Though Apple did not officially introduce the iPhone 5 at the WWDC this year, it could be released sometime around fall this year, maybe in September or October. Meanwhile, rumors regarding the expected features in the iPhone 5 continue to do the rounds.
Regarding the design, it is rumored that the iPhone 5 will have a larger high resolution display of 4 inches and a strong yet lightweight metal design, quite different from the earlier versions of the device. It is also believed to be 7mm thin; certainly not above 9mm. Changes in the dock connector of the iPhone 5 are expected, with a smaller 19-pin port being introduced, as it could provide more internal space that could fit a thinner camera sensor with a larger battery. The iPhone 5 may come with a quad-core A6 chip.
If the A5X is incorporated, it will enhance the gaming experience on the device. It may provide 1GB of RAM, unlike 512MB that the iPhone 4S provides. Apart from the use of a slimmer camera sensor, the iPhone 5 will probably have an improved HD FaceTime camera which can be used on 3G and probably an improved front facing camera. A recent patent application even suggested that the iPhone 5 might enable users to swap camera lenses.
Regarding other features, the iPhone 5 will probablyhave a 4G LTE radio built in it since all major carriers of the iPhone 4S have 4G LTE networks, and will develop it further by October when the iPhone 5 will come into the picture. With Verizon making it clear that they will be launching only 4G LTE devices this year, it would be unlikely that Apple would stick to HSPA+ 4G or 3G, finally competing with Android and Windows Phone in this respect. Even with 4G LTE connectivity, the device is expected to have great battery life, similar to the 4G LTE iPad.
Apple is also introducing its new operating system, iOS6, which will inadvertently be found on the iPhone 5. This brings with it new features like the Maps App with a 3D navigation service, new Siri features, FaceTime and Photo Streams. Apple might also introduce a feature like Near Field Communication with the iPhone 5. With several changes likely to be seen in the new version of the iPhone, the device will have to match up to the expectations once launched in fall.
