iPhone 5, October 4th

At last we have a date. AllthingsD is certain that Apple will be holding an event to introduce its next gen iPhone on the 4th of October, with sales commencing “within a few weeks”. In what has been perhaps the most confusing iPhone refresh cycle, the verdict is still out as to whether this upgrade will be a slight improvement on its predecessor much like the 3GS was to the 3G, or whether antenna controversy, an extended 18 month product cycle and an extra push to bring the phone to more US carriers are signs of a radical new design. Thisismynext reported that the new phone would feature a larger, 3.7 inch screen and an almost ethereal teardrop design back in April. Another mystery is that of the host for the event; with Steve Jobs having stepped down from the CEO position permanently, will Tim Cook make his mark on the Apple keynote? No doubt a Jobs appearance would send reassuring messages to stockholders and fanboys alike, but this event could be an unmissable opportunity for Cook to forge out his public persona as the new CEO.

One more point to bear in mind: traditionally, Apple has released the next major upgrade to iOS for its older devices a few days before the next generation of hardware is released, meaning that iPhone 4 and 3GS users will get a headstart on iOS 5′s redesigned notification system et al; roll on October!

Source: AllthingsD