPhone 7. It's so good it skips 6.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nepalisherpa Avatar
162 months ago
If June/July launch is to happen then we should see an event within the next two weeks or so. I am more curious about iOS 7 than 5S.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
absurdamerica Avatar
162 months ago
Cheaper iPhone just sounds like the dumbest idea ever. Apple wants to be known as the Ferrari of the technology industry. Ferrari would never announce a cheap Ferrari.

No, comparing a phone manufacturer to a super-premium luxury automaker is the dumbest idea ever.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ajvizzgamer101 Avatar
162 months ago
Cheaper iPhone just sounds like the dumbest idea ever. Apple wants to be known as the Ferrari of the technology industry. Ferrari would never announce a cheap Ferrari.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
clibinarius Avatar
162 months ago
They'd better deliver something to make me optimistic about or...I'm done with iOS. I'm not a fan of having to jailbreak and not update anymore. That's the main drawback of google, right? Waiting for a release of software?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)