iPhone 5 Announced

After much speculation and rumor, Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 5. The new model boasts a 4-inch display (which is large enough to accommodate an extra row of icons on the Home screen), a faster processor, support for LTE mobile networks, and a slimmer, lighter design. The iPhone 5 is set for release on September 21, 2012.

The redesigned screen now features a full 16:9 aspect ratio, meaning widescreen TV shows will fill the entire display without any cropping. The iPhone 5 also comes equipped with an upgraded 8MP rear camera, offering sharper photos, while the front-facing camera gets an upgrade as well, now supporting 1080p video calls.

One major change, however, is the replacement of the 30-pin dock connector with a new, proprietary connector. This means that existing accessories and devices that use the old connector will require an adapter to work with the new iPhone. Although some had hoped for a shift to a standard USB connector, Apple has opted to stick with proprietary ports, which are a key part of their business model.

You’ll be able to pre-order the iPhone 5 starting this Friday—if you’re lucky enough to snag one!