The front panel from Apple’s iPhone 5 has been leaked online ahead of the device’s highly anticipated September 12 launch, according to a news report. The pictures, published by smartphone repair firm ubreakifix, appears to confirm rumours that the iPhone 5 will feature a larger display than its predecessor, bringing the device in line with current Android flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3 and HTC One X.
The site claims claims the front panel shown in the image is the final version of what Apple will use on its iPhone 5.
The front panel features a centrally placed camera, unlike the iPhone 4S, adding further weight to speculation that the iPhone 5 will feature a drastically improved front-facing FaceTime camera.
Details of the expected new phone, including its name, have not been officially released, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from turning. Several reports state the new phone will have a slightly larger screen and a smaller dock connector.
The iPhone 5 is expected to feature a larger 4-inch Retina Display, NFC, LTE-support, a brand new chipset, and a new ultra-skinny design that’ll make the handset almost as slim as the company’s iPod Touch at 7.6mm.
Apple are expected to reveal their latest mobile on 12 September, with the handset up for pre-order the same day and going on general release on 21 September. International shipments are expected to start on 5 October.
Anticipation for the iPhone 5 may be reducing cell phone sales worldwide, with many people holding off on buying new phones until the September launch date.
Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner said: “The challenging economic environment and users postponing upgrades to take advantage of high-profile device launches”
Source: UBREAKIFIX