Apple is providing a live stream of the special event. The event will go live at 10 a.m. PDT on March 9. Live streaming video requires Safari on OS X or iOS. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV.

It is widely expected that Apple will announce the release date of Apple Watch and share more details about the upcoming wearable device. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has already hinted at April launch of the device however, we will get to know the exact launch date during the event.

Apple is also expected to showcase third-party apps developed for the Apple Watch, provide information on battery life and other features which weren’t showcased during the iPhone 6 event last year. Most importantly the event will finally end the suspense over Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition pricing. So far all we know is that Apple Watch Sport will be priced at $349.

Apple Watch has been a topic of much discussion since its official announcement last year. Apple has worked closely with high-fashion media outlets such as the Vogue magazine to feature the upcoming Apple wearable device.

Are you excited about the Apple Watch event? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

The report was published by French website iGen.fr which suggests that both models will be released on the same date. This is contrary to previous reports which suggested that the 5.5 inch model would be made available after the 4.7 inch model release date. However, the report does note that the 5.5 inch model could be available in very limited supply as Apple has been experiencing some production delays related to the bigger form factor of “iPhone 6 plus”. The French publication does have a good record of accurately predicting Apple product launches.

September 19 launch date for both the phones seems plausible and goes well with the release cycle of previous iPhones. Apple typically hosts the unveiling event on Tuesday and the device hits the market the following week on a Friday, giving enough time to tech publications for publishing their in-depth reviews of the new device.

Apple will announce the pricing of the new models during the keynote event today; according to various reports the iPhone 6 plus is expected to be priced $100 more in each storage capacity while iPhone 6 will be priced same as current gen iPhone 5S.

Apple’s iPhone 6 keynote event will be live in about two and a half hours from now. The company is widely rumoured to enter into a new product category with the iWatch. The new smart watch from Apple could propel the company in pushing new boundaries in the wearable space.

Are you excited about the new iPhones and iWatch? Will you buy the new 4.7 inch iPhone 6 or the 5.5 inch iPhone 6 plus? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

If the recent part leaks of the upcoming iPhone 6 weren’t enough a new HD video published by Russia-based YouTuber Rozetked, shows the parts of alleged new iPhone completely assembled. The assembled parts are claimed to be of iPhone Air / iPhone 6 which is rumoured to be 4.7 inch in size. This year Apple is expected to release two new iPhones with 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch screens sizes.

According to the reports published by various news outlets, iPhone 6 will feature sapphire crystal display, NFC chip, improved camera sensors, longer battery life and new sensors. There has been a lot of debate concerning the cost of the new iPhones as the sapphire crystal displays are costly and very hard to produce. It is possible that 4.7 inch screen size may be available at existing price points however a 5.5 inch screen iPhone could be priced $100 more.

Apple will be holding the iPhone event at  Flint Center for the Performing Arts which is much bigger than the venues Apple typically selects for new product announcements. It is interesting to note that the company is also building a three-storey structure at the event venue. There have been a few reports about Apple introducing a new wearable product during the event, it is unclear if the new structure is being built to showcase some specific functionality of the wearable product. If rumours are to be believed then the new iWatch(?) will only be demoed at the event, its availability is scheduled for early next year. Steve Jobs introduced the original Macintosh at the same venue almost 30 years ago.

Even though there have been many part leaks and we may have already seen the iPhone 6 which will be announced in 6 days from now it’s possible that a few surprise await us. Are you excited about the event? What are your expectations from the event? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

{via 9to5 Mac}

The next big mobile software update iOS 7 could release on September 10th according to an email sent by Nuance to its developers. Nuance is the company behind voice recognition and dictation on the iPhone. On Monday, the company sent an email to developers using its API to prepare for the General Availability of iOS 7.

Apple does release upcoming software updates to its partners ahead of release date however, its partners knowing the software roll out plans for general public is something that is unheard of.

In the past, Apple has released the Golden Master version of the operating system  to developers on the same day it announces next-gen iPhone. Giving enough time to developers to fine tune their apps before the update is made available to all before the launch of new iPhone.

iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C are expected to be announced on September 10th and could launch to the first set of countries by September 20th with pre-booking going live about 3-4 days in advance.

iOS 7 is the biggest update since the original iPhone OS. The new update offers a completely new look to iOS devices. With the all-new control centre, multitasking and new gestures the new version of iOS will redefine Apple’s smartphones and tablets.

While iOS 7 may “shock” those who have grown to love the skeuomorphic design language of the existing iOS, overall iOS 7 makes things appear simpler and passing on the focus to the content rather than design ornamentation.

{via TheNextWeb}

Last month BlackBerry (formerly known as RIM) announced that it will release a multi-platform version of BlackBerry Messenger, adding support for iOS and Android. BBM has been hugely successful messaging service with over 10 billion messages sent per day with 60 million monthly active users.

BBM on iPhone will compete with Apple’s own iMessage and other popular instant messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The release date for BBM for iPhone hasn’t been announced yet and it’s availability is likely scheduled for later this summer.

BBM set the standard for mobile instant messaging with fast and reliable service and an added layer of engagement with delivered and read statuses. You’ve shared with us your stories about how BBM has kept you connected when it mattered most to you. Upon release of the multi-platform BBM service, you can broaden that real-time connection to friends and colleagues on other supported mobile platforms.

Yesterday, Salshgear was first to spot a tweet from T-Mobile’s twitter account that announced “Great news – BlackBerry Messenger will be available to download on iOS and Android from June 27th!”. That tweet was later deleted and when BlackBerry PR was contacted by Mashable they confirmed that the release date was incorrect.

While there have been reports that BBM will be available to iOS and Android on June 27, this is not accurate,

A multi-platform BBM client on iOS and Android will fuel the growth for the instant chat messaging service. The first version of BBM on iPhone will include the following features:

– The immediacy of BBM chats
– Multi-person chats
– Voice note sharing
– BlackBerry Groups, where BBM users are able to set up groups of up to 30 people and share calendar, photos, files and more

Since, Apple allows messaging services other than iMessage to be available on the App Store, the approval process shouldn’t be an issue for BlackBerry.

Rumors about Apple’s next iPhone 5S are popping up all over the internet, with reports coming directly out of Apple’s supply chain. These new rumors suggest that Apple will be launching the cheaper iPhone alongside the iPhone 5S, instead of launching the two separately over the course of the year.

Topeka Capital Market analyst Brian White reported on the iPhone 5S earlier this week, and after attending a trade show in China, reiterated this latest claim about both iPhones launching at one event. As mentioned before, both of the iPhones are expected to release in June, with White previously reporting on a June/July release date.

In White’s report earlier this week, he noted that the iPhone 5S would likely have the same 4 inch screen size as the current iPhone 5 and that the fingerprint scanning technology would be the signature feature in the next iPhone, similar to Siri on the iPhone 4S. White has been reporting on a number of claims that have appeared across the web, making it very likely that an iPhone 5S and a cheaper iPhone will, in fact, be launching later this year.

{Via AppleInsider – Image Credit: iMore}

According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning the release of two new iPhones this summer. Kuo claims that Apple will release iOS 7 in June, followed by the iPhone 5S and a cheaper iPhone in July, both of which are expected to have fingerprint sensors, likely something similar to the fingerprint login feature on HP computers. This means that all of Apple’s iPhone related refreshes will be done by the end of the summer and the company will have introduced new features not seen in other smartphones.

This will leave time for Apple to release an updated iPad and iPod lineup in the fall. China Mobile and Apple are also reportedly working together to hash out a deal, which would add a TDD (time-division duplexing) version of the iPhone. TDD is the current standard used by China Mobile although there are several other versions out there as well.

We expect Apple will introduce its new iPhones and iOS7 in June, and start shipping the new iPhones (5S and low-cost model) in the FDD version in July. Both dates are earlier than last year’s roadmap. We attribute this to: (1) an effort to avoid repeating the fatal mistake of last year of the delayed iPhone 5 launch, which gave competitors room to grab market share; and (2) the new iPhones this year are mainly designed on the basis of the current iPhone 5, which suggests development time could be reduced.

Kuo also notes in his research report that both the cheaper iPhone and the iPhone 5S will have the ability to run LTE. This is not surprising when considering that Apple is looking to move away from 3G, moving its iPad lineup into LTE territory in recent months.

[W]e expect the product differentiation between iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 will be: (1) computing power, with iPhone 5S to run on the faster A7 application processor; (2) the camera, with iPhone 5S being equipped with Smart Flash, ensuring photo quality using white or yellow flash according to lighting conditions; (3) iPhone 5S will have a fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability; and (4) the low-cost iPhone 5 hybrid casing of fiberglass and plastic will make it lighter and slimmer than general plastic casing and easier to make in various colors. However, we still think it will be heavier than iPhone 5S, which will have an aluminum casing. Thus, even form factor will be an area of differentiation.

Kuo has a solid track record, having accurately reported on a number of Apple product releases and refreshes. His claims about a TDD iPhone and China Mobile are likely based on previous reports, considering that major sources such as WSJ and Bloomberg have also reported that this is likely.

{Via MacRumors}

During Apple’s keynote event on Wednesday, the company confirmed iOS 6 release date for Wednesday, September 19th. With that, they also released the Golden Master (GM) version of iOS 6 to developers on Thursday, essentially finalizing the new software update for iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, Fourth and fifth gen iPod touch, iPad 2 and 3.

Apple’s iOS 6 preview page mentions that the update is coming soon and the company gave an extensive preview of the software running on the new iPod touch 5G and the iPhone 5 during the music event. The sixth major release for iOS devices is aimed at introducing some new native apps such as Apple’s new Maps app, Passbook and other features are basically enhancements to existing features. With this release Apple has moved to completely get rid of it’s reliance on Google’s maps app and to provide it’s own turn-by-turn directions.

Some main features of iOS 6 include an entirely new Maps application with turn by turn navigation and FlyOver, a Passbook app for storing bank cards, boardpasses, Siri enhancements, and Facebook integration. iOS 6 will be available as a free download for users although not all features will work on all of the devices. iOS 6 will ship on the new iPhone 5 and the 5th generation iPod touch 5G.

{Via MacRumors}

iPhone 5 leaks are continuing to appear on the web ahead of the release date event later today. A new report now publishes images of iPhone 5 logic board showing the new A6 chip. The Italian blog Apple.HDblog.it has posted new images which clearly show the details of the logic board of the sixth-gen iPhone.

In addition to A6 chip the iPhone 5 logic board shows Qualcomm MDM9615M LTE modem, which confirms earlier rumors about iPhone 5 supporting faster 4G LTE network. The photos seem to line up with recently leaked search page on Apple.com which lists a placeholder URL for LTE capabilities of the new iPhone.

As reported by MacRumors the logic board also reveals flash memory which is apparently being provided by Hynix and also goes on to show other chips that support features like WiFi, Bluetooth, gyroscope and accelerometer. Speculation suggests that A6 is believed to be a quad-core processor which could significantly enhance the phone’s computational capability and make advance apps like iPhoto to perform functions smoothly.

iPhone 5 media event will go live later today and it will be interesting to see if all the details that were revealed via rumors actually turn out to be true. Are you excited about the new iPhone 5? Based on all that you’ve read about the new iPhone will you be upgrading your phone? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Late last week, a report from the Wall Street Journal mentioned that Apple’s iPhone 5 will have support for Global 4G LTE, something that began to be speculated upon as early as the announcement of the new iPad which also supports 4G LTE. However, the new iPad was only supported on AT&T and Verizon in the US and Bell Canada, Rogers Communications in Canada.

The iPhone 5 would not work the same way and is expected to operate on worldwide LTE networks. The report notes that the 4G will be available in most countries in U.S., Europe and Asia but not all countries will have it soon after release. Apple’s move into 4G LTE is one of the many steps the company is taking to continue leading the smartphone market with the iPhone.

During the original iPhone introduction, 2G was supported, followed by 3G on the iPhone 3G eventually leading the iPhone to become a world phone with both GSM and CDMA support. The iPhone 5 is expected to be announced Wednesday during the company’s media event and is expected to go on sale on September 21st.

Apple’s new iPhone 5 is widely believed to feature a larger 4 inch high resolution screen, faster processor, new hardware design among other enhancements.

{Via AppleInsider}

On Tuesday, German site iphone-ticker.de reported that T-Mobile Germany is now distributing nano-SIM to retailers, possibly for the announcement and release date of iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 is currently thought to be the only smartphone using the nano-SIM standard, and has been rumored earlier in the year to shrink down to accommodate the rumored slimmer profile of the iPhone 5.

The report also indicates that the nano-SIMS will be used for the “latest generation of smartphones”, expected to arrive in the near future. In late July, European carriers were reported to be stocking the new nano-SIMs in preparation of the iPhone 5 and this reiterates these claims that the carriers were in fact of possession of such SIMs.

The carriers were also rumored to have been working in tandem with Apple to test the new nano-SIMs on next gen devices. The iPhone 5 is expected to be announced on September 12th and to go on sale on September 21st. It is expected to be released alongside a new iPad Mini and the public version of iOS 6.

{Via MacRumors}

During WWDC 2012 conference, Apple’s SVP of iOS software, Scott Forstall mentioned that in iOS 6 the App Store was going to be redesigned. However, the company never specified as to what it would look like or exactly what they were changing.

After Apple’s acquisition of Chomp, the App Store search layout is getting a major reboot. The App Store in iOS 6, with the new Chomp makeover now shows apps in the form of swipeable cards, which gives users a screenshot of the app, five star rating system, and the familiar Install button.

Apple has also enabled Genius recommendations in the new App Store interface to suggest apps for users based on the apps they’ve already downloaded. The Cupertino company has also gone ahead and shed light on the podcast feature which pushes out a message to users when a Podcast link is clicked that the Podcast app is required to play it.

iOS 6 is expected to be released on September 12th, during the same event of the iPhone 5 announcement. It is also likely that iOS 6 will be released on the same day the iPhone 5 goes on sale, so all devices, old and new will be running the latest software at the same time.

{Via 9to5Mac}

Apple’s highly anticipated sixth-gen iPhone, widely referred to as iPhone 5 is expected to be introduced this month at a media event on September 12th. ‘iPhone 5′ rumors have been around even before iPhone 4S was introduced as many expected Apple’s fifth-gen iPhone to be called iPhone 5.

In the recent months the rumors and leaks surrounding iPhone 5 have made Apple’s unannounced device already seem like a “reality”. We’ve been reporting on the leaked images of iPhone 5 parts and the rumors about the large 4 inch display. As the release date comes near we’ve seen photos of nearly the entire iPhone 5 assembly. However, with just 12 days to go now we’re seeing prototypes of the iPhone 5 design based on earlier rumors and leaks.

Accessory manufactures are often able to gather information and specification of Apple’s next gen devices. In order to benefit from first mover advantage they manufacture the accessories in advance to have them available in the market on launch day. At IFA 2012 one such iPhone case maker showcased cases for iPhone 5 using a fully-assembled ‘iPhone 5′ prototype. A video was posted by GSM Israel that shows the prototype to be based on earlier leaks and rumors.

If you thought that looked real, MacRumors has posted a video that shows the 4-inch iPhone 5 in action. The video draws a parallel between the 3.5 inch screen of iPhone 4S and 4-inch screen of the sixth gen iPhone. Larger screen with a resolution of 1136×640 you’ll be able to view a taller home screen with more apps visible at once and more apps in one folder. Updated apps and games will be able to make use of wide display while the apps that are not updated may be kept inside black border.

According to the rumors so far, next gen iPhone will not feature a radically new design, but offer slightly different visual look from the back. Apple’s metal band design that houses the antenna’s was introduced as a breakthrough design when Steve Jobs announced the iPhone 4 and even after almost three years it still looks far more high-end when compared with other smartphones that adopt a design using plastic or a variation of it.

Apple’s new iPhone is also rumored to support A6 chip as opposed to earlier belief that the company will include A5X chip that made its way in the new iPad. With a larger screen, faster chip and a new design will Apple be able to report another blockbuster opening week? If the design leaks turn out to be true will you buy the new iPhone? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Last August, Apple launched a buyback program for old iPhones, iPads and Macs and partnered with its long term recycling partner PowerON. The program offers users an Apple gift card for the value of the device, which can be used at any of the company’s retail locations as well as the online store.

The Cupertino company also gives users the options to recycle the device without any charge or compensation if they choose. On Wednesday, ahead of iPhone 5 release date, Apple updated their Reuse and Recycling page to include the iPhone 4S, offering up to $345 for the device. A slightly used black iPhone 4S would receive about $280 in the form of a check.

According to AppleInsider’s report, the addition of the iPhone 4S comes only weeks before Apple is expected to announce the release date of the next generation iPhone 5 on September 12th and release on the 21st. Although the online prices for the recycled devices are estimates, most device owners are receiving more than the initial $200 the put in for the 4S. PowerON also recycles newer PCs for Apple Gift Cards through its recycling program.

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade to the sixth gen iPhone then this recycling program is a great option to get a good deal on your used iPhone. Apple’s all-new iPhone expected to launch in the coming month.

Over the past several months, numerous photos have surfaced online, with websites suggesting that they are genuine parts to Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5. Rumors have also pointed to a media event for the release date announcement of iPhone 5 on September 12th.

The most recent leak comes from Apple.pro, which has posted a set of images of what appears to be a fully assembled iPhone 5 front panel with the home button and the front camera installed. The images were originally posted to a photobucket account, which has a track record of Apple leaks, including the thickness of the new iPad and one of the first to release images of a white panel for the next generation iPhone.

These latest images all but confirm that an iPhone 5 is set to be released in the coming weeks and show the home button and front camera attached to the LCD with metal brackets. The front facing camera is now located on the center of the device, similar to the iPad and iPod touch. The iPhone 5 front panel is expected to be attached to the two toned unibody shell, leaked several weeks ago. The shell would also be 4 inches, to match with the LCD screen.

Japanese site Macotakara has also released details suggesting that the square shaped metal piece at the bottom of the leaked panel may in fact be an NFC chip, which can be used to set up credit cards and other wireless features.

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5 is expected to be announced at a media event on September 12th, followed by a release in retail stores on September 21st. The iPhone 5 is also said to be accompanied by a new iPad Mini and the public release of iOS 6.

{Via MacRumors}

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}

Earlier in the week, Sprint reduced the price of the iPhone 4S down to $149 on its website, likely in preparation of Apple’s announcement of iPhone 5 release date, next month. Apple’s prices remained steady even as carriers began to make changes, remaining at the $199/$299/$399 for the iPhone 4S, $99 for the iPhone 4, and free for the iPhone 3GS, all with a 2 year contract. However, now that Apple will be following suit and reducing prices on the 4S as well.

On Thursday, MacRumors reported that Apple would be reducing the price of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 models by $49.01, lowering the prices to $149.99/$249.99/$349.99 iPhone 4S, $49.99 for the iPhone 4, and free for the 3GS respectively. This offer is valid only when a customer requests for a price match and shows an offer for a lower priced iPhone.

Apple, with the latest discounts at its retail stores will now be leveling its prices with carriers and retailers across the country, and preparing to clear stock for upcoming iPhone 5 release date announcement. Apple’s price match discounts, according to the report, will only be available in Apple’s Retail Stores only. It is very likely that Apple will also extend this to their online store several weeks prior to the iPhone 5 release date.

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}

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}

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5 has been rumored to be released this fall, more specifically during the September/ October timeframe. On Monday, iMore reported that September 12th was likely the day of announcement for the release date of iPhone 5, and perhaps even an iPad Mini and new 5th gen iPod touch. Following iMore’s report, major news sources have confirmed that this date is likely the day that Apple’s special media event will be held. AllThingsD was the one of the first to confirm that the announcement would be that week.

Apple hasn’t yet officially announced the fall event at which it is expected to debut the next iteration of the iPhone, but it’s definitely planning one.

iMore was first to report that the company has scheduled a special event for Wednesday, September 12, and now we’ve confirmed it as well. Sources tell AllThingsD that Apple is currently planning an event for that week. And while we haven’t yet confirmed its focus, history suggests it will indeed be the new iPhone.

With iMore’s initial report, followed by confirmation from AllThingsD, other sources including The Verge and The Loop confirmed the date of the week of the date. The Verge discussed the date and why it is likely accurate, saying the following:

The rumor cycle this time around for the next iPhone has been a bit unusual — multiple leaks have all depicted the exact same components — but it looks like we’ll be seeing what Apple has up its sleeves come Wednesday, September 12th. Our own sources have confirmed that date, and multiple websites have similar reports as well.

Following these announcements, Reuters, Bloomberg and NYTimes also followed up with their own reports, confirming that September 12th is most likely the announcement date of the next generation iPhone 5. Apple’s next gen iPhone is expected to be accompanied by an iPad Mini, possibly an iPod touch and the public release of iOS 6.

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 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}

Earlier this month, rumors about Apple looking to release a standalone Podcast app were all over the web. On Tuesday, ahead of iOS 6 release date Apple released the Podcasts app, offering up a variety of features, previously within the Music app on iOS, with its own interface.

Apple released the app on the App Store early Tuesday as a free download, however, a redeem button within a app has led some users to believe that there may be paid podcasts offered in the near future.

Podcasts app is the easiest way to discover, subscribe to and play your favorite podcasts on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Explore hundreds of thousands of free audio and video podcasts from the Podcasts Catalog, and play the most popular podcasts, organized for you by topic, with the all-new Top Stations feature.

Features:

– Enjoy all of your audio and video podcasts in a single app
– Explore hundreds of thousands of podcasts including shows in over 40 languages
– Try the innovative new Top Stations feature to find new podcast series in a variety of topics, including arts, business, comedy, music, news, sports, and more.
– Browse by Audio or Video podcasts, or see what’s most popular in Top Charts
– Tap subscribe for your favorites and automatically receive new episodes for free as they become available
– Stream episodes or download to listen while offline
– Skip forward and back using simple playback controls
– Turn on Sleep Timer to automatically stop playing a podcast while listening in bed
– Share your favorite episodes with friends using Twitter, Messages and Mail
– Optionally sync your favorite episodes from iTunes on your Mac or PC
– Sync your episode playback for seamless transition between devices

The app offers all of the podcasts that were previously available through iTunes, but with a new interface and allows users to stream and download podcasts. Users can also sync podcasts across devices running with the same Apple ID.

{via MacRumors}

On Wednesday, a report from The Wall Street Journal revealed that Apple is ordering 4 inch screens for the next generation iPhone 5. The screens have been reported to measure 4-inch diagonally, meaning that the width of the phone would not change, instead it would become taller.

A mockup of the possible next generation iPhone 5 was released earlier last week, and has gained lots of attention (image above). Every model released since the introduction of the original iPhone in 2007 had the same 3.5 inch diagonal widescreen display. This would be the first time that the screen would change.

Apple Inc., which is expected to launch its next-generation iPhone later this year, has ordered screens from its Asian suppliers that are bigger than the ones used in iPhones since they debuted in 2007, people familiar with the situation said.

Production is set to begin next month for the screens, which measure at least 4 inches diagonally compared with 3.5 inches on the iPhone 4S, the latest phone from Apple, the people said.

As with all previous generations of the iPhone, Apple has worked with outside companies on the display. The new 4 inch display for iPhone 5 is going to be created from a collaboration with LG, Sharp, and Japan Display.

Japan Display is a combination of Sony, Hitachi, and Toshiba, all native Japanese companies. Following the report from The Wall Street Journal, Reuters released their own report backing claims of Apple ordering 4 inch screens.

Apple Inc plans to use a larger screen on the next-generation iPhone and has begun to place orders for the new displays from suppliers in South Korea and Japan, people familiar with the situation said on Wednesday. […]

The next generation iPhone 5 release date is expected to be announced during the same October timeframe as the iPhone 4S.

{via MacRumors}

On Monday, a report from Bloomberg suggested that Apple is expected to release a thinner Macbook Pro at this year’s upcoming WWDC 2012. Rumors that Apple would be discontinuing the 17” Macbook Pro and introducing a thinner model have been on the web for quite some time, but no credible sources have produced any solid information as to when the public would see the new Macbooks.

According to the report, the new thinner models of the Macbook Pro would be adopting a number of features from the current Macbook Air, including the flash storage in order to give it a faster startup time and help to extend the battery life. The Macbook Pro line has not had a redesign since 2008, but has received upgraded internals, including the new i5 and i7 chips from Intel.

Bloomberg also mentioned that Apple may announce the release date for the latest OS X Mountain Lion that the company issued a developer preview of earlier this year. Apple has focused its attention on making its products as portable as possible, first with the iPhone, followed by the iPad, and did the same with the Mac starting with the Macbook Air. Apple’s WWDC conference, when the thinner Macbook Pro is expected to be announced is going to be held from June 11-15 in San Francisco.

{via MacRumors}