Apple is expected to release a new version of the iPhone in October – not the September date that had been widely reported in the media. In the latest rumor, Boy Genius Report said that an unnamed high-level executive told his fellow employees at AT&T that the new iPhone would come out in October. In addition, TiPB reported the next iPhone would launch on Oct. 7 and pre-orders could be made starting on Sept. 30.

All Thing D has reported the iPhone 5 will launch in October, with the end of the month as the likely release time, according to a report from TechZone360.

In addition, a Deutsche Bank vice president told clients Apple may introduce a moderately-priced prepaid handset at the same time as the contract-only iPhone 5, TechZone360 said. It will have a prepaid voice plan. The handset, which may be known as the iPhone 4S, will cost about $349, TechZone360 added.

But as of now, it remains unclear what iPhone version or versions will be presented later this year. Appolicious.com said, “There is still debate between whether we’ll be getting an incremental update known colloquially as the iPhone 4S, or if this will be a bigger step forward, referred to as the iPhone 5.”

Whatever happens, Apple is gearing up for more orders. Manufacturers in Asia said Apple “increased its call for iPhones to 26 million for the last half of 2011,” Appolicious.com said.

In April, Techzone 360 reported that Apple could delay the launch of the much-anticipated iPhone 5 until sometime in 2012.

“Any launch is likely a very late 2011 or more likely a 2012 event,” Avian Securities said in a note reported by BusinessInsider, Techzone 360 said.

In April, CNET also reported Apple may have been considering what materials to use on the back of the iPhone 5, “possibly replacing the hardened glass with a metal backing.”

Apple may enlarge the size of the device from 3.5 inches to 4 inches, Techzone 360 reported. The larger size would give the new device a different resolution, CNET said. And increased screen size would let the device compete with the Google Android in the 4- to 7-inch smartphone market, DigiTimes said.

CNET also speculated that the new device could have a near field communications (NFC) chip. A new camera is also possible, CNET added.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.