Apple's new iPhone is on-track for a September launch and recently leaked images of the handset are "very likely authentic", Digital Spy said citing a source.

Apple Insider reports a "trusted industry insider" as saying that the sixth generation of the iPhone - often referred to as the iPhone 5 due to the numerical run of previous models - will launch as expected on September 12.

Sharp, a key display supplier to Apple, recently stated that it will start shipping the new iPhone screens in August.

Despite previous suggestions that problems experienced by Apple's component manufacturers will cause a delay to the iPhone 5 launch window, it is now thought the supply chain is prepared for the much anticipated new handset.

Apple Insider's source claims that images recently posted online supposedly showing a fully assembled new iPhone are "very likely authentic".

The images depicted a taller smartphone with a larger 4-inch display, and fitted with the new smaller connector that Apple has supposedly developed to save space in its mobile devices.

They also appeared to suggest that the handset's rear will have a metal top and bottom in a uni-body casing, possibly featuring a Gorilla Glass inlay to aid heat dispersion and boost phone reception.

Apple Insider noted that the design differs slightly from previous iPhone handsets and the wireless connectivity features may help prevent similar signal issues as reported by some buyers of the iPhone 4 in 2010.

Also, TechCrunch has claimed to have spotted the iPhone 5 mentioned on a 'reliable' source's server logs. The model is flagged as 'iPhone5,2'.