It's looking increasingly likely that Apple will be launching its next-gen iPhone in September of this year, breaking its tradition of pushing a new handset out in the summer. Today the folks at Reuters have corroborated that rumor, reporting that, according to "three people familiar with the matter," Apple will begin production of the iPhone 5 in July and begin shipping it in September. The tipsters also claim to have some details on the device itself, saying that the fifth iPhone will look very similar to the iPhone 4 but will sport an upgraded processor.

There's still no word on exactly why Apple may be opting to launch the iPhone 5 in September rather than in the summer, but some speculate that it could have something to do with a delay in the camera sensors for the device or perhaps to space out the releases of the Verizon iPhone and white iPhone 4 with that of the new model. Whatever the reason, it certainly seems like we won't be seeing a new handset from Apple for another five months. If you're planning to upgrade to the iPhone 5, I hope you're happy enough with your current device to stick with it for a while longer.

Via 9 to 5 Mac, Reuters