On Monday, China's Commercial Times reported that Apple will begin to mass produce the fifth-generation iPhone in May, ahead of the widely anticipated annual June or July roll out of the next-gen Apple smartphone. According to the report, Apple's overseas partners are already gearing up for a massive production schedule that will likely turn out the largest batch of iPhones for a new generation launch.
Ahead of the iPhone 5 production, the Commercial Times noted that iPad 2 production will begin in just weeks as a "small pilot" program. In March, production of the second generation tablet will swing into full gear, placing the iPad 2 on pace for the widely expected April launch. As anticipated, Foxconn will lead the production charge, remaining Apple's largest manufacturing partner, although suppliers - including Pegatron - will play increasingly bigger roles in the forthcoming mass productions.