The iPhone 5 is set to be released in the coming months, and rumors are constantly swirling about what features will be displayed in the new device. In the most recent "leaks" specifications for the device include it having 1GB of RAM, integrated 4G LTE radios, and NFC (near-field-communications) hardware.

The features have been touted by BGR, which also stated that the device will be released either at the end of September or early October.

According to reports Apple is also employing new screen technology for its next-generation iPhone that will make it considerably thinner. A thinner screen, it is said, will yield a thinner device overall.

However, there have been contradicting reports over whether the iPhone 5 has already gone into production. Previous rumors had stated the device was already in its production stage, however, a new report by BGR has said otherwise.

Apple puts its devices through various stages before a product is manufactured, including an "engineering verification test" stage and the "design verification test" phase, according to the BGR.

The site believes, according to its sources, that the iPhone is currently in the first of those stages.

For the Verizon iPhone 4, that device went into the first "engineering verification test" in mid-November 2010, and did not make it to the second "design verification test" until December. Even then the phone was not released on the carrier until February 2011.

It has been reported that Sharp, LG, and a new company known as Japan Display are currently developing the new screen technology for Apple, known as "in cell" technology. This would mean the touch sensors would not be separated from the LCD, allowing the display to be significantly thinner. In the past touch screens are made with multi-layers, but "in cell" technology will look to streamline this design, making the screen about half a millimeter thinner and improve the display quality.

Tags: apple