Is Apple’s (AAPL) annual mobile device launch schedule accelerating? The fourth-generation iPad launched in September this year after the third-generation model was released in March, and now a report on Monday from Chinese newspaper Commercial Times claims Apple’s manufacturing partners will begin trial production of the next-generation “iPhone 5S” in December after the iPhone 5 just launched less than two months ago. Initial volumes are said to be in the range of 50,000 to 100,000 units.
According to the report, Apple is looking to get a jump on production to avoid the yield issues it is facing with the current iPhone 5 model, which have resulted in ongoing supply shortages. Commercial Times goes on to state that volume production will begin in the first quarter of 2013. While the paper does not indicate exactly when the new iPhone might launch, it does claims the iPhone 5S will be released in the first half next year along with a new iPad and Apple’s much rumored HDTV.
