Apple iPhone 5 Release Date 2012: Top 5 Concept Designs [PHOTOS]

Here's an overview and photo slideshow of the top 5 most-impressive concept designs for the Apple iPhone 5, which is expected to be released as early as summer or fall 2012.

Though they are just concepts, these iPhone 5 designs are beautiful, chock-full of high-tech specs and features, and fun to look at as the Apple iPhone 5 release date is still many months away.

For many months last year, the Apple iPhone 5 was expected to be released on Oct. 4, 2011, but the company instead released the iPhone 4S, leading people to expect that the iPhone 5 would have a release date in 2012, and that still seems to be the plan, according to most industry sources and observers.

The Apple iPhone 5 is the tech giant's second-most-anticipated gadget at the moment, as the Apple iPad 3 still hasn't hit the shelves. But there is little time left to wait for the iPad 3, as Apple stores will carry it starting on Friday, and the company is slated to begin shipping it to pre-orderers on March 19.

Once the new iPad frenzy dies down, the buzz will shift to the iPhone 5, which is slated to be one of the most technologically-advanced phones in the history of mobile communication.

But until Apple officially announces the iPhone 5 release date, you can still get your fix of iPhone 5 fun by checking out this slideshow of pictures of the top 5 concept designs for the highly-anticipated device.