The iPhone 5S release date is quickly becoming a hot issue. Apple recently released the iPhone 5 in Sept. 2012, however the iPhone 5S release date is expected to drop this summer 2013. The new device is said to be thinner, cheaper, in color, and also featuring iOS 7 software.

A Chinese tech website published leaked images of the iPhone 5S. According to the photos, iPhone 5S release date will feature a thinner Apple smartphone. Other rumors confirm that the device will indeed be running on a new operating system-- iOS 7.

"One developer showed us that Apple has been testing hardware relating to a new 'iPhone6,1′ identifier, powered by a device running iOS 7, which is expected to be released by Apple in the middle part of this year..." TNW reports. "Apple's current flagship, the iPhone 5, bears the identifiers 'iPhone5,1′ and 'iPhone 5,2′ depending on the LTE model of the handset and the 4G bands on which it operates."

Analyst, Brian White at Topeka Capital also added that the iPhone 5S will also come in a variety of sizes and colors.

"Apple is preparing a new iPhone in multiple colors and sizes... The next iPhone is going to come out in the May-June time frame" White said.

iLounge, who correctly reported on rumors regarding the iPhone 5's price, confirms that the iPhone 5S will be cheaper than the current flagship phone.

"In summary, the budget iPhone will look a lot like an iPhone 5 from the front, an iPod classic from the side, and an iPod touch 5G on the bottom-only made from plastic rather than glass or metal. It won't make any bold departures from past Apple designs, but then, it's supposed to be an inexpensive iPhone, and achieves that goal pretty much as expected."

Check out leaked photos of the iPhone 5S!