iPhone 5 Rumors: Release Date Fall, Features 4G LTE and 3.5-inch Screen, Smaller Dock Connector Almost Certain, What Else?

Hardly a week has passed since the debut of the new iPad, that the rumors about Apple's next big product - iPhone 5 - are going through the roof. Though the release date of Apple's next generation iPhone is months away, it has not stopped Apple fanboys from wondering what impressive features it will come packed with.

A lot of 4G android smartphones are available in the market and to Apple's credit there is no LTE-enabled iPhone from the tech giant. But after the new iPad, it is pretty sure that the next iPhone will feature 4G connectivity. iOS v5.1 string codes virtually confirm 4G connectivity in upcoming iPhone. Also, it reveals that FaceTime will now run over 4G network. Currently, in third generation iPad, FaceTime works only in Wi-Fi network.

Meanwhile, despite all the rumors to the contrary, Apple is almost certain to pack iPhone 5 with 3.5-inch Retina display or the same display that iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S sport. Screen size is the biggest argument discussion of next iPhone but Apple is unlikely to change the size or resolution of the display in the next iPhone.

However, a totally revamped design can be expected. The next iPhone is going to be the slimmest iPhone ever produced yet.

And, to clear some more room in the device, iPhone 5 will possibly have a smaller dock connector. Apple is reportedly working on a smaller and high speed alternative to its 30-pin dock connector that is being used in its entire iGadget lineup. It is also possible that Apple will use microUSB v3.0 port in the upcoming iPhone.

The new iPhone will also feature Near Field Communication (NFC). It will be packed with iOS v6.0, which is believed to be in development phase. Camera upgrade is also speculated. The next generation iPhone may be equipped with 8-megapixel rear sensor.

As for the release date, which is also a hotbed of argument between various bloggers, some say that the new device will come out in June, though the September/October release date has received most confirmations. Also, Apple's previous launch behavior hints at fall release too.

Apple iPhone 4S was introduced on October 4 last year. So, an October 2012 release date is being widely accepted.

(reported by Johnny Wills, edited by Surojit Chatterjee)

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