iPhone 5 launch imminent

Official invites sent out for press event of the new smartphone

Apple have caused a flurry of internet excitement over the release of the new iPhone 5, after official press invites for an event set for 12 September were released.

The official Apple invite shows the message ‘It’s almost here’, reflecting the number 5 as a silhouette underneath, which has been widely interpreted to be in reference to the new iPhone 5.

The event, which will be held at Yerba Buena Centre for the Arts in San Francisco, is the usual venue for the announcement of new products, fuelling rumours of the smartphone’s launch.

The new model is actually Apple’s sixth smartphone, after the success of last year’s iPhone 4S and is the first big step for the company since the death of Steve Jobs.

It is believed to have a larger 4.2 inch screen, thinner body and a new nine-pin connector at its base, replacing the current 30-pin connector.

4G high-speed wired broadband is expected on US carriers and it is suggested Orange will offer iPhone compatibility, as the company are to set up a 4G service in the UK the day before the launch.

Other features of the new smartphone include Facebook integration and Apple’s new ‘Maps’ application, which will replace Google Maps as an already pre-loaded service.

Apple are also expected to launch a smaller iPad mini measuring 7.85 inches later in October.

Will you be queuing up to buy the new iPhone 5? Let us know in the comment box below.

MORE WORLD NEWS