A new report from the Taiwan Central News Agency indicates that the iPhone 5 may be a lot closer to release than previously anticipated, with them now pegging the iPhone 5's release as being in August, instead of the widely accepted release date of October.

The report was based on information supplied to them by Taiwanese parts suppliers for Apple, and should send shockwaves of excitement throughout the mobile world.

One does have to wonder why Apple would make such a dramatic change to their planned release date, assuming of course that they had originally intended to release it in October as the rumors suggested.

Could it simply be that the iPhone 5 has completed its development and testing phase ahead of schedule, and that production is already underway on cranking them out by the millions for eager consumers?

Or could it be that impressive sales of the Samsung Galaxy S3 have forced Apple's hand, in an effort to stem the momentous tide that Samsung is building, and which could otherwise be further developed with another smartphone release of their own this fall?

The Galaxy S3 will sell over 10 million units by the end of July according to Samsung, making it the fastest selling smartphone ever. Those kind of results can't be sitting well with Apple, who are usually the ones making the headlines, and setting the sales records. And what better way to nip those sales in the bud, and steal the glowing headlines than by releasing what promises to be the most advanced and feature-rich mobile device ever, as soon as possible?

While it may not be good news for Samsung, it's certainly positive news for consumers, who may have the most anticipated iPhone ever in their hands two months earlier than anticipated.

Are you excited about this new report? Do you think Apple is indeed threatened by Galaxy S3 sales, or is it the iPhone 5 simply ready for an earlier release? Give us your take in the comments below.