Apple to start trial runs of an improved iPhone 5S in December, new iPad mini on tap for 2013

The initial batch trials are said to be 50,000-100,000 units, claim the paper's sources, with production ramping up for shipments in the first quarter of next year. Now we doubt that Apple will introduce an upgraded version of the iPhone 5 so soon after its announcement, though it already broke its typical annual upgrade cycle with the iPad 4, releasing it just half a year after the new iPad launched.

This was necessitated by the introduction of the new Lightning connector, though, and the improvements in tablet Retina display technology, whereas the iPhone 5 already comes with the latest and greatest in-touch LCD screen and the new connector, and only has problems keeping up with the demand for it.

The source says Apple has been certifying different components and materials for the 5S, so that might be one more way to address yield rates. Alternatively, the 5S might be just an improved manufacturing method that addresses the scuffs and touchscreen issues, so there's no point speculating further until we have something more concrete.

The Commercial Times source also says that Apple is said to release an upgraded version of the iPad mini a quarter after it starts shipping the improved iPhone 5S, which could mean next summer.

source: CT via Digitimes