Forget Rome, For Apple All Roads Lead To Fall Launch For New iOS Devices

Next month’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is shaping up to be Apple’s most software-centric event in years. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Cupertino won’t announce any iOS device refresh during its June 10 keynote. So when should we expect fancy new iPhones and iPads? All roads led to August or September, at the earliest.

The next iPhone

It wasn’t that long ago that most expected the WWDC keynote to feature the launch of the seventh-generation iPhone. However, with iOS 7 development said to be delayed, so too could be the arrival of Apple’s newest handset. Now, a fall release for the “iPhone 5S” or “iPhone 6” is much more likely. The new model is said to include a fingerprint scanner, come in multiple colors, and offer a better camera and processor. It could also include a sapphire crystal capacitive touch button for the first time. Likely launch: August/September

The so-called “iPhone mini”

Call it a case of déjà vu. Last year, the iPad mini largely overshadowed the launch of the fourth-generation iPad. In 2013, the flagship iPhone will likely share the stage with the so-called “iPhone mini.” The world’s first budget iPhone will likely feature a plastic shell, chips from Qualcomm, and sell for around $199. The big unknown is whether Apple will release this model worldwide or just in developing nations such as China and India. Likely launch: August/September

The fifth-generation iPad

At this point in 2012, Apple had announced the third-generation iPad, and little did we know, but another one would come along five months later. The latest iPad rumor comes courtesy of the hit-or-miss DigiTimes, which says that production on the fifth iPad begins in July, according to “sources within Taiwan’s supply chain.” According to the report:

The display of the new iPad, which will hit market shelves as early as September, will still be a 2,048 x 1,536 Retina display, the same as the one used in the 4th-generation model, except that the new display is built on a glass substrate of 0.2mm, thinner than the 0.25mm one for the 4th-generation device, the sources said, adding the new table will has a narrow bezel.

In other words, the next iPad will look a lot like the current iPad mini, except larger. Likely launch: September/October

iPad mini 2

The iPad mini 2 seems to be the tablet that people are most excited about and for good reason. This will be the version that will almost certainly include a Retina display. Beyond that, the second iPad mini should look a lot like its predecessor except with improved insides. For most of the winter, rumors suggested that the iPad mini 2 would launch in April. When that didn’t happen, the rumors began shifting to an early fall release. Not surprisingly, the next iPad mini is likely to launch alongside its fifth iPad. Likely launch: September/October

Bottom line

Don’t be too surprised to see Apple announce new iPhones in August or September, followed by a separate event a few weeks later for the new iPads. Of course, Apple could still surprise and release a new iOS device next month. Were this to happen, the most likely to launch would be the iPad mini 2, followed closely by the iPhone mini. As usual, we’ll keep you updated.

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