While we're used to Apple releasing a new iPhone every year, it looks that will all change in 2013. According to one analyst, Apple will be releasing the iPhone 5S in June or July.
Jeffries analyst Peter Misek previously stated that a new iPhone with NFC coming in the first half of 2013.
"Our checks indicate that preliminary builds for the iPhone 5S will start in March for a launch in June/July. As word of the earlier production schedule starts to spread, we believe we could see a slight showing of demand CQ1 in anticipation of the new product launch and Apple will likely start curtailing channel inventory," Misek wrote in a new Jan. 2013 report.
The iPhone 5S is believed to part of Apple's strategy to increase its lineup diversity and frequency against its Android competitors such as Samsung. Analysts believe the iPhone 5S will launch in multiple colors and with a Full HD display. The iPhone 5S is also expected have a larger 5-inch screen and be running iOS 7.
Misek also goes on to state that he has evidence enough for two iPhone models currently being developed. He does state, however, that one of them could be the low-cost iPhone that is expected to release second half of 2013.
"Similar to the iPad mini, we expect a concentrated low-cost iPhone rather than a 'cheap' one. Likely specs: polycarbonite case with a 4" non-Retina display and no LTE. We believe a new low-cost iPhone would increase Apple's share, decrease [gross margins], but have little impact on [earnings per share]."