Apple iPhone 5 pegged for 12 September launch

Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 5 at an event on 12 September, 11 months after the launch of its previous flagship smartphone, according to reports.

Users should expect to see a design refresh, with Apple upping the the screen size for the first time from 3.5in to 4ins. This will bring the device in-line with high-end Android devices such as the Galaxy S3 which has a 4.8in display.

Apple is also set to ship the device with a smaller connection port. This means the phone will not be natively compatible with accessories such as docking chargers and speakers, but the vendor is expected to ship an adapter to mitigate this.

Meanwhile, the firm could also debut a 7in version of the iPad at the same event, which will offer users a more portable alternative to the market-leading 9.7in tablet.

Both devices are expected to ship with iOS 6, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system. The company showcased key features of iOS 6 at WWDC 2012 in June including Passbook and native Maps.

Passbook will store features, such as boarding passes, movie tickets, and loyalty cards in a digital wallet. The service is time- and location-based, so it will bring up flight information when you reach the airport or your loyalty card details when you enter a coffee shop, for example.

Meanwhile, native Maps have been designed from the ground up by Apple and includes navigation from TomTom. Features such as Flyover' will provides a photo-realistic overview of major cities.

More iOS6 features are expected to be announced at the launch event and the devices could go on sale later in September.