Apple plans to begin production of a refreshed iPhone, similar in size and shape to its current one, in the second quarter of the year, people familiar with the phone's production told the Wall Street Journal. The production schedule suggests Apple is preparing a summer launch for the next version of its flagship device. At the same time, Apple continues to work with its manufacturing partners in Asia on a less expensive iPhone that could be launched as soon as the second half of this year, the report said. The four-inch device likely will use a different casing from the higher-end iPhone. Apple has been working on different color shells for the phone but its plans remain unclear. Apple is also expected to ship the next version of its iOS mobile operating system around mid-year, other sources told the paper. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
