iPhone 5S Release Date Rumors: September Launch Projected; Design Similar to iPhone 5, Says Analyst

Release date speculation for Apple's next smartphone intensifies as an analyst forecasts a September launch.

According to Jefferies & Co.'s Peter Misek on Bloomberg TV, a June debut of the iPhone 5S is "not going to happen." A September launch is expected instead.

Misek noted it would normally take 60 to 90 production days before introducing the mobile phone to retailers, therefore, production could start in June for a late-August or early-September launch. A September launch would make it approximately the same time as the iPhone 5 launch last year (Sept. 12).

The Jefferies & Co. analyst added that the iPhone 5S will be "broadly similar" to the iPhone 5. A possible difference, however, is that the iPhone 5S may have a fingerprint sensor.

"There's still a chance it could come in multiple colors. It's a virtual lock that you will get better processors and a 12-megapixel camera. The changes will be largely under the hood, as they were with the 4S," said Misek.

In regards to how the iPhone 5S will fare against the recently released Samsung Galaxy S4, Misek stated the two smartphones "don't really compete."

While noting the 5-inch screen size of the Galaxy S4, Misek said, "We think Samsung will take significant market share this year. Here in the U.S., Apple will continue to garner great market share. The pressure for a larger-screen phone will continue to mount. Based on our supply chain work and our research on Apple's technology, we don't think they can produce a larger screen iPhone till the middle of next year at the earlier."

Misek's projections differ from a NoWhereElse's report, which featured a document from Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI stating a July release date is set with June 20 likely for pre-orders. As for features, the report noted the iPhone 5S will utilize iOS 7, NFC, and have a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, up 5 megapixels from the iPhone 5's 8-megapixel camera.

Apple hasn't confirmed any of the information above, but CEO Tim Cook stated has stated new devices will be introduced "this fall and throughout 2014."

"I don't want to be more specific, I'm just saying we've got some really good stuff coming in the fall and in all of 2014," said Cook.

For the latest on the iPhone 5S, click here.