Quanta producing different iPhone models? [U]

Updated with official statement Quanta Computer will be the second company to produce the iPhone in its factories, according to the Chinese Commercial Times paper. The Taiwan-based assembler is said to be joining Foxconn in producing the handset and will produce five million of the high-end handsets with its initial contract, which should start in September and will be targeted at international buyers rather than the US, which will only receive Foxconn-produced models starting from its June launch.

Significantly, however, the iPhones produced by Quanta will reportedly have a different outer shell to accommodate the needs of other regions, according to the publication. What these changes may be wasn't explained and was similarly unaccompanied by mention of any internal changes.

Apple has so far remained quiet about any contracts or technical details for selling the iPhone outside of the US, saying only that it would introduce a European version by the end of the year and for Asia by 2008.

UPDATE: Quanta has followed with its own statement, confirming that it will produce a variant of the iPhone in September with 5 million units reached by sometime in 2008. The relationship between the company and Apple is "tighter than ever," the statement says. Apple has yet to comment on the subject.