Till mid-August our sources were still saying that Apple was planning to launch iPhone 5 before start of fall (early or mid September). However, now it looks like they were wrong even if by just few days, more and more evidence is piling up for an October iPhone 5 launch. Also evidence that iPhone 5 will see a complete redesign is becoming very strong.

Let start with the evidence of complete redesign of iPhone 5, Apple is known for their very true to life like artwork in applications like iTunes, for example the iPhone 4 or iPad icons used to show the devices in iTunes looks almost like the device itself. In a recent Photo Stream beta release Apple has added a new icon to show iPhone. The icon is totally different from current iPhone 4 design and features an edge-to-edge screen with elongated home button. This would indicate that if Apple is as serious as before about the artwork / icon in applications then iPhone 5 will definitely see complete design change. 9to5mac posted an image showing the design change based on that icon.

Also case makers are known to get their hand on Apple’s upcoming product design specifications before the product is actually announced. Cases for iPhone 3G and iPhone 4 started showing up before the devices were announced. And now cases of iPhone 5 have started showing up. A website called macitynet.it has posted images of these cases with iPhone 4 placed in them for size comparison. The cases are wider and longer than the iPhone 4, but they are also shallower and tapered, again indicating design change.

From what we have heard the next gen iPhone 5 will be even thinner than iPod touch, with a bigger screen and elongated home button.

Now evidence about launch date, according to Japanese site Macotakara Apple has started iPhone 5 manufacturing with Foxconn producing 85% of the units and Pegatron 15%. Large scale shipment of iPhone 5 from the factories will start in early October after iOS 5 is installed on the new devices. This rumor along with the news that Deutsche Telekom has started taking pre-order for iPhone 5 in preparation for launch demand, even though they have no information about iPhone 5 specs indicates that the phone launch is coming within next few weeks.

Also the leaked Best Buy documents posted by BGR and This is My Next show that the Best Buy stores are preparing for an October iPhone 5 launch. BGR’s document says “iPhone 5 product introduction expected, pre-sales begin for expected October week 1 launch / Sprint launches iPhone 5”. While This is My Next’s document says “Process Display or Granger will be installing an Apple fixture on the large C2 end displays.” The installation will take place on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 6 AM.

These two documents, Deutsche Telekom’s pre-order process and manufacturing news from Macotakara indicate that iPhone 5 pre-orders will start in early October (maybe first week) and the phone sales will start in third week mostly on Friday, October 21st.