iPhone 5 will reportedly launch in the fall

Apple

(CNET) - The iPhone 5 will make its debut in the fall, at least according to Japanese blog Macotakara.

Pointing to a scoop from an "Asian reliable source," the site says that Apple will unveil its next iPhone in September or October and maintain that same launch cycle for years.

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In the past Apple has traditionally released its latest iPhone in the early summer, with the

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reaching customers in June and the 3G in early July. But last year the company broke the mold by delaying the debut of the

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.

Macotakara's information contradicts opinions from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster and other Apple watchers that the iPhone 5 would reach consumers midsummer. The report itself was short and sweet, with no explanation given as to why Apple would permanently alter the release cycle. But if Macotakara's source is on the level, there are a few reasons why the company might keep the fall timeframe.

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Apple has typically held an iPod event in the fall. But iPod sales now account for a much smaller piece of Apple's pie, notes Apple Insider.

The 2010 iPod lineup, including the iPod Touch, Shuffle, Nano, and Classic, sported few changes from the previous generation, so the focus last October was clearly on the new iPhone.

Launching the iPhone 4S in October just ahead of the holiday season also helped Apple ring in a record quarter as eager shoppers scooped up the new phone for themselves and as gifts. Even further, with iPhone 4S sales going gangbusters, it seems unlikely Apple would release a new iPhone less than a year after the current model.

For now, we'll have to add this latest report to the rumor list.

This article first appeared at CNET.

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