iPhone 5 Release Rumor: Bigger Screen, Biggest Launch?

Apple's next model of smartphone, dubbed iPhone 5 by many, is rumored to have increased its size from 3.5 to 4.0 inches. But the screen size is not the only thing that would be "big" when it is launched. A Wells Fargo analyst said the launch itself will be the "biggest" in consumer electronics' history.

Streetinsider has reported that Wells Fargo has resumed coverage on Apple's share. According to the report, the firm said "new iPhone launches and the resulting earnings upside driven by demand have historically been the biggest share catalysts for Apple" and the fall launch of iPhone 5 will be the biggest launch in consumer electronics' history.

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The Cupertino-based electronic giant has been the major player in the smartphone market with its successful iPhone models. But its status are being challenged with new emerging products, such as Samsung Galaxy S3 and Google Nexus. Is it possible for Apple to have the "biggest launch" with new competitors?

Samsung Galaxy S3, launched in Europe last month and in United States last week, has a tremendous potential to take down Apple's success in the smartphone market. The 1.5Ghz dual-core processor and 2GB RAM, along with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, give one of the best performance on mobile phones. It has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen and comes with a 8MP back camera and a 1.9MP front camera. It will also have near-field-communication (NFC) and 4G LTE. The device will be available on five different U.S. wireless carriers - AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular, and it will have the same design and brand name across different carriers.

In order to stay ahead of Samsung, Apple has to have something incredible to bring this fall.

According to current rumors, iPhone 5 is to have a 4.0-inch elongated screen with 16:9 ratio. This will depart from previous iPhone models, which all had 3.5-inch 4:3 ratio screen. The phone will presumably support iOS 6, Apple's next mobile operating system which was introduced at WWDC 2012. iOS 6 will have its own mapping service, capable of 3D view and turn-by-turn navigation, and ditch Google Map as the default service. The new iOS will also have more integration with third-party services, such as Yelp and Facebook.

People have expected iPhone 5 to follow the iOS 6 launch, perhaps in October, but recent rumor suggested a possibly of September or even August launch, based on Apple's request to its Taiwanese manufacturers to expedite their work.

When could we expect Apple's new iPhone to arrive in the market? And would be really become the biggest launch in consumer electronics' history that puts Samsung Galaxy S3 to shame?

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