Shockingly, Apple is working on iPhone 6 and iOS 7

In shocking news, Apple is working on a successor to the iPhone 5, 2012’s “gadget of the year,” and is updating iOS, the operating system on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

OK, that is actually not a shock, and is pretty much expected, normal, and standard operating procedure for Apple. In fact, the only shock would be if the company was not working on new models and software.

However, it is somewhat surprising that Apple has allowed devices with the new model designator to venture uncloaked into the digital world. According to The Next Web, developers are seeing “iPhone6.1” and references to iOS 7 in app analytics logs — from an IP address apparently originating in Cupertino.

Above: This is NOT iPhone 6.

Which could easily be explained, of course, by Apple testing popular apps with updated versions of its mobile operating system on prototypes of the company’s upcoming phones.

Given the company’s penchant for privacy, however, one would expect Apple to spoof an older phone’s identifiers, thereby concealing the new hardware and software from public awareness.

Unless, of course, the fruity California company is turning over a new leaf and entering a new era of corporate transparency.

Now that would be a shocking bit of news.

Image credit: Ciccarese Design