Next iPhone Launch Date Set for September 12 [Updated]

Apple will launch the next iPhone on September 12, according to a rumor from the typically reliable AllThingsD. Citing sources, they say Apple has an event planned for an unspecific topic for the second week of September, and suggests the event will be for the new iPhone launch.

Pictures of what is claimed to be the next-generation iPhone have surfaced several times now, indicating components are being manufactured and leaked through various parts of the supply chain. Speaking of components, AllThingsD also posted a chart demonstrating substantial prepayment of component supplies by Apple, further suggesting an upcoming product launch:

The actual release date of the next iPhone remains unknown, but the device will likely ship with iOS 6 pre-installed, and Apple has said iOS 6 is set for a “Fall” release. Fall officially begins on September 22 of this year.

Update: Other media outlets including Bloomberg and the New York Times are now confirming the “iPhone 5” September 12 launch date, with Bloomberg reiterating an earlier rumor that Steve Jobs worked closely on the redesign before he passed away.

Update 2: The Wall Street Journal is also chiming in to confirm the September 12 date, saying the Apple event will discuss “new products” – note the plural, and then mentions the iPad mini:

The company is expected to hold an event on Sept. 12 to discuss new products, according to a person familiar with the matter. A new iPhone is expected later this year and Apple has also been working with suppliers on a new smaller cousin to the iPad.

iPad mini and a new iPhone launched on the same day? That would be something.