Apple is expected to launch the sixth generation iPhone in October, around the same time the tech giant released the iPhone 4S a year ago. However, if the latest reports are to be believed, then the device will hit stores a month earlier i.e. in September along with the launch of highly rumored iPad Mini.

Topeka Capital Market analyst Brian White, who is visiting with component suppliers in Taipei along with the Computex 2012 show, told 9to5Mac on Monday that Apple is likely to launch iPhone 5 in September rather than in October. The analyst also claims that Apple will release its 7-inch iPad along with iPhone 5 in the same launch event which is likely to be scheduled in September this year.

The tech site also posted images of what it claims to be shell of Apple's upcoming flagship smartphone last week. The leaked images suggest a larger display, smaller dock connector and aluminum unibody design. The leaked photos affirm previous reports that Apple iPhone 5 packs 4-inch display with 1,136 X 640 pixels resolution. The screen is clearly taller in size, however it maintains 16:9 aspect ratio. Reuters and Wall Street Journal also believed that 4-inch display in Apple iPhone 5 is a confirmed deal.

However, in case of iPad Mini, only a little is known until now, expect that it will pack a smaller display. Reports suggest that the screen size of iPad Mini feature 7.85-inch display with a resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels, which is same as the original iPad and iPad 2. The tablet is likely to be priced around $200, so that it can compete with entry-level tablets.

Some analysts also believe that a cheaper iPad (iPad Mini) could be a downfall for Apple. However, if cheaper and competitive tablets like the rumored Google Nexus tablet, which is believed to be priced at $199, debut in the market, Apple may face tough competition as a result the company can lose its dominance position in tablet market. Apple iPad is may also face threat from Windows 8 tablets, that have been revealed at Taipei's Computex 2012 show and are hitting stores later this year.