Verizon: iPhone 5 Release Date Later Than Expected

While most analysts and so-called experts anticipate well see the next-generation iPhone released in September or October, one prognosticator whos closer to the process than most of us has already seen his predicted release date come and go.

Speaking this week at the Oppenheimer Technology & Communications Conference and broadcast via webcast Verizon CFO Fran Shammo said he thought the iPhone 5 wouldve made its debut by now.

Obviously we’re disappointed that the iPhone 5 didn’t come out in June we continue to prepare for it and when that comes we’ll be ready,” Shammo said. He reiterated what most of us expect: He thinks the next iPhone will likely come out in the fall, but isnt ready to stake his life on it.

The iPhone has been a big success for Verizon Wireless since it first got its hands on the device earlier this year, breaking AT&Ts exclusive stranglehold on the iconic smartphone. The carrier activated 2.3 million iPhone 4 units in the second quarter alone, it stated in its earnings call last month. At that time, now-Verizon Communications CEO Lowell McAdam said he, too, expected to see the next iPhone in June or July, but anticipated the release would now come in the fall.

Shammos comments only fuel the speculation that takes on epic proportions every year leading up to the anticipated release. Mid-September now seems to be the consensus of opinions and whether its a full-blown iPhone 5, a less-expensive, souped-up iPhone 4, or both remains to be seen. Apple, as usual, is keeping the wraps on any release date as tight as possible.