Following months of speculation and rumors, Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller took the stage on Wednesday to introduce the long awaited iPhone 5. The media event, which was scheduled a week ago pointed to such a release and now the device has finally been revealed.

The iPhone 5, as expected has a larger 4 inch screen, and runs all pre-installed apps with a larger vertical area, and runs non-optimized third party apps letterboxed. The home screen has been stretched out a bit to hold 5 rows of apps, as opposed to 4 and the display is still the Retina Display with a 1136 x 640 resolution. The iPhone 5 now has an aspect ratio close to 16:9 now, making it great for watching widescreen movies.

The iPhone 5 now also carries faster LTE networking which will be supported by Sprint, AT&T and Verizon in the United States, Rogers, Telus, Bell, Fido, Virgin in Canada and numerous other carriers overseas. The iPhone also includes WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n, and is dual-channel, up to 150Mbps, making it much faster than the iPhone 4S. All of the networking and the larger Retina Display is powered by an all new A6 chip produced by Apple.

The A6 chip is 22% smaller than its predecessor, the A5 and has a 2X faster CPU and 2x graphics compared to the A5. During the keynote, Apple invited up EA games to demo Real Racing 3, showing off new improvements in graphics performance. Other major changes include the larger, all metal and glass design leaked prior to the event, along with a relocated FaceTime camera above the earpiece. Other features include:

Battery

The larger battery in the iPhone 5 shell now allows 8 hours of 3G or LTE talk time or 10 hours on WiFi while browsing

Camera

The iPhone 5 will carry the same specs as the iPhone 4S camera but will do so in a much thinner package. It has the same 8-megapixels and a 5-element lens as the 4S but will have a Sapphire crystal lens cover for more clarity and durability. The new A6 will provide for less noise during image captures along with a “smart filter” for better color matching. Apple, as expected prior to the event will also be including Panorama imaging, capturing images at 28 megapixels in one clean sweep.

The company also updated the front facing FaceTime camera to 720P HD and backside illuminated. FaceTime is now also possible over Cellular announced during WWDC.

Audio

The iPhone now has 3 microphones, one on the front, one in front for noise cancellation, and one on the back.

Dock Connector

The dock connector, called Lightning, will be an all digital 8 pin design and is 80% thinner than the previous design. The Lightning charger can now be plugged in any way and does not have a designated side. There is also a converter for the new dock connector that has the ability to work with the current 30 pin connectors.

Apple’s iPhone 5, with all of its new improvements alongside iOS 6 will make this Apple’s most powerful iPhone to date. iOS 6 will be released to the public on September 19th and will ship on the new iPhone 5, and will run on the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, 3GS, new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch.

The iPhone 5 will be available on contract for $199 for 16GB. $299 for 32GB, $399 for 64GB respectively. The iPhone 5 will be available for Pre-Order starting Friday the 14th and will be shipping on September 21st in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It will be arriving to 20 more countries later this month.

{Image Credit: Engadget}

With Apple’s media event for the iPhone 5 scheduled for September 12th, the next gen device is all but confirmed. Over the past several months, numerous reports suggested that Apple was going to introduce a smaller 9 pin dock connector and with recent part leaks, that has also been confirmed.

On Wednesday, a report from iLounge mentioned that Apple will be selling adapters for the new 9 pin dock connector for $10 and the new cables for the same price of the current USB, $19 USD. The report also mentioned that Apple will be the “exclusive initial vendor” for the new dock connector adapter, likely to prevent third party accessory makers from producing them in high volume and selling them at lower prices.

Many third party accessory makers are even going as far as to say that Apple is doing this in an attempt to block them out from producing the chargers at any cost, much like they did with the MacBook MagSafe chargers. Jeremy Horowitz also mentions details about the revenue model for these chargers in his report, noting that Apple will make “revenues of $100 million for every 10 million Dock Connector Adapters it sells for $10” and that it will likely sell the first 10 million adapters by the end of 2012.

Rumors early last month suggested that the new dock connectors were going to be 8 pins, or perhaps 9 pins and that they were going to include an adapter. These rumors now prove to be true, and it appears that Apple will make a substantial amount of revenue from both the adapters and the sync cables for the new iPhone 5.

{Via AppleInsider}

Apple is expected to announce iPhone 5 release date early next month, with sources pointing to the 12th September as a possible date for a media event. Earlier this week, a report from TechCrunch noted that Verizon is blacking out vacation days starting from Friday, September 21st. This is likely in preparation for the release of the new iPhone 5 and the wave of new activations that would take place that day. Rumors over the past several months pegged September 12th as a date of announcement and the 21st for release in stores. In the report, Jordan Crook of TechCrunch mentioned the following:

A trusted Verizon employee has just confirmed to TechCrunch that the carrier is having an all-staff vacation blackout from the dates of Friday, September 21 to September 30. You know what that means, right? The next iPhone, whether it’s called the iPhone 5 or simply the new iPhone, will almost certainly be available in stores (with lines wrapping around the back of them) starting Friday, September 21.

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5 is expected to include a larger 4 inch screen, a redesigned 9 pin dock connector, and relocated headphone jack as well as the latest 4G LTE networking, which has already made an appearance on the current generation iPad. This would give Verizon one of the biggest iPhone launches to date, utilizing the carrier’s newly set up LTE network and providing customers with significantly faster upload and download speeds. The next generation iPhone 5 is expected to be released alongside a new iPad Mini and the final version of iOS 6.

{Image Credit: Wired}

Over the past several months, numerous reports about the next generation iPhone 5 have appeared online, including a fully assembled iPhone 5 unit and other parts. Most recently, high resolution images of the upcoming iPhone 5 and iPad Mini dock connector cables were posted by site iResQ. The flex cables shown in the images are reportedly for the next generation devices and are seen in both black and white, suggesting that they are from a device of that color.

The parts assumed to be for the new iPad Mini have a part number of 821-1516, different from another part found earlier that indicated a headphone jack on the bottom of the device. The part found earlier had a part number of 821-1476. This is the first time that a part for the iPad Mini has appeared as it has been entirely speculation until now.

Images in the report also show the dock connector of the devices up close, pointing out that it in fact does have 8 pins and likely a ninth in the surrounding metal enclosure. The next generation iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini are both expected to be announced in the second week of September, likely the 12th and will be accompanied by the public release of iOS 6.

{via MacRumors}

Details of Apple’s next generation iPhone 5 appear to be spreading across the web, and now in Chinese newspapers as well. Earlier in the week, Apple.pro posted images of a story in Chinese-language newspaper Apple Daily. The newspaper reportedly obtained one of the many iPhone 5 enclosures floating around and measured the specs. In the report, the iPhone 5 was reported to be 7.6mm thick, down from the iPhone 4S’ current 9.3mm thickness.

This means that the next generation iPhone 5 could be 18% thinner than the iPhone 4S and drastically thinner than any other model in the past. Apple was likely able to achieve this new depth because of the change in screen size, moving up from 3.5 inches to 4 inches. However, the width of the next gen iPhone is expected to remain the same as the 4S.

Apple Daily also posted some higher quality images following its initial report which seem to show a great amount of change in the iPhone enclosure as well as the previously rumored, smaller dock connector, and altered speaker port and headphone jack. Apple’s iPhone 5 is expected to be announced September 12th, alongside a possible iPad Mini as well as the public release of iOS 6.

{via MacRumors}

Several days after releasing images of the next generation iPhone 5 mini dock connector, French site, Nowhereelse.fr reposted images from forum Weiphone of what appears to be the iPhone 5 logic board. The logic board, which houses the processor and chips for other functions appears to be built differently than the iPhone 4 and the current iPhone 4S. Leaked parts for the upcoming iPhone 5 have been coming out for several months now, and new parts have been appearing as the announcement date draws closer.

Nowhereelse noted in their report that this logic board likely belongs to the iPhone 5 because of how the screw holes line up with other logic board shells leaked prior to this one. Weiphone has a proven track record with photos of iPhone logic boards, accurately releasing images of the iPhone 4S logic board which turned out to house the A5 chip.

In recent months, a number of parts have surfaced for the next generation iPhone 5, including a 9 pin charger and even a fully assembled model. The iPhone 5 is expected to be announced as soon as September 12th and will likely be available for pre-order soon after, perhaps even the same day. The iPhone 5 is expected to have a larger 4 inch screen, likely a faster processor, mini dock connector, relocated FaceTime camera and headphone jack, and a thinner unibody design. Apple’s iOS 6 is also slated for release alongside the iPhone 5.

{via MacRumors}

Rumors that Apple was looking to introduce a smaller dock connector in the next generation iPhone 5 have been around on the web for several months now. However, in the last several weeks, numerous leaked images of the iPhone 5 enclosure suggest that a smaller dock connector and charger will make it to the final product design.

Late last week, several images of the alleged mini dock connector surfaced online, posted by French site Nowherelse.fr, all but confirming that the next gen iPhone 5 will be carrying a 9 pin dock connector that strangely resembles the USB stick provided with Macbooks for reinstalling OS X. This would mean that the 30 pin dock connector, introduced with the original iPod over 10 years ago would now be replaced with smaller and thinner technology. According to recent reports, the new dock connector will likely improve I/O connectivity, allowing the transfer of data in a much shorter time with less electrical contacts than the 30 pin connector.

Sources have also reiterated claims that the charger now has the ability to plug into the iPhone on any side and does not have one designated orientation.It has been said that this new mini dock connector is much like a MacBook’s Mag-Safe connector, allowing users to insert any side of the charger into the device. Although other variations of the connector have been specualted about, ranging from 16 to 19 pins, 9 pins appears to be accurate and likely the version Apple will release next month.

So as not to cause a major rift in its iOS line-up, Apple is expected to provide users with an adaptor to connect to the current 30 pin connector as well. The iPhone 5 is slated for announcement next month on September 12th, alongside the public release of iOS 6.

{via AppleInsider}

On Wednesday, iLounge reported on some of Apple’s upcoming product refreshes, including the next generation iPhone 5 and iPad Mini. The report mentions that the sixth generation iPhone will be sporting a smaller dock connector, as seen in previous reports but also points out that the connector will contain 8 pins as opposed to the current 30 pins. Numerous reports in recent weeks have suggested that the new dock connector will contain 19 pins, however, this report states otherwise.

According to two sources, Apple’s new Dock Connector features only 8 pins, seemingly contradicting claims of “16-pin” and “19-pin” connectors. […]

Both of our sources concur that there are eight pins in a line within the new Dock Connector, which may well receive a different name going forward.

The report also describes some details about the design of the dock connector, noting that the design will have the ability to connect on either side of the charger as opposed to users figuring out which side plugs into the dock connector correctly. This would give the iPhone 5, iPad 4 and fifth gen iPod touch chargers almost Magsafe style connection, allowing the charger to be inserted in any orientation. However, the report does not set forth any claims that the charger or dock connector would use magnets of any sort.

Aside from revealing details about the new dock connector, the report also speculated on the possibility that Apple’s upcoming iOS devices will gain a cross device integration feature in iOS 6 that would operate on low power consuming Bluetooth 4.0 technology. This would allow iOS devices to communicate with each other without being connected to the cloud.

For example, the report gives an example of an iPod nano being able to display a text message that comes through an iPhone. Although the dock connector has been seen in images and videos across the web, the status of any cross device integration features remains unknown and may not be confirmed until the release of iOS 6.

Apple’s next generation iPhone is expected to be announced on September 12th, with a release on Friday, September 21st. The next generation iPhone is expected to be released alongside an iPad Mini and the public version of iOS 6.

{via MacRumors}

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5  is expected to be releases later this fall and numerous news reports and images spreading across the web suggest that the announcement is imminent.

On Monday, a report from AppleInsider speculated that Apple is in fact already working on accessories for the upcoming iPhone 5 release. The report mentions that the first case is likely a Bumper case, which was introduced with the iPhone 4 and would likely be adjusted to fit the larger 4 inch screen of the next gen iPhone.

However, the second case is reportedly a new and different design and is said to have “major impact on the accessory market.”. iLounge reported that while the case would disrupt third party case makers, the design would not be “hugely surprising”. Further speculation suggests there may even be a kickstand included in the case, as seen in some third party cases available for the iPhone 4S.

Early Monday, a report from iMore suggested that Apple’s sixth generation iPhone, as well as the rumored iPad Mini and perhaps even a new 5th gen iPod touch would be announced on September 12th. Apple announced availability of the Bumper case on the same day as the iPhone release, and released the Smart Cover on the release day of the iPad 2, so it is very likely that this iPhone 5 release would follow suit.

The next generation iPhone, being called the “iPhone 5” is expected to sport a larger 4 inch display, a smaller dock connector, as well as other minor changes including placement of headphone jack and FaceTime camera. The iPhone 5 is expected to be released alongside the public release of iOS 6.

The release date of iPhone 5 and iPad Mini has been the cause of speculation for several months now. Multiple news sources and rumor sites have found images, mockups, and even parts of iPhone 5 and iPad mini. According to a report from iMore, Apple’s next generation iPhone 5, new iPod nano, and all new 7.85 inch iPad mini are all going to be announced during special media event on September 12th.

The iPad mini will be announced at the same September 12 event, as will the new iPod nano. We haven’t heard a release date for the iPad mini yet, but it could be the same as the iPhone 5. It seems likely the new iPod touch will make an appearance on September 12 as well, though we haven’t heard any specific information about that yet either.

The report also mentions that following the announcement on the 12th, Apple will likely release the iPhone 5 for sale on September 21st. Apple announced the iPhone 4S on October 4th last year, and released it on October 14th leading to speculation that the company may do the same again and release the iPhone a couple of weeks after announcement.

Although in reports, the next generation iPhone is referred to as “iPhone 5”, it is also very likely that Apple will simply call it “the new iPhone”, much like “the new iPad”, released several months ago. The report also notes that the 7.85” iPad and even iPod touch 5th gen is slated for announcement that day, although details on the 5th gen iPod touch are not confirmed. The iPad mini was entirely rumor based initially, a number of credible reports from NYTimes and WSJ have essentially suggested that there is indeed such a device in existence.

The sixth generation iPhone is expected to have a taller 4-inch screen, high speed LTE networking, a smaller dock connector and unibody construction. iMore has a proven track record with release dates, correctly reporting the launch date for the iPad 3 and the pre-order date for the iPhone 4S.

{via MacRumors}

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5 has been the target of intense speculation over the past several months, however no solid evidence that an iPhone 5 even existed was available. But, over the past several weeks, parts of what appears to be a next gen iPhone 5 have appeared in images and videos across the web. The parts and rumors suggest that Apple’s new iPhone will have a taller screen, a smaller dock connector, and several other design changes.

On Sunday, Japanese site iLab posted images, released by CydiaBlog, of a fully assembled iPhone 5 hardware, in line with rumors of the new design. The site alleges that these photos are of the next generation iPhone, expected for release during September. Cydiablog offered their thoughts on the images with the following:

The leaked parts shows the bigger screen, different internals (such as a new flex cable holding the Home button in place), and the camera modules (front and rear). The camera module cutout looks to be larger, there is an enhanced version of speaker and microphone configuration at the bottom, new smaller dock connector (instead of 30-pin Dock Connector, 16-pin connector could be introduced). Another notable design change in the new iPhone front panel shows the FaceTime camera has been moved to a centered position above the earpiece speaker (it is currently to left of the earpiece in iPhone 4S and iPhone 4).

The images appear to confirm that the next generation iPhone would have a unibody back plate, unlike the current iPhone 4S which houses the internals in between two pieces of tempered glass as well as a screen with a higher length and same width. The next generation iPhone is expected to be released later this fall, alongside the public release of iOS 6.

Do you think this could be the next gen iPhone? Do you like the overall design? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

{via MacRumors}

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5 has been the source of intense speculation and the driving force of the rumor mill. On Friday, the rumors continued following a report from The Verge, after the site acquired images of what appears to be an iPhone protoype. The images were cited in a court document in Apple’s extensive court battle with Samsung.

The images show an iPhone prototype with a taller screen, smaller dock connector, and two-toned back plate, the same design details revealed several weeks ago. The image (above) on the right is the image acquired by the publication and shows the prototype, while the one on the left is a mockup from design firm BlackPool Creative, which created the model based purely on rumors and leaked parts.

The leaked parts were first seen in a video from mobile parts seller E-Trade Supply, which showed the new iPhone 5 backplate next to a current iPhone 4S.

Apple’s latest design, based on rumors and leaked parts appears to combine a number of design aspects from previous generations of iPhone, including the metal backing from the original iPhone and the flat form factor from the 4 and 4S.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 5 sometime during the September timeframe alongside the public version of iOS 6 as well as an iPad Mini and a tweaked iPad.

{via MacRumors}

According to a report from The Financial Times, European carriers are stocking up on nano-SIM cards ahead of Apple’s next gen iPhone 5 release date. The carriers are purchasing the SIMs ahead of any statements or confirmation from Apple if this new standard will be adopted. Earlier this year, many reports online suggested that the European Telecommunications Standards Institute selected Apple’s nano SIM technology as the new 4FF standard.

Videos and images of what appeared to be the next generation iPhone 5 also began to appear around this time, all showing a smaller SIM card slot, which may also suggest that come October, carriers will have to adjust the size of their SIM cards to match the new standard. Financial Time’s report suggests that the Nano-SIMs purchased by the European carriers are in fact for the iPhone  5 and are in line with Apple’s nano SIM standard.

Operators expect that the iPhone will feature the nano sim in a slimmed down design, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation, and have begun to store millions of the cards in warehouses in anticipation of high demand for Apple’s iPhone. Apple declined to comment.

The report also suggested that the carriers are looking to avoid being surprised by a new standard by Apple, as with the SIM standard on both the iPhone 4 and the iPad, both which used a micro SIM standard.

Operators were caught off guard by the adoption of the micro Sim for the iPhone 4 as well as the original iPad two years ago, with some struggling to meet demand with their own micro-Sims in the first weeks of sale…. One informed person said that the major networks were keen to be ahead of demand this time, however. He added that the iPhone 5 was likely to be similar sized as the iPhone 4 although slimmer and with a fully metal body.

Apple’s change of SIM standards over the years match with the Cupertino company’s design direction, which is to always make products thinner, lighter and more durable. With the new nano SIM and smaller dock connector, the next generation iPhone is expected to be much thinner than the current iPhone 4S.

{via 9to5Mac — Image Credit: The Verge}

Apple’s next generation iPhone, being called the ‘iPhone 5′ has been rumored to be in the works. In recent weeks, parts of what appears to be the next generation iPhone 5 have appeared online, including a metal back cover which seemed to justify rumors that the next iPhone will have a larger screen and a smaller dock connector.

On Thursday, a report from Reuters mentioned that Chinese vendors have begun to take orders for an ‘iPhone 5’, parts of which may be created entire from speculation with no specs or announcements from Apple.

Sellers on Taobao, a unit of Alibaba Group, are accepting orders for the iPhone 5, in some cases asking for a deposit of 1,000 yuan ($160) for the new phone. One seller, “Dahai99888″, who started accepting pre-orders this week, is asking for full payment upfront, at a cool 6,999 yuan ($1,100).

Taobao sellers that Reuters spoke with said they planned to buy the iPhone 5 in Hong Kong or the United States and then bring it to mainland China. Apple products are often available in Hong Kong before they are released on the mainland.

Chinese vendors often create models, and prototype devices based on rumors on the web of what an upcoming Apple product may look like. The report also focuses on similar vendors selling cases for the purported ‘iPhone 5’, which may also have been created based on speculation. Case vendors have been wrong in the past about iPhone’s design, more specifically the rumored tapered design.

Images of the claimed next generation iPhone 5 posted by KitGuru show iPhone design consistent with rumors on the web, including the elongated body, smaller dock connector, new speaker grill, and a headphone jack located at the bottom. Although the photos may appear to be genuine, the rough and unfinished body of the device, as well as the absence of an LCD display show that this may, in fact be a physical mockup based on previous rumors. KitGuru did not specify as to where the images came from, but mentioned that it was seen “in the Far East”.

Numerous parts for the upcoming iPhone 5 have been found, but it is unclear whether many of these claims are genuine, especially when considering that some Chinese vendors and casemakers have been wrong in the past. Apple’s next generation iPhone is expected to be released in October, along with the rumored iPad Mini and the final version of iOS 6.

{via MacRumors}

Apple’s iPad is one of the leading tablet computers out on the market, and rumors in recent months have suggested that the Cupertino, Calif., company is planning to unveil a smaller “iPad Mini” to take on 7” tablets from other competitors such as Google and Samsung. Gotta Be Mobile has posted images of a physical model of what the iPad Mini may look like. The model looks to be similar in size to the rumored 7.85” display and sports the new smaller dock connector previously seen on leaked parts of the next generation iPhone 5.

The model is not made of materials that would likely appear in the final device, however, it does appear to be a case mold and shows the shape of the rumored device. It is unclear whether this could point to a finalized shape and size, but that could be subject to change based on Apple’s decisions on screen size and technology inside. Case designs are normally accurate but can also provide misleading information as cases can be made entirely off of speculation and based on rumors being reported on the web.

Image Credit: Gotta Be Mobile

The report mentions that in a measure of pixel count from the model, the iPad Mini will be approximately 213 mm by 143 mm, slightly thinner than the full size 9.7 inch iPad which comes in at 185.67mm wide, 241.3mm tall, and 9.39mm thick.

Google’s Nexus 7 tablet has a width of 120mm which means that the iPad Mini, if our calculations are close, might be around 23.67mm wider than the Nexus 7. The Nexus 7 tablet measures in at 198.5mm high which means that the iPad Mini may be a little taller than Google’s 7-inch tablet.

If rumors about iPad Mini turn out to be true then we could expect the release date to be around October timeframe same as the next generation iPhone 5 and the public release of iOS 6.

{via MacRumors}

In a report from Cydiblog, a new video from part supply website, eTradeSupply was released and reveals what is expected to be the back cover of the next generation iPhone 5. The “uni-body” cover is made from some form of brushed steel, sports a longer body, a smaller dock port, has a headphone jack on the bottom and is thinner than the current iPhone 4S. The back cover also points to a smaller SIM card slot.

In the video, the narrator compares the back cover of the iPhone 5 to a current iPhone 4S and points out the differences between the two, however, other components such as weight are hard to compare, especially with no screen, battery or internal components inside the cover. The iPhone 5 cover also has two black stripes, one on top and one on the bottom, a different color from the metal back and if the part turns out to be genuine, then would likely serve as some form of antenna for the iPhone.

The next generation iPhone is expected to be released in the same October timeframe as the iPhone 4S last year and will likely include a smaller dock connector, a taller screen, and better FaceTime and rear cameras. The iPhone 5 will also include iOS 6 which is expected for announcement at Apple’s WWDC conference on June 11th.

{via MacRumors}

The iPad draws many of its features from the iPhone and iPod touch, and with its introduction in January of 2010, took on the iOS software, the capacitative touchscreen, and the famous 30 pin dock connector in portrait mode. Since then, the dock connector has been the focal point of numerous complaints, suggesting that the iPad is hard to use in landscape mode when the iPad is charging in portrait orientation. Rumors and even photos of iPad shells with dual dock connectors began to appear several months after the original iPad was introduced, and now there is tangible evidence to support that claim.

On Monday, a prototype of what appears to be a first generation iPad with dual dock connectors surfaced in an eBay listing. The iPad is a 16GB model with dock connectors in both landscape and portrait orientation, proving that Apple was indeed testing a number of iPad models with two dock connectors to make charging simpler when a user switches orientation.

The iPad being sold is close to being functional, aside from a number of minor issues such as the touch screen not being fully operational. Upon further inspection of all documentation for the iPad, it was confirmed that this could in fact, be a genuine Apple prototype. A number of pieces are labeled with Apple part numbers and as mentioned in the listing, comes with Apple’s Switchboard software.

Apple uses Switchboard to test all parts of the iPad, from checking the WiFi to ambient light sensors. As with many of Apple’s prototypes, the “iPad” name is not branded on the rear shell and is instead marked with an ID number and a series of X’s where the battery and FCC ratings would go. The eBay listing for the iPad started at $4,850 and was sold for $10,200. It is unclear exactly how the eBay seller acquired the prototype, or if Apple will attempt to confiscate the device, but it is up for sale and one person will own a prototype of a device that was assumed didn’t exist.

{via MacRumors}

According to the latest iPhone 5 rumors, Apple is testing more than one prototypes of the next-gen iPhone. The sixth gen iPhone is expected to see major re-design and feature a taller display.

Apple introduced the original iPhone in 2007 with a 3.5 inch screen and that has remained unchanged over last 5 years. However, now it seems that the company might be ready to give the display a complete makeover and introduce iPhone 5 with 3.9 inch display. According to a report published by 9to5 Mac, Apple is testing multiple prototypes of the next gen iPhone that are locked in shells to avoid discovery by unauthorized personnel.

We know of two next-generation iPhones in testing with a larger display: the iPhone 5,1 and iPhone 5,2. These phones are in the PreEVT stage of development and are codenamed N41AP (5,1) and N42AP (5,2).

The new iPhone will reportedly not just feature a taller display but will also increase the resolution from 640×940 to 1136×640.

That’s an extra 176 pixels longer of a display.  The screen will be the same 1.94 inches wide, but will grow to 3.45 inches tall. This new resolution is very close to a 16:9 screen ratio, so this means that 16:9 videos can play full screen at their native aspect ratio.

The report further mentions that custom-built iOS 6 software is being tested in the iPhone 5 prototypes that takes full advantage of the taller and wider screen by adding a fifth row of app icons to the home screen.

In addition to the display changes, the sixth gen iPhone will continue to include the home button but, could possibly feature smaller dock connector. iPhone 5 is widely rumored to be released in October during a special Apple event.

{via 9to5 Mac}

UPDATE: Apple has announced “The new iPad” with retina display, A5X chip with quad-core graphics, 5 MP iSight camera and more.

Apple is all set to unveil iPad 3 at today’s launch event but, new details about the upcoming product announcement continue to be revealed. iPad 3 specs have been widely reported as the third gen tablet is expected to feature retina display with a resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 pixels, a dual core A5X chip and now details about RAM have been published too.

A new report by The Verge reveals that in addition to “powerful GPU” iPad 3 specs will also include “more RAM”. 9to5 Mac was quick to point out that their sources claim Apple’s next generation tablet will include 1GB RAM. The new A5X chip is being now referred to as “A5 on steroids”. With a high resolution display on the new iPad it would require a powerful graphics processing unit and more RAM for fast and responsive applications.

Apple usually doesn’t reveal technical specification such as RAM in its keynote event or product descriptions. In the past RAM has only been confirmed when the device goes on sale and iPhone / iPad repair sites teardown the device and reveal specifications that are not published by Apple.

The rumor mill also seem to suggest that iPad 3 will finally bring LTE connectivity to Apple’s iOS device. The third generation iPad is expected to be available on Verizon and AT&T networks.

To be clear, that would mean two distinct, separate versions of the LTE tablet (one for each network). In addition, there’s a third international model which does double duty on 3G; a CDMA / GSM model using a similar radio chipset to the iPhone 4S (a Qualcomm Gobi chip).

Other specifications leaked so far point to a thicker iPad, better battery life, “Smart Case”, and improved cameras. Even though Apple has always aimed for its next iOS device to be thinner than the previous one it would be interesting to see if iPad 3 actually turns out to be thicker when compared with iPad 2.

Have you been waiting for LTE iPad? What are your expectations from the event? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Apple’s new iPad 3 is only one day away from being announced to the public and new details about what to expect tomorrow are still being leaked. On Monday, iLounge editor, Jeremy Horowitz published a report on two Apple products that he believes that Apple will change or retain. Horowitz reported that Apple is working on a new iPad 3 “Smart Case” and new “glass back” iPhone 5.

The report claims that Apple is experimenting with “Glass and ceramic rear shells” for a future iPhone, probably iPhone 5. Although rumors of a aluminum back iPhone 5 have been floating around on the web, sources of the publication indicated that Apple is planning to use Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2, unveiled at CES 2012. The Gorilla Glass 2 will allow the iPhone 5 to be thinner and stronger than previous models and may even arrive without the addition of the 30 pin dock connector.

The report also pointed at the possibility of a larger screen display. Recently, Apple identified Corning as a supplier of screens for previous generations of iPhone, saying that “Corning employees in Kentucky and New York…create the majority of the glass for iPhone.”

iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S all glass design has been a huge success for Apple. Stronger glass could address issues of the device being very fragile. It will be interesting to see if Apple introduces yet another glass based design or goes with aluminum for the fifth-gen iPhone.

Said to be similar to Incase’s Magazine Jacket (and a host of subsequent alternatives that have appeared for the iPad 2), this new case has a folding magnetized Smart Cover on the front, and a rear shell made from fiberglass covered with PU/bicast leather. It’s unclear whether this case will be solely for the thicker new iPad or include backwards compatibility for the iPad 2.

The “Smart Case” for iPad 3 was described to be something similar to Incase’s Magazine Jacket because it will now feature a back cover. The iPad 2 Smart Cover only protected the from screen from scratches and scuffs and will now work in tandem with the back cover in a folio style encasement.

{via 9to5 Mac}

Taiwanese rumour site Apple.pro [Google translation] recently posted photos of what they claim to be photos of the iPad 3 dock connector in white, attached to a ribbon cable. The interesting part of all of this is that the dock connector resembles that of the iPad 2, but is all white as opposed to black.

The dock connector on the iPad 2 is embedded in the curved aluminum shell of the iPad 2, and is in fact black on all models. This may be interesting, possibly hinting at the idea that Apple is looking to change the design of the iPad and maybe move the dock connector closer to the white bezel to resemble the white iPhone 4, which is entirely white.

There is no confirmation that this piece is in fact part of the rumoured iPad 3, although there are some minor details that point to such an event. Part numbers were also updated from 821-1180-A in the iPad 2 to a newer 821-1259-06, further confirming that an iPad 3 may be in the works. The end of the ribbon cable makes a 90-degree turn in the new piece, whereas the iPad 2’s dock connector ribbon cable is entirely straight.

Apple has been rumoured to be working on iPad 3 that may be introduced as a “pro” or “plus” version of the device with a higher resolution screen rather than a complete redesign. There have been no further details on an iPad 3, other than this dock connector, and rumours peg a release for a September release.

Apple.pro has had accuracy in detecting Apple products in the past. It will be interesting to see if Apple releases next gen iPad this fall.

The HDMI accessory plugs into the iPad 2’s dock connector and provides a mirrored output of the device’s display at 1080p. No setup or configuration is required – you simply plug it in and you’re ready to go – and it supports rotation. Steve says it’ll work with all apps and it’ll be great for teachers, lecturers, businessmen and presenters. The HDMI connector is also home to a regular 30-pin connector, so you can also charge your device whilst outputting to your TV, and will cost $39.

Instead of a new case for the iPad 2, Apple has instead developed ‘covers’, available in 10 colors – 5 of which are made from polyurethane, and 5 from leather – these covers are magnetic and simply stick to the side of your device to protect its screen. Steve said that Apple’s old iPad cases covered up the device’s beautiful design, so these ones just protect its screen with a microfibre cloth lining the inside. When you want to use your device, you simply peel back the cover and fold it around the back turning it into a stand. The cover automatically wakes your device when you open it, and puts it to sleep when you close it. These covers start at $39 for the polyurethane options, or $69 if you’d prefer leather.

Taiwanese Mac blog Apple.pro published a photo earlier today of what is claimed to be a dock connector for the upcoming iPhone 5, along with details that suggest the fifth-generation device could also be available with a slide-out keyboard. Contrary to earlier belief that Apple could soon be moving away from its current dock connector, this new part features the same 30-pin connector used in current Apple devices, and is labelled “821-1300-02-HF/c1.”

A Google translation of the report also uncovers some more interesting rumors about the iPhone 5: apparently, the device will be “slightly thicker,” but will feature a “sliding cover” that could accommodate a hardware keyboard. The site also comments on the recent discovery of what is purported to be a fifth-generation iPhone digitizer – with a larger display window and thinner bezel – brandishing this part a fake.

This isn’t the first time a slide-out keyboard has been rumored for the iPhone 5 by the Taiwanese blog – a couple of weeks ago they claimed that three fifth-generation prototypes are currently being tested by Apple, one of which features a keyboard in a sliding cover. They did point out at the time, however, that this prototype could have been put together simply to test the concept, functionality, and form factor, and that it may not mean Apple are considering the feature for their iPhone.

The report also mentions that a future iPhone will boast a 3D screen, although this won’t be a feature of the iPhone 5.

Apple.pro has been the source of many hardware leaks in previous years, and as AppleInsider points out, last July the blog published pictures of a tiny touch screen that was believed to be destined for an “iPod touch nano,” but was later unveiled in Apple’s latest iPod nano. So the parts obtained from overseas suppliers by the blog certainly aren’t to be sniffed at.