Super HD, NFC “iPhone 5S” Coming June?

SAN FRANCISCO – Apple is planning to launch an updated version of its iPhone 5 in June next year, according to Internet reports.

To be dubbed the iPhone 5s, it will feature a number of enhancements including a “super HD” display and camera, integrated NFC (near-field communications) and a better battery, according to Jefferies & Company analyst Peter Misek.

The phones will look much the same as the current model, which was launched in September, but will come in a range of six or eight colours – like the iPod Touch line – rather than just black or white, Misek maintains.

He believes it’s possible the new phone will also feature a Retina+ display and a 128GB storage option.

Misek notes that a June launch means Apple breaking free from the annual release schedule it has used it launched the first iPhone in 2007.

He suggests this is because the company wants to stagger its big product launches across the year.

This comes as pictures of an iPhone prototype surfaced last week, sparking rumours an iPhone 5S is in production.

The pics first leaked on French site Nowhereelse.fr, show an iPhone model identical to “5” but some minor internal tweaks including screws placed in a different pattern.

But Apple may want to capitalise on the popularity of iPhone while it can, as more competition from Android and now Windows Phone 8 threatens its marketshare.

Sales of iPhone 5S broke records – selling 5 million on its first three days of sale in September and Apple has been struggling to keep up with demand ever since, hindered by with supply issues in its Chinese manufacturing plants.

The larger 4 inch screen on i5 is said to be more complex to make then previous models due to its thinner body and other ‘design related difficulties’.