Given the pattern of Apple's iPhone launches, it is expected that the next-gen iPhone 5 will debut in mid to late 2012. We reckon it's most likely to be shown off at Apple's Worldwide Developer Event (WWDC), which usually takes place in early June.
iPhone 5 Design
Unlike the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 will be a completely new design from what has gone before, so that means there will be an entirely new casing with the iPhone 3Gand, later, the iPhone 4.
The Daily Mailsuggested that a four-inch version was likely and that Sony has already shipped top secret demo screens to Apple.
Although Apple does not reveal the exact specifications and features until the device is officially unveiled, we could dictate some of the main features that are expected. However, rumor of the new iPhone 5 features, in terms of both hardware and software upgrades, will definitely entice any smartphone buyer.
The upcoming phone is expected to sport the Apple’s latest and greatest A5 processor chip, iCloud service, higher-resolution camera, and a 4-inch screen size. Here are some of the most anticipated iPhone 5 features:
iOS 5
Announced during the WWDC 2011 keynote address on June 6, 2011, the iOS 5.0 is based on the concept of direct manipulation, using multi-touch gestures. It is expected to come with more than 200 new features that will include improved Notification System, News Stand and iMessage.
iMessage is an application that is developed to compete with Blackberry Messenger. The app will allow iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad users to communicate (much like a chat service) with each other.
iCloud
Apple’s iPhone 5 is expected to feature the new iCloud service for wireless remote access of music from all computers and mobile devices.
The iPhone5 will automatically sync with the iCloud which will allow users to store photos, apps, calendars and documents without having them to store in the phone’s memory. Apple is also looking to tie up with top music label companies to license songs for the iCloud service.
Apple A6
We can see a quad-core processor debut in the iPhone 5 - probably called the Apple A6 which means that the iPhone5 can do twice the work at once. The processor speed will be somewhere between 1.2 to 1.5 GHz, with probably a 1GB RAM.
The processor upgrade is done not just to increase the processing speed of the phone, but also to compete with the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S II.
Camera
iPhone 5 will have a rear-facing 8MP dual-LED flash camera front-facing camera for video chatting. The Phone might also feature a 3D camera.
4G/LTE support
With many 4G handsets already announced in the US, it can't be long before the iPhone 5 supports 4G technology.
NFC Support
There were several rumors that Apple made several hurried acquisitions in the NFC field, suggesting that work is on at full swing to equip the iPhone 5 with NFC support.
