Apple Roundup: iPhone 5, Mountain Lion, Jony Ive (Update 1)

Updated from 11:22 a.m. EST to include AllThingsD article on Apple launch in third paragraph.

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The top Apple (AAPL) tidbits from around the Internet include a potential iPhone 5 release date, Mountain Lion is pretty popular, and Jony Ive talks about Apple's near-death experience.

Apple blog iMore is reporting the iPhone 5 is going to be released on Sept. 12, along with the iPad Mini and a new iPod touch, in what could be the biggest product launch in Apple's history.

AllThingsD confirmed late Monday that Apple is holding an event in September, but the nature of the event is unknown at this time. The article does suggest it will be the iPhone, given Apple's history.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company has traditionally given products their own event. Announcing a new iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch would deviate from this strategy. Last week, many speculated that the new iPhone would be released on Sept. 21.

Given the slowdown Apple experienced in iPhone sales in its third quarter, a late September release date would make sense, as it tries to drive sales during the holiday season.

Apple could not be immediately reached for comment.

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Mountain Lion is Apple's newest Mac operating system, and it has already been downloaded 3 million times since its release four days ago.

"Just a year after the incredibly successful introduction of Lion, customers have downloaded Mountain Lion over three million times in just four days, making it our most successful release ever," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing in a press release.

Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99, as an upgrade from Lion or Snow Leopard, its previous operating systems.

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During an interview about Apple's early days, lead designer Jony Ive talked about how the company's near bankruptcy helped shape what Apple is today.

He also said Apple's goal isn't to make money, but rather great products.

"We are really pleased with our revenues but our goal isn't to make money. It sounds a little flippant, but it's the truth. Our goal and what makes us excited is to make great products. If we are successful, people will like them and if we are operationally competent, we will make money," Ive said.

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Apple shares closed Monday up 1.69% at $595.03.

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--Written by Chris Ciaccia in New York

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