Another week, another rumor revolving around Apple's highly anticipated next-generation iPhone, presumably called the iPhone 5. According to the newest reports, Apple's new smartphone has already entered the production phase, will sport some design changes, including the addition of glass to the handset's "uni-body" backplate, and will arrive as soon as August.

On Saturday, July 14, a trusted source told Japanese Apple-centric blog Macotakara that Chinese manufacturers have started to ramp up production of the next-generation iPhone, which the Web site calls the "iPhone 5." Macotakara also noted the handset may include some minor design changes from parts allegedly leaked a while ago.

Previous reports have indicated the next-generation iPhone will sport a "uni-body" chassis with a two-tone all-metal design. Now, it seems the purported production model will also feature an inlayed glass piece between the top and bottom edges of the backplate rather than leaving a bare aluminum surface. Moreover, while the iPhone 4 and 4S iterations feature a "glass sandwich" design with tough Gorilla Glass protecting the front and back of the handsets, the upcoming unit will reportedly boast a backplate only "partially covered" by the material. This change could be related to the rumored screen size increase to a 4-inch Retina display with 16:9 aspect ratio.

Macotakara's source further added that the part seen in leaked images and video going viral around the Web is a pre-production design built for prototype testing. Another notable change in the latest chassis design is the absence of the small hole between the camera assembly and LED flash, which some thought it was a rear-facing microphone for video recording. The source did note, however, that the small opening may still be present, although "invisible" to the naked eye.

When it comes to launch date, a new report from Know Your Mobile pegs it much earlier than October, as most people expected. The Web site has obtained exclusive information that Apple's next-generation iPhone may arrive as soon as next month i.e. August. According to a "reliable industry source," the iPhone 5 launch will occur via a keynote speech on Aug. 7, Know Your Mobile reported. The news is in line with previous reports indicating Apple will push the release date forward from October to August.

The most awaited smartphone, the iPhone 5, is expected to boast Apple's latest mobile OS, iOS 6, which Apple has described as the "world's most advanced mobile operating system." The new iOS is likely to bring Facebook and iCloud integration, as well as tweaks to maps, camera, and an updated user interface.

There have been numerous rumors regarding the next-generation iPhone, and the rumor mill keeps churning incessantly. Very few details, however, have actually been confirmed. Apple's iPhone 5 is expected to boast a 4-inch Retina display with liquipel coating, NFC (near-field communication), 1GB of RAM, a more efficient battery, an updated version of Siri, and a smaller dock connector.