Skip to main content

Rumor: iPhone 5S to start production this quarter, on the shelves this summer

iphone-5S
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Attention Mac freaks: get your city sidewalk tents, lounge chairs, and fully stocked coolers ready. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Apple is gearing up to begin production of the next generation of iPhone this quarter. It’s never too early to prepare for the three-plus-day outdoor sleepover we all know you’re going to have to get your hands on one before everyone else.

If this rumor proves to be true, then we could see the new iPhone hit the shelves — for approximately 37 seconds — as early as this summer, much sooner than we expected, pointing toward a traditional June debut for the iPhone.

The unnamed sources — who are likely Apple employees due to WSJ’s streak of successfully reporting rumors with impeccable accuracy — told WSJ that the new phone would be similar in shape and size to the iPhone 5. The significance of this? The new release will likely be the 5S, rather than the 6. This means the new iPhone will likely only consist of a software upgrade rather than hardware, similar to the 4S.

But that doesn’t mean we still won’t see sidewalk sleepers eager to get their hands on one.

The report also claims that Apple is, in fact, still working on a new, affordable version of the phone, though there’s no news as to when production on those will start. The company is supposedly working with manufacturers in Asia to work out the details on the cheaper version.

While word on the street claims that the iPhone Mini (or whatever Apple calls it) will actually still rock the same 4-inch screen, the casing is where one of the big changes will be seen. Rather than the metal body the current model has, it may be plastic or even carbon fiber. To boot, it may be available in a slew of colors, much like the latest generation of iPods.

Are you excited about the potential new release? Lukewarm? Indifferent?

Editors' Recommendations

Joshua Pramis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Spending a childhood engrossed in such technologically inspiring television shows like Voltron, Small Wonder, and Power…
Best iPhone 15 deals: How to get Apple’s latest iPhone for free
The display on a green iPhone 15.

The iPhone 15 is Apple’s current flagship phone, and it’s also one of its most popular phones. It’s come storming out of the gate since its release and has skyrocketed to make our ranks of the best phones. Its popularity can make it difficult to find iPhone 15 deals, but there are some out there. We’ve rounded up the best iPhone 15 deals going on right now, and while most of them entail trading in a device for savings, trade-in value is very high and could land you a free iPhone 15 if you’re trading in the right device. We’ve got all of those details below, so read onward and start saving on a new Apple iPhone 15.
Today's best iPhone 15 deals

: Get up to $830 in savings when you trade in a similar device. Also included is 3 free months of Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and 4 free months of Apple Arcade.
: Save up to $830 with device trade-in and inclusion of Verizon Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans.
: Save up to $830 via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a line on a qualifying plan and trade in an eligible device.
: Save up to $700 when you trade in an eligible device and commit to an AT&T Unlimited plan of more than $76 per month.

Read more
Best phone deals: Save on the iPhone, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and more
Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro cameras seen from the back.

There are a lot of phone deals worth shopping right now. Among the best phones you’ll find top names like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola, and you’ll find them among the best phone deals as well. With so many brands and models out there to choose from, we thought we’d round up the best phone deals to shop right now. Reading onward you’ll find some great ways to save on a new phone, as well as a little information on why each phone may be the right one for you.
Motorola edge 2023 256GB (Unlocked) -- $350, was $600

The Motorola Edge 2023 is (almost) a Google Pixel 8 killer. It features a unique leather back, which feels great, a gorgeous curved display, and solid day-to-day performance. But most of all, it offers excellent battery life and all in an Android package you're gonna love. The current deal price is one of the best we've seen, making it more accessible than ever.

Read more
Why you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of the iPhone 15 Pro
Someone holding an iPhone 15 Pro Max outside on a patio, showing the back of the Natural Titanium color.

If you want the best iPhone money can buy in 2024, you have two options: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They have the same chipset, similar display technology, nearly identical cameras, etc. It's a really close battle, save for the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro is $200 cheaper.

It might be tempting to save some cash and choose the iPhone 15 Pro, but I recommend you splurge for the larger (and more expensive) iPhone 15 Pro Max. Why? Let me explain.
It's a big iPhone you won't hate using

Read more