AT&T is reportedly preparing for the launch of iPhone 5 in mid-September.

U.S. telecom operator AT&T is preparing to launch the long-awaited Apple iPhone 5 smartphone in mid-September, AppleInsider.com has reported.

AT&T told its employees to expect heavy customer traffic at its retail stores in September, U.S. technology news Web site Boy Genius Report said, citing an unnamed source. The company has required staff to wrap up employee training as soon as possible in preparation for the surge of shoppers, the site reported.

The move is said to be connected with the upcoming launch of the iPhone 5. The handset is expected to be launched in late August and hit the market in the first half of September.

Boy Genius Report has a reputation for having reliable sources in Apple's partner wireless carriers.

MacRumors, another Web site focused on Apple-related news, also reported Apple is hiring former employees to do part-time jobs between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15. While the recruitment could be catering its back-to-school sales event, it's also likely to be targeting the iPhone 5 launch.