Apple Sends Out Invitations for iPhone 5 Event

Apple just sent members of the press invitations to an event on Sept. 12. With the prominent number “5″ in the invitation’s image, the event is undoubtedly when the company will unveil its next iPhone, often referred to as the “iPhone 5″ by the media.

San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Apple’s traditional choice for big unveilings, will serve as the venue. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Eastern).

The wait for the iPhone 5 has been a long one. Many had expected Apple to deliver a radical redesign when the company unveiled the iPhone 4S last fall, but all the rumors about larger screens and tapered casings proved false when Apple unveiled a phone that was virtually identical to the last version.

The 4S was technically Apple’s fifth iPhone, but observers soon transferred the “iPhone 5″ label to the next version. Rumors and alleged leaks have continued, and although Apple has confirmed nothing, there is a consensus about some of the features the next iPhone will have.

SEE ALSO: ‘Leaked’ iPhone 5 Video Reveals Radical New Design

A larger screen appears almost a certainty — most rumors and supposed component photos point to the iPhone 5 having a 4-inch screen. Apple is apparently going to shrink the dock connector in an effort to keep the product as thin as possible, though that will mean users will need an adapter to connect the phone to older accessories. And a high-speed LTE connection appears a certainty.

One thing guaranteed is that the new iPhone will ship with iOS 6, the new mobile software Apple revealed back in June.

While the new iPhone will be the clear headliner at the event, Apple will probably reveal other products as well, such as a refreshed iPod lineup (before iPhone launches were moved to the fall, the company’s September events traditionally focused on the iPod). The company may also unveil an iPad Mini, a smaller-screen version of its popular iPad tablet, although recent rumors have pegged that release to take place later in the fall.

How much are you looking forward to the next iPhone? What would persuade you to buy one? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to follow Mashable for comprehensive coverage of Apple’s latest products.