New Rumors Point to July Apple (AAPL) iPhone 5S Launch
A leaked document supposedly meant for employes of Japanese telecom KDDI's "au" wireless service showed the carrier will be taking pre-orders for the new iPhone 5S on June 20 ahead of a launch in July, AppleInsider pointed out. Documents were first posted to French website Nowhereelse.fr. If true this would be a major positive for Apple shares, as many are not expecting an iPhone refresh until the fall.
In addition to a sooner-than-expected release date, the document said the new device will have a fingerprint reader, 13-megapixel camera and iOS 7.
AppleInsider said they cannot vouch for the document's authenticity, but notes "the laminated paper is very similar to the current product and pricing "cheat sheets" referred to by many cell phone dealers and official carrier stores in Japan." That said, the website claims the cards can be easily be reproduced. The website also notes "the rumor may not be accurate as Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at product "surprises" for the fall quarter during the company's latest earnings call. Also, a recent research note from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted upgrades to Apple's MacBook lineup will be the highlight of the WWDC, with no indication given as to a new iPhone model launch."
Link to AppleInsider