First wave of iPhone 5 speculation arrives

Speculation surrounding Apple’s next iPhone has begun its first sweep across numerous technology industries.

The latest spate of rumours is that Apple will this year unveil something more ambitious than an ordinary upgrade of its iPhone 4.

Numerous tech publications, including mobile site Boy Genius Report, claim that Apple’s iPhone 5 will undergo a significant redesign.

A “reliable source” said Apple is working on a “radical case design” for the new phone that is far thinner than previous models and sports a 4-inch screen (pictured).

It is also believed that the so-called iPhone 5 will run on Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor.

Separate rumours published months ago suggested that Apple’s ultrathin case for its mobile will feature a unique tapered design that eliminates any case rim.

However, a separate rush of speculation has suggested the opposite; that the next iPhone will be a basic upgrade.

It is widely believed that Apple will launch a new iPhone this year. Telecoms group Verizon has indirectly mentioned the new device, though it is inevitable that Apple is building upgrades and new models of its phones.

Apple is expected to unveil its next product in September, a month usually scheduled for iPod press conferences.