It had been rumored that the next version of Apple’s iPhone would begin production in September, making the release likely for late in the year or early next year. This was based on rumors from the supply chain.

Now, Reuters is reporting that the phones will actually ship in September according to “three people with direct knowledge of the company’s supply chain.” This would put production beginning in July or August.

According to these sources, the iPhone will have a faster processor, and will look similar to the iPhone 4.

Apple is currently in the midst of a legal battle with Samsung as the the latter company puts out products Apple feels are rip-offs of its iOS products.

There has been no shortage of rumors going around about the iPhone 5 (we don’t even know for sure that this next iPhone will actually be called the iPhone 5). Here is a round-up of some possibilities.

Last week, iOS got an upgrade, and the operating system is expected to get a major upgrade at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June.

Estimates of iPhone sales so far this year have been all over the place, but research does show they’re incredibly popular with teenagers. Apple reports its earnings later today.