Rumors about the next iPhone, or iPhone 5 as the media has dubbed it, just keep piling up.  Though some seem a bit far-fetched, many are hoping that the next iPhone would look drastically different from older versions.  Still, other rumors seem more legit as new evidence surfaces.

First, let’s look at what we think we know about the rumored device.

Rumors

Some sources say that the iPhone 5 would have a teardrop shape and an oval home button, in-touch display panels that would make the device slimmer, a larger 4-4.6 inch screen, 19-pin dock connector, quad core processor, LiquidMetal casing, 8MP or higher rear camera with 2MP front camera, smaller SIM slot, redesigned speaker grills, and would have NFC technology.  Sources are saying that consumers could expect the device sometime in August, September, or October.

As the weeks progress, we can expect more rumors to surface but don’t count on Apple to clarify them – they just love torturing people, keep them guessing to the point of fevered craze, leading to hoards of curious consumers all lining up at Apple stores around the world. Apple wouldn’t want to be thought of as easy–can’t give it up too quick.

New rumors

Nano SIM
I mentioned above that Apple’s new design features a smaller SIM slot.  By that, I meant as in smaller than the micro SIM of the 4/4S.  Apple is going crazy small in their SIM requirement as the next iPhone could have nano SIMs.  According to some sources, this has been confirmed; Apple is indeed going to use nano SIM on the next iPhone and even iPad.  Apple supplied their carrier partners with nano-SIM adapters so that when the device comes out, there will be enough SIM supplies for their customers.

Release date
When Verizon’s financial report was released, their CFO hinted that there’s going to be a “big smartphone” launch during the fourth quarter which includes the month of October, November, and December.  Look’s like my speculation that Apple will be unveiling the iPhone 5 on Steve Jobs’ death anniversary might be right.

China invasion
Apple released the new iPad today in China, which didn’t receive much ado from Chinese consumers.  So Apple is said to be moving China release of their iDevices simultaneously or almost close to when they release in the US, Europe and other countries which receive their devices early.