A GLOUCESTERSHIRE engineering business is rumoured to be supplying equipment for Apple’s new iPhone 8.

According to industry insiders, signs are emerging that Apple is starting to buy machine tool equipment in preparation for its new phone launch in September.

Renishaw, a firm based in Wotton-under-Edge, has previously been connected to Apple after an iPhone 5 promotional video showed their machinery being used to make a phone case.

Although the company has not confirmed that it is a supplier to Apple, this is not surprising given the tech giant is known for imposing tight levels of secrecy on its manufacturing process.

Nonetheless, the latest rumour coincides with a 5 per cent surge in Renishaw’s share price, as listed in the FTSE-250 index.

It is believed that previous iPhone launches have helped to drive Renishaw’s share price steadily higher, as the company is currently valued at twice the price it was five years ago.  

The engineering company is headquartered in Wooton-under-Edge, and has various plants in locations around Stroud District.

Its chief executive, Sir David McMurty, also lives in the region, in a futuristic house that featured in the BBC series Sherlock.