Apple has asked Foxconn parent company Hon Hai Precision Industry Co to begin assembly on both a high-end and a low-end iPhone in early September, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Apple is believed to be preparing both a high-cost version of its smartphone, using a metal casing, alongside a lower-cost plastic version.
According to supply chain sources in Asia, mass production of components for the devices began in June.
The company is at this point planning a launch event for September 10, although it is unclear whether the company will showcase one or both of the two devices.
In a bid to steal some of Apple’s thunder, Samsung is planning its own event on September 4, at which it will launch a large-screen Galaxy Note tablet and a smartwatch called Galaxy Gear.
Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
