Apple iPhone 5 reportedly in trial production with Q3 launch eyed

China Times is reporting today that trial production has started on the Apple iPhone 5. The next version of the iconic touchscreen device is expected to be launched in the third quarter. As we reported, the device will feature support for NFC which could lead to a wireless payment system that could be used in lieu of credit cards to make payments at the register.

Some of the other changes to Apple's handset are things already bandied about in earlier discussions. For example, the financial paper expects the iPhone 5 to be equipped with a bigger 4 inch screen so that the phone can compete with the newer Android models which are sporting 4 inch to 4.3 inch displays. The bigger screen is supposed to stretch out all the way to the edge of the phone which will allow the handset to be the same size as the current model. Another big change involves the replacement the glass body seen on the current iPhone 4 with a less fragile metal chassis.

source: ChinaTimes (translated) via BGR