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The iPhone 5 could well go on sale next month, if these leaked screenshots are anything to go by. It seems that staff training has already begun and new “Apple fixtures” are being installed in stores.

According to 9to5mac Apple stores have begun iCloud and iOS 5 training. iOS 5 is the next major update to Apple’s mobile operating system and is due to launch on the iPhone 5 along with their cloud back-up and streaming service iCloud.

Apple typically roll out their major iOS release around the same time as a new iPhone launch. Apple stores then usually begin training staff for the new software in the couple of weeks leading up to the launch of the iPhone. So if that is anything to go by, Apple beginning their iOS 5 training within the last few days could mean the iPhone 5 is just around the corner; the rumor mill has been buzzing with news of a mid-October release date.

Apple Store employees have also begun receiving detailed information on Apple’s upcoming iCloud service which they will be trained in. iCloud will be launched alongside iOS 5, which is necessary because of iCloud’s full integration into the next-generation iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple TV operating system.

An unnamed tipster from an Apple store has also claimed to know rather a lot about the iPhone 5 “from a staff training event”, and claims it had a 4-inch screen and a dual-core 1.5GHz processor.

In addition to the screenshot above, another leaked image sent to ThisIsMyNext shows that Best Buy are preparing their in-store installions for the new Apple products. As you can see from the screenshot, a store manager/key holder is required to be on-hand at 6AM on Friday, October 21 so that an important “Apple fixture” can be installed on displays.

The installation of a new “Apple Fixture” seems to indicate a mid-October announcement of the new phone and a possible release date of October 21st for the new iPhone 5. The tipster also stated that 6am was an uncommon practice by Best Buy for installing new fixtures; however this did happen before for the iPhone 4 launch.

What are your thoughts on these latest iPhone 5 rumors? Let us know what you think via Twitter, Facebook or leave us a comment below.

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