iPhone 5S could launch early as manufacturers reportedly receive parts

Apple’s latest iPhone handset could receive an earlier release as Chinese manufacturers report parts for the device have begun to arrive.

First reported by rumour blog Patently Apple, word from manufacturers based in China is that parts set to feature within the new iPhone have already been shipped, with the report even naming the rumoured device as the iPhone 5S.

The report continues to speculate that following the receipt by manufacturers of new iPhone parts, a potential release of the device could come sooner rather than later.

Historically, Apple has maintained a two-month gap between the receipt of parts and the start of production of its new devices, which would indicate that work on the iPhone 5S is to begin in July.

Whether that will have an effect on the device’s availability remains to be seen, as Apple traditionally opts for a September release for its new products.

Given the recent release of rival Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S 4 smartphone, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Apple working to have its own new flagship handset on the market.