iPhone 5 to debut on October 15, says France Telecom CEO

Apple's iPhone 5 has been rumoured for release on October 15.

France Telecom CEO Stephane Richard has claimed to have heard from an inside source that the iOS device will launch one week later than previously speculated, reports TechRadar.

"If we believe what we have been told, the iPhone 5 will be released on October 15," he told the French media during a business conference.

The report notes that October 15 is a Saturday, which would not be consistent with Apple's policy of rolling out new products on a weekday. However, the original iPad was released on a Saturday.

The iPhone 5 is rumoured to sport a teardrop design akin to the new iPod Touch. The device may also have an aluminium metal backing, rather than the current glass back piece, and is likely to feature the new iOS5 operating system.

Speculation about the handset's specs flooded the internet after a prototype version of the phone was reportedly lost by an Apple employee in a bar.

Apple is yet to announce a press event for the unveiling of the iPhone 5.