Apple to Launch iPhone 5 in September?

The launch of Apple’s iPhone 5 looks to be a little bit different than previous iterations, for one simple reason: it’ll be launched in the fall. At least, if current rumors are proven true. It does seem a bit unusual for Apple to push the launch months ahead of the summer, where it’s usually launched, and it’s hard to predict the reason why. If I had to guess, it could be that certain features just wouldn’t be possible for inclusion with a summer release date.Or, it might just see more potential for initial sales if launched then.

According to three sources, the overall design of the iPhone 5 won’t differ much from the iPhone 4, with its rounded, defined corners and totally flat back. Hardware-wise, it’s inevitable that the iPhone 5 will adopt the dual-core ARM processor of the iPad 2, and at the same time, Apple is also likely to implement a dual-mode Qualcomm chip, for supporting GSM/HSPA and CDMA/EVDO networks.

Other rumors of past months include an 8 megapixel camera sensor (*sigh*, I’d rather better images rather than  larger sub-par images), and the introduction of the near-field commutation technology, which would allow remote payments to be made where able.

For those who were hoping to score an iPhone 5 this summer, the rumor of a fall release is bound to sting, but, hopefully it means that we’ll see a far-improved iPhone, rather than a minor upgrade (think iPad > iPad 2).

Beyond the promise of a “faster processor,” not exactly the most shocking revelation, the sources for Reuters also claimed a September introduction for the updated iPhone. Previous rumors were less precise, merely indicating a later “fall” launch, leading many to conclude Apple would introduce the new iPhone alongside updated iPod touch devices in September—the usual timeframe for iPod updates. This latest intel seems to confirm that conclusion.