The next-generation Apple iPhone will be released in the fall, according to a Japanese blog that correctly predicted the iPhone 4S release late last year.

When iPhone enthusiasts were expecting a June launch for the iPhone 4S, the Japanese blog Macotakara released a report that claimed the phone would be launched in mid-October and mass production would take place over the summer. And it was right. It seems Apple is adopting the same timetable for the sixth-generation iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 5.

Citing sources from Apple's supply chain in China, Macotakara has revealed that the iPhone will be redesigned with a two-toned back panel made of glass and aluminum.

The report is fitting with common iPhone 5 rumors that predict a larger screen,thinner chassis, retina display and smaller dock connector.

The blog post has been published amid reports from Know Your Mobile that the iPhone 5 would be unveiled on August 7. The site makes claims based on a tip from a well known source in the industry who chooses to remain anonymous

A Chinese online commerce site also started taking pre-orders for the phone this week. The site Taobao, had posted concept pictures of the phone without any features or specs and has put a pre-order price of $1000 on the phone.

What iOS 6 Means For The iPhone 5

At WWDC 2012, Apple unveiled its new iOS 6 software, which gave fans a glimpse of some of the next iPhone's features, as follows.

Calls

New phone features for iOS 6 will give iPhone users additonal options besides Answer and Decline. They will be able to reply to a phone call with an instant message, and those who don't have the time to compose one can choose from a list of automated messages such as I'll call you later or I'm on my way.

IPhone owners who don't have time to respond during the call can set a reminder to return the missed call at a later time or date. An additional Do Not Disturb function will give iPhone customers the flexibility to choose who they can receive calls from during unavailable times.

Maps

The new updated maps feature will decrease the odds of iPhone users getting lost. The revamped and redesigned map function is vector-based, creating clear graphics and detailed texts, even when zoomed in to maximum capacity.

Maps have also been updated with visual and spoken navigation, which gives users not only precise turn-by-turn directions, but also supplies real-time traffic updates.

Siri

Apple's voice assistant just got smarter with a whole host of updates. Ask about sports and get live scores and stats. Feeling indecisive? Ask where you should eat or what movie you should see. Too lazy to update your Facebook status? Tell Siri to post something on your wall. Want to live-tweet but don't want to type? You can ask Siri to do that, too.

Apple is also working with car manufacturers to integrate Siri into select voice control systems. Through a voice command on steering wheels, customers will be able to ask Siri questions, without the distraction of scrambling for their iPhone.

Facebook

With iOS 6, your iPhone will be more integrated with Facebook than was the case with previous iPhones. Photos and video can now be posted straight from the photo stream, and locations can be posted directly from maps.

Once users log into their Facebook account, all their events and birthdays will be synched with the phone's camera, ensuring that big events never go unnoticed. Friend profile updates, such as pictures and phone numbers, will also get updated within phone contacts.

Share Photos With ICloud

Apple's photo stream just got more social. With iOS 6, users will be able to select photos and share them instantly with their friends using iCloud on Mountain Lion Apple devices. iPhone users will even be able to share their photo streams with Apple TV users.

Passbook

Tired of looking through your wallet for boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons and loyalty cards? With Passbook you can store everything in one place on your iPhone and scan them whenever you need to use them. Passbook also gives you live updates. If your gate changes before your flight, you'll be alerted without having to check the screen at the airport.

FaceTime

FaceTime has been updated so you can receive video calls through cellular networks as well as Wi-Fi. Which means you can useFaceTime wherever and whenever you want.

Accessibility

Guided Access on iOS 6 will make the iPhone more assessable for people with vision, hearing, learning and mobility disabilities.VoiceOver, the screen reader for blind and low-vision users, is now integrated with Maps, AssistiveTouch and Zoom.

Mail

Mail has been redesigned with a more streamlined interface, making it easier to read and write emails on the iPhone. And iOS 6 uploads photos and video onto emails.

These are the guaranteed features for the next-generation iPhone, via iOS 6, which is set to launch in the fall. The iPhone rumor mill will no doubt continue to evolve in coming months, but one of the most speculated features is a new design, which is likely to result in a lighter phone with a larger display.

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