This week belongs to the software giant Microsoft, which charmed all the tech enthusiasts with the launch of its iPad rivaling Surface tablets as well as its next generation mobile phone OS, Windows Phone 8. However, rumors are increasingly dominating the tech media world about Apple's next flagship smartphone offering, the iPhone 5.
Here is quick peek at the cheat sheet of the rumor mill and the recent leaks swirling around the internet world related to the upcoming heavyweight by the Cupertino Company.
iPhone 5: 19-pin dock connector
A latest reports suggest that the next iPhone will have a smaller 19-pin dock connector instead of the typical 30-pin connector. Numerous reports including MobileFun and TechCrunch reporter John Biggs have suggested that Apple has struck deals with various suppliers to get the 19-pin dock connector.
The 19-pin port will obviously be smaller, and will be around the same size as the ThunderBolt ports currently to be seen on the MacBook Air and Pro laptops.
At the same time, TechCrunch claimed that it has independently verified that Apple is working on adding a 19-pin port, replacing the current 30-pin port, to the new iPhone, which is rumored to come in October 2012. "It is a move that will surely send shocks through the iPhone accessory ecosystem," says TechCrunch's John Biggs.
As per Biggs, at least three independent manufacturers are in agreement with him that the new 19-pin dock connector is in the works.
iPhone 5: No Liquidmetal Casing
One of the more constant rumors surrounding the new iPhone is the use of a new Liquidmetal casing on the next iPhone.
Apple first licensed Liquidmetal technologies in 2010 and only this week it emerged that Apple has extended the deal to give it exclusive rights to any technology developed by Liquidmetal until February 2014.
Liquidmetal claims its technologies combine the properties of plastic with the rigidity of metals, giving a lightweight and pliable material which is still strong.
However, a report in the Christian Post suggests the new licensing agreement is simply a case of Apple looking to the future and securing rights to the technology now, it does not mean it will be integrated in iPhone 5.
iPhone 5: A Galaxy S3 Killer
The CEO of Hon Hai, parent company of the highly controversial Foxconn manufacturing plants, Terry Gou informed the China Times newspaper that the iPhone 5 would put the Samsung Galaxy S3 to shame.
Adding to that, the outspoken executive didn't stop there, he also urged customers not to buy the Samsung Galaxy S3, but to wait for the iPhone 5.
Analysts predict that it definitely proves that Foxconn is involved in the manufacturing of the new iPhone and it also reveals a deep lying resentment towards Samsung by the Taiwanese-based Hon Hai Company.
Meanwhile, other features that are likely to be incorporated in the upcoming iPhone model are Retina display, an A5X Variant chip, 1GB RAM, iOS 6, 4G LTE technology, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, improved Siri, an 8 megapixel (or even higher) rear camera, a 2 megapixel front-facing camera for video chatting and a much-improved battery life.
Whatever Apple is going to name its next generation iPhone, technically it will be the sixth model of iPhone released by Apple. Past rumors and speculations in the run up to release have also confirmed that Apple will follow the 4-inch screen strategy for its next iPhone.
Here take a look at the 10 best possible designs to envision what the Apple's next iPhone might look like. Click Start to flip through the Slideshow.
