^[1]

According to ^[2] Digitimes, market observers believe that Apple’s suppliers will have a very strong first quarter of 2013 due to launches of the new iPhone and iPad expected in the middle of the next year. The report said:

“Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation iPad and iPhone series around the middle of 2013, which will boost demand for ICs in particular communications related chips during the latter half of the first quarter, according to the observers”.

The claim is somewhat in line with another report ^[3] saying that Apple will start trial production of the iPhone 5S in December with volume production scheduled for the first quarter of 2013.

The claim of “the middle of 2013" releases seems to be fairly questionable in light of Apple’s recent history of fall releases for the iPhone and iPad. But if Apple will indeed accelerate the iPad and iPhone launches, we certainly see more reports in the coming months.