More iPhone 5 Rumors Point Towards a Delayed Launch Date

Yes, more iPhone 5 rumors are hitting the blogosphere and there's no doubt many more iPhone rumors will be on the way in consideration of the growing speculation that the iPhone 5 release date will be delayed well past what's become Apple's typical June / July iPhone release date.

The latest iPhone 5 rumor, courtesy of MacRumors, only adds fuel to the speculation that the iPhone 5 release date will be delayed until later this year.

"One MacRumors reader has, however, received word from an AT&T customer care representative that Apple has officially informed the carrier that there will be no new iPhone released in the usual June-July timeframe.

The disclosure came after the reader noticed that his eligibility date for a subsidized upgrade had been pushed back by over five months and contacted AT&T to inquire about the reason for the change. As part of a response outlining AT&T's criteria for determining upgrade eligibility dates, the agent reportedly offered the following statement as fact:

'Apple has informed us that they do not plan to release the iPhone in the June to July timeframe, though there will be a newer version in the future. Unfortunately, we have not been given a release time for the new phone. We will release this information on our website when it is available to us.'"

Even though most of the credible iPhone 5 rumors being leaked point towards a Fall iPhone release date, it's very possible that the new iPhone 5 release date could be delayed into the 2011 Holiday Season.  Either way, it's becoming increasingly doubtful that a new iPhone 5 launch date will take place in the early summer.  If you're on AT&T and are patiently waiting for the new iPhone 5, it looks like you will have to wait some more.  And, adding to the rumor mill, if the new iPhone 5 rumors are correct, and it doesn't launch until later this year, you may be better off waiting a few months longer for the rumored iPhone 6 release date and the new redesign that's supposed to come with it!

Yes, our hands are going to be full dealing with the new iPhone 5 or 6 rumors.  To get caught up to speed on some of the most recent iPhone 5 / 6 speculation, check out our iPhone posts (links included immediately below) and our thoughts on why Apple, outside of potential IOS 5 software or hardware supply delays, might be purposely looking towards pushing out the new iPhone 5 launch date.

• iPhone 5 Release Date
• iPhone 5 Release Date Update
• iPhone 6 Release Date Rumors

iPhone 5 Release Date

The rumor mill has had the iPhone 5 release date pegged for June or July 2011.  However, "The Loop" is now reporting that the iPhone 5 release date may not happen on Apple's traditional early summer product cycle release this year:

My sources said today that rumors of an iPhone 5 release at the end of June were completely false. -- The Loop

At this point, nothing should surprise us when it comes to Apple.  Yes, their iPhone product cycle release has become a bit predictable and Apple likes to be anything but predictable when it comes to bringing product to the market.  At a certain point, you also have to wonder if it's even feasible for Apple to remain competitive in the smartphone market if they're only going to update the iPhone once a year.

Android smartphones, for good reason and in a relatively short period of time, have become very popular with the consumer and are increasingly becoming extremely competitive when compared to the iPhone. In fact, at this point, some tech gurus would argue that Android smartphones are already surpassing the iPhone if you're willing to look past the polish and Android OS fragmentation.  "There's an App for that ..." could now be referring to the Android Market, too!

Adding further fuel to the fire, since there are countless smartphone manufacturers developing cell phone handsets powered by Google's Android, the competition is clearly resulting in the tech envelop being pushed to the limit.  There's no doubt that the Android vs iPhone debate can now be taken seriously and Apple has to be feeling this pressure.  They certainly didn't make it to the top of the hill by ignoring the obvious!

So, if you're holding off on purchasing a new Verizon iPhone 4 or a new AT&T iPhone 4, you may need to rethink your decision in case the rumor mill's got it right and there won't be an iPhone 5 release date to look forward to this summer!

Stay tuned as more iPhone 5 rumors will most certainly be hitting the tech wire in the days and weeks to come.