'Exciting' Sept. could see Apple intro new iPhone, iPad 'mini'

Analyst Brian White with Topeka Capital Markets met this week with his contacts in the supply chain  who let him know that Apple is gearing up for what is expected to be an "exciting" September, where the company could launch both its next-generation iPhone, as well as smaller iPad.

White suggests that Apple is likely to launch its next-generation smartphone in September, rather than October. As far as you remember, the iPhone 4S was introduced in October, which was a few months later than the iPhone launch window that Apple had utilized in prior years.

White’s sources also believe that the next iPhone will feature a unibody aluminum casing manufactured by Foxconn. White also said his industry contact was "skeptical" about the prospect of Apple using material from Liquidmetal Technologies.

Last week, a number of parts allegedly from Apple's next iPhone began to surface online, and one of them showed what appeared to be a largely aluminum back with small pieces of glass at the top and bottom of the device. The component also suggested the next iPhone will be slightly taller, to accommodate a larger 4-inch screen, and would also see the headphone jack moved to the bottom of the device.

White also suggests that in September Apple could introduce a new iPad “mini” with a smaller 7.85-inch screen.