A new report by Japanese Mac blog Macotakra (translated via Google Translate) has indicated that Apple is behind schedule on ordering parts for the next-generation iPhone. That could very well mean that instead of a summer release — as has been Apple’s tradition — the so-called iPhone 5 may not debut until the fall.
AppleInsider has suggested that Apple’s delay in ordering parts could mean that we won’t see a new iPhone during Apple’s fiscal year 2011, which ends on September 24. Apple will instead, the report surmises, focus on releasing the phone during the first half of fiscal year 2012 — and almost certainly in time for the 2011 holiday season.
Macotakra also went on to suggest that, although Apple has considered adopting an aluminum body for the iPhone 5, it has yet to commit to the new design. Rumors began circulating earlier this month that Apple was considering dropping the glass back found on the iPhone 4 in favor of a aluminum design.
Earlier today, Apple announced that its 2011 World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) would commence on June 6. Apple promised to unveil “the future of iOS and Mac OS,” but didn’t allude to any new hardware announcements. Apple has in the past used its annual WWDC to announce the next-generation of iPhone.