In an efort to avoid potential "leaks", Apple has reportedly chosen not to provide network carriers with prototypes of its iPhone 5 smartphone for testing in their networks.

Instead, the company has to commissioned a company specializing in the test of network interworking to test the South Korean telecom companies' network environment, Korean's etnews reported today.

Apple has already "leaked" more than two iPhone prototype units in the past.

Mobile phone manufacturer typically provide telecom operators with prototype devices for network interworking tests two months ahead of their official release. The prototype devices are tested in each operators' real network environment.

Samsung is also following a similar tactic for its upcoming flaship smartphone, the Galaxy S III. According to the report, the S. Korean company Samsung Electronics will send prototypes to carriers for testing right before the smarphone's official release, sometime in May or June.