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  (Photo: M.I.C Gadget / 9to5Mac)
  iPhone 5 screens are reportedly being inspected by workers at a Wintek manufacturing plant.

A leading analyst has claimed that Apple will only release one new iPhone model in October, contradicting rumors that the company is set to release two or even three handsets into the competitive market.

The comments come as Apple prepares to hold a media event on Oct. 4, to unveil the next generation iPhone 5.

Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair has released a note to clients saying: "We don't expect a second, dramatically different iPhone to accompany this as we don't think Apple needs to have three models in the market to address the high end, mid-tier and low end since the iPhone 4 (with memory lowered to 8 GB) will drop to $99 and effectively attack those markets.”

Blair has added that he believes the focus of the new iPhone to be the iOS 5, a speedier A5 processor and a higher resolution 8 MP camera with a possibility of a larger 4-inch screen.

"We believe the casing will be largely similar to the iPhone with some particular modifications to the antennae,” he said.

The analyst has said, "Our view is that pre-orders for the iPhone will start within days of the event and units will be available within 10 days of the start of pre-orders. We believe the new iPhone 5 will offer slightly modified hardware on a faster processor.”

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He also went on to cast doubt on rumors that an iPhone 4S and an iPhone 5 could be forthcoming in October.

"A 4S would simply cost more and a 4S itself wouldn't create a mid-tier market unless it was priced at $99 and the iPhone 4 went to $49 with the new iPhone at $199. We see this scenario as unlikely,” he concluded.