Apple’s iPhone series has become something of a legend in the world of smartphones. Not only do these phones run on Apple’s popular mobile operating system, iOS, and offer access to the Apple App Store, but they also feature a sleek and attractive design. Consequently, it is no wonder that the release of the new iPhone 5, rumored by the New York Times to besometime in mid-October in the U.S., is hotly anticipated by smartphone users worldwide.

Several reasons account for this heightened hype. The International Business Times reports that the iPhone 5 will feature an 8-megapixel camera, a faster 1.2 to 1.5 dual core processor, aluminum plate casing, and a slimmer teardrop design. Leaked Case-Mate iPhone 5 cases show that the new iPhone will look significantly different from the current iPhone models, with improvements such as a larger display and a rounded rectangular home button.

The iPhone 5 will run on the newest Apple operating system, the iOS 5, which boasts many new applications, including Reminders and Newsstand. Additionally, the iPhone 5 is rumored to feature near-field communications technology, which will allow users to exchange information and carry out transactions by merely waving or tapping their iPhone on a reader, according to the Washington Post.

Another huge difference from previous iPhone models is the addition of a new carrier. Sprint will be joining current carriers Verizon and AT&T in offering the iPhone 5. Unlike its competitors, Sprint will be offering an unprecedented
unlimited data, messaging, and voice plan for only $99.99 a month. With this plan, Sprint has the potential to draw away many Verizon and AT&T iPhone users, who pay considerably more per month (sptimes.com).

As of right now, however, PC World reports that iPhone 5 production is experiencing delays due to manufacturing issues caused by the tear-shaped design. With the number of smartphone users clamoring for the iPhone 5, Apple cannot hold off the official announcement much longer.