SAN FRANCISCO - Apple is
expected to unveil the iPhone 5 at its next big media event
scheduled for Oct 4, according to sources quoted by online
technology publication AllThingsD yesterday.
This means that the next generation iPhone will be released within
a few weeks following the announcement, the Dow Jones-owned
publication said.
"While Apple could certainly change its plans any time, sources
said that the Oct 4 date has been selected by the company to
showcase the iPhone 5," it said.
The plan reportedly calls for Apple's new chief executive Tim Cook
to preside over the launch. Mr Cook, 50, took over as CEO of the
California-based gadget-maker after Apple co-founder Steve Jobs
resigned last month.
Mr Jobs has presided over Apple's product launches in the past and
AllThingsD said "the pressure will be on Cook to turn in a good
performance especially after what has so far been a very smooth
leadership transition at Apple".
The publication added: "What will be interesting to see, of course,
is if Jobs himself will also make an appearance, which is something
that is likely to be determined by his health, in a decision that
will be made very close to the event."
Mr Jobs, who was named Apple chairman, had been on medical leave
since Jan 17 after battling a rare form of cancer since 2003 and
surviving a liver transplant in 2009.
The Wall Street Journal quoted Ticonderoga Securities analysts as
saying the Oct 4 plan sounds right to them and that the actual
launch should follow quickly after the media event.
The iPhone 4 was released by Apple in June last year and 20.34
million of the devices were sold last quarter.
