iPhone Rumor Mill Keeps Churning: Gore Slips Saying iPhones (plural!)

Recent reports are saying that Apple should be announcing its rumored-but-not-yet-confirmed iPhone 5 on October 4. Correction. Rumor mill now says iPhones.

Al Gore -- yes, the former vice president who is also an Apple board member -- was reported by The Next Web as saying phones plural:

He specifically stated that ‘the new iPhones would be out next month’ at the Discovery Invest Leadership Summit today.

We’ve been informed by Toby Shapshak, the editor of Stuff Magazine in South Africa that is attending the conference, that his quote was specifically: “Not to mention the new iPhones coming out next month. That was a plug.”

Shapshak says that the statement was definitely plural, although it wasn’t clear whether that meant two different models, as the statement was not clarified in any way by Gore.

This is the first time that anyone associated with the company has confirmed even one next generation phone is on the way:

Still, it’s pretty unusual to have an Apple Board member say anything definite about Apple’s Plans for future products, as its company policy is that it does not speak about them, period. Although Gore isn’t an Apple employee, he has been an influential member of Apple’s board, spearheading efforts to make the company more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

Earlier today it was also reported on All Things D a more specific -- but still rumored date -- for the release of iPhone 5. Drum roll, please:

Tuesday, Oct. 4.

That’s the day Apple is currently expected to hold its next big media event, according to sources close to the situation, where the tech giant will unveil the next iteration of its popular iPhone.

[...]

While Apple could certainly change its plans anytime, sources said that the Oct. 4 date has been selected by the company to showcase the iPhone 5. Sources added that the plan is now to make the new device available for purchase within a few weeks after the announcement.

Previous iPhone rumors of the last few months have included more general dates of the official announcement and design concepts. One rumored prototype in particular was reportedly left in a bar, picked up and then retrieved by Apple employees with the help of  the San Francisco Police Department.

[H/T Mac Daily]