Edible Apple

A new report from the China Times relays that the iPhone 5 has already begun trial production with the final product expected to launch during the third quarter of this year. The report notes that the device will feature a 4-inch scratch resistant touch screen along with changes to its metal chassis to improve signal reception.

Numerous reports over the past few weeks have also indicated that Apple’s next-gen iPhone will sport a larger screen to line up more closely with the growing number of Android handsets that feature screens larger than the 3.5 inch screen of the iPhone 4 and all previous models. Note, though, that the iPhone 5 will by all accounts have the same form factor as the iPhone 4 albeit with an edge-to-edge screen.

The China Times also reports that the iPhone 5 will include NFC functionality, though there have been a number of conflicting reports as to that particular feature. It’s also believed that the iPhone 5 will come with the A5 processor first showcased on the iPad 2 and a metal back in place of the current glass back of the iPhone 4.