Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn has already started production of the much awaited iPhone 5's successor, according to multiple sources.

The Japanese blog, Macotakara cited that Foxconn has begun "partial production" of the iPhone 5S and is being manufactured on the same production line as the iPhone 5. The blog also states that the information came from "reliable sources" and the same source has also revealed that the Japanese carrier provider - NTT Docomo is cutting back orders for Android devices in order to put up the next iPhone.

In an earlier report by iMore, sources familiar with the company said that Apple will launch the next generation of iPhone 5 in August and the iPads in April.

Meanwhile, Ming-Chi Juo, an analyst from KGI Securities has also revealed in a new research report Monday that Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5S and a lower-cost iPhone along with its updated operating system in June.

"We expect Apple will introduce its new iPhones and iOS7 in June, and start shipping the new iPhones (5S and low-cost model) in the FDD version in July. Both dates are earlier than last year's roadmap. We attribute this to: (1) an effort to avoid repeating the fatal mistake of last year of the delayed iPhone 5 launch, which gave competitors room to grab market share; and (2) the new iPhones this year are mainly designed on the basis of the current iPhone 5, which suggests development time could be reduced," said Kuo.

According to Kuo, the iPhone 5S will feature a fingerprint scanner beneath the home button for security. This feature will allow users to unlock the screen after scanning their fingerprint. A similar feature is already available on laptops but implementing the fingerprint security in the next iPhone would be the first feature of its kind in the smartphone segment.

It is also rumored that the iPhone 5S will sport an 8 megapixel primary camera with Smart Flash which will produce white or yellow light depending on the light condition. 

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