According to a new report from BGR, Apple is in the final stages of preparing iOS 5 for release to the public. The eighth beta is due to be sent to developers this Friday, with a final beta going out a week later.
After beta 8, Apple will introduce a Gold Master build on or around September 23rd as has been rumored. We believe that build is what will be loaded onto the already-assembled iPhone 5 hardware currently waiting for final software in China.
Pending approval from Apple’s mobile carriers, Apple’s plan is to release iOS 5 on October 5th. This fits with plans to send the final iOS 5 build out to iPhone 5 assemblers late this month in readiness for the expected iPhone 5 launch in mid October.