Rumors are flying regarding Apple’s next move, specifically surrounding the “iPhone 5S” smartphone.

The International Business Times joined the fray(Opens in a new window) with a prediction that the iPhone 5S – Apple’s sixth-generation device – will hit retail channels this year, accompanied by Apple’s rumored low-cost, color-cased iPhone that’s designed to appeal to emerging markets and/or those who can’t otherwise break the bank for an Apple smartphone.

According to the paper, Apple will launch the iPhone 5S on Sept. 20, with a press event around Sept. 10. The low-cost iPhone – be it the iPhone 6, the iPhone Light, or the iPhone Lil’ (our suggestion) — will have to wait a week or two before its official launch, likely on Sept. 27 or Oct. 4.

IBT opines that Apple is likely to use the same timeframe for the official release of iOS 7 as it did for iOS 6 – 100 days after the operating system was officially unveiled. Since CEO Tim Cook showed off iOS 7 at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, flashing forward 100 days puts the (alleged) consumer release date of the operating system on Sept. 18.

“That said, Apple would never release its newest iOS without some new hardware to go with it. This is why we fully expect Apple to release the iPhone 5S just two days after the release date for iOS 7, on Sept. 20,” the paper said.

As for the launch of the rumored low-cost iPhone, IBT speculated that Apple wants to delay the release a bit as to not make its retail stores too crowded with simultaneous launches of two big devices – like it did with the September release of the iPhone 5 and October release of the iPad mini.

How well do IBT’s predictions track against the rest of the Apple punditry as of late? Pretty well, in fact: AppleInsider recently reported(Opens in a new window) that Avago Technologies, which makes wireless chips found in Apple’s iPhones, teased that one of its larger customers is gearing up for a new product launch. Some analysts see that “larger customer” as Apple, and that “new product launch” as a sign that Apple’s gearing up for an iPhone 5S September launch.

However, Citigroup’s Glen Yeung(Opens in a new window) took to the airwaves to comment that iPhone 5S production has likely been delayed anywhere from two to four weeks, based on comments he’s heard from manufacturers and suppliers within Apple’s supply chain.

“And while this does not preclude a September iPhone 5S launch date, we suspect volumes in September may consequently be challenged,” Yeung said.

As for the low-cost iPhone Apple allegedly has in the works, a recent report from the China Times suggested that suppliers have already started shipping parts for the device. That bodes well for a fall release date… but when, specifically, is anybody’s guess. And expect to see a lot more guessing as we head through the summer months.

Until then, check out PCMag’s review of the iPhone 5 and the slideshow above.