Remember when we posted Apple UK was hiring extra employees for what we thought would be an iPhone launch? Looks like AT&T is preparing too. BGR is reporting that AT&T has begun internal preparations for a “early to mid-September” launch of the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4GS.

This fits in with other reports and rumors that have been flying around for god knows how long now. As I mentioned above this also goes the reports that Apple is increasing staffing at their retail stores in the United States and United Kingdom.

BGR has exclusively learned that AT&T has begun communicating launch plans internally for Apple’s next-generation iPhone 5 handset. We have been told that AT&T has begun informing employees across the company, and those who work in retail locations, to finish any sort of employee training as soon as possible. AT&T is asking managers to finish training in order to have employees available for the influx of foot traffic expected in September, a proven source has shared with us.

Rumors have been pointing that Apple will reveal the next iPhone at their usual fall event, where they introduce new iPods. It also comes right in time for the “fall” deadline Apple has set for both iOS 5 and iCloud launch. It sounds like September is going to be Apple Christmas yet again.

[via MacRumors]