Apple has plans to launch the next generation iPhone on Friday, October 7, according to a report on 9to5mac.com.

Sources inside Apple say that the company has been deciding between an October 7 or October 14 launch date but since pre-mass-production line is currently moving along nicely, Apple is currently leaning towards the earlier launch date of October 7.

Apple is also planning to offer pre-order plans for the new iPhone. The company hasn't finalized the date but loyal customers can start pre-ordering either on Thursday, September 29 or on Friday, September 30. A September pre-order would also mean that Apple's yearly fall event would take place in early September. Apple's fall event is usually when the company announces new iPhones, iPods and iPad news.

There have been rumors that Apple will be releasing two new iPhones for the fall debut. One the often talked about and much awaited iPhone 5 and the other a cheaper and possibly pre-paid iPhone dubbed the iPhone 4S. The new iPhone 5 will sport the dual core A5 processor, an eight megapixel camera and the latest upgrade to the iOS. Other exciting new features for the iPhone 5 are the voice based navigation system and panorama photography capabilities.

Again it should be noted that with Apple being so secretive, the company can always change the launch date on the last minute. For now an October launch date is in the company's plans as well as a September pre-order period.