When will we see the iPhone 5?

The iPhone 5 is likely to feature a larger, edge-to-edge display, a higher quality 8-megapixel camera, and will be lighter and thinner than its predecessor.

Apple's iPhone 5 may be just months away from becoming a reality, with the latest rumours suggesting an August or September release. Just exactly what does Apple have up its sleeve to entice consumers in 2011?

Read our comprehensive iPhone 4 review and check out our guide to the best upcoming smartphones in 2011.

Techworld Australia feature: Nokia N9 vs. iPhone 4

What will be new in the iPhone 5?

According to rumours that have been published for months, the iPhone 5 is likely to feature a larger, edge-to-edge display, a higher quality 8-megapixel camera, and will be lighter and thinner than its predecessor. Though all speculation on the iPhone 5 remains hearsay, these three features seem very likely to eventuate.

Despite a likely increase in the size of the display, the iPhone 5's screen is set to be similar to the iPhone 4's "retina" display, which uses IPS (In Plane Switching) technology and has a 640x960 pixel resolution.

However, a larger screen than the current 3.5in display of the iPhone 4 would bring the iPhone more in line with the latest Google Android phones. These include the 4.3in Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Sensation and Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc, along with the 4in Motorola Atrix, and LG Optimus Black. Nokia's upcoming N9 smartphone, set for an Australian launch in August, also has a 4in display.

When will the iPhone 5 be unveiled?

The latest reports suggest the iPhone 5's supply volume is set to be around six to seven million units during the third quarter of 2011, with 15 million phones set to be manufactured before the end of this year. The same report suggests the iPhone 5 will likely be unveiled in September, and shipped to the US in October.

When will the iPhone 5 be available in Australia?

If the iPhone 5 is unveiled in September, and shipped to the US in October, it is likely to make its way to Australia around the same time. Traditionally, the Australian release of new iPhone's has often been a few weeks behind the US. The iPhone 5 will most likely launch on a Friday, as history suggests that Apple likes Friday for iPhone launches.

The iPhone 5 should once again be available from all three major telcos in Australia — Telstra, Optus, and. It should also be available on Virgin Mobile, just like the current iPhone 4. The iPhone 5 will also be sold outright through Apple's Retail Stores, including its online store.

What other features is the iPhone 5 likely to have?

Other rumours about the iPhone 5 have included:

— Apple will release a smaller, cheaper, downsized version of the iPhone 5 (Unlikely)
— Inclusion of a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip (Possible)
— A new A4 processor, similar to the dual-core model that is used in the iPad 2 (Likely)
— Thinner case design than the current iPhone 4 (Highly likely)
— No home button; use of multi-touch gestures instead (Possible)
— Increased battery life (Highly likely)

What do you want to see in the iPhone 5? Let us know in the comments below!

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Tags smartphonesApplemobile phonesapple iphoneiPhone 5iPhone 5 rumors

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Ross Catanzariti

Ross Catanzariti

PC World
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