The iPhone 5 is expected to be released next month, with the latest reports suggesting that Apple will hold an official introduction event for the much-touted handset on Oct. 4.

The event will have the added consequence of new CEO Tim Cook taking the lead for the first time. Many have wondered whether Apple can continue to compete without Steve Jobs as its creative driving force, particularly as rivals such as Samsung continue to gain ground. This will be the first major launch from the company after Jobs’ resignation.

Apple launched the iPhone 4 in June 2010, and 20.34 million of them have been sold so far.

The rumors of the launch date intensified Wednesday when former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, an Apple board member, dropped a clue about new iPhones coming in October.

Gore has been on the board for more than eight years, and this is the first time that he has let slip even the slightest detail on an upcoming product.

The comments also add to speculation that the company would release two iPhones next month. One would reportedly be a completely redesigned iPhone 5, while the other would be a budget iPhone 4S that looks like the current iPhone 4.

Conflicting rumors of whether or not the iPhone 5 will have a thinner frame remain unconfirmed.

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