Since Apple launched the iPhone 4 back in 2010, rumors for the next iPhone launch have floated around, accompanied by concept designs for the upcoming iPhone.  Everyone’s dying to find out what the new iPhone will look like, and I think we’re all curious as to what new features it has to offer.  And while the next-gen iPhone release has been rumored to go down sometime this fall, it seems like we only have a couple of weeks until we finally see the iPhone 5.

As reported by AllThingsD, Apple has a major event happening on October 4.  This event is a big deal for two reasons: 1) This is Tim Cook’s first major event as Apple’s CEO, and 2) The iPhone 5 and/or the cheaper iPhone 4 will be launched.

As per tradition, most of Apple’s major events, especially those involving product launches, Steve Jobs took center stage.  Jobs has this enigmatic charisma about him that makes product launch seem magical.  People who attended such events walk out looking as if they’re under a spell, and whatever Jobs presented, they wanted.

Though the October 4 event will be attended by Apple’s marketing head Phill Schiller, iOS chief Scott Forstall and Eddy Cue, recently named SVP of Internet Software and Services, the stage is mainly set for TIM Cook.  Cook has some big shoes to fill not only as the new CEO, but as the face of Apple.  People have this thinking that “Apple is Jobs.”  And you could almost expect that after the event, Cook will be compared to Jobs from every aspect.  Cook better bring his A-game.

As for the iPhone 5 launch, it’s expected that Apple will reveal it Oct. 4, then make it available in the market a few weeks later.  Though everyone seems too eager to get their hands on the new iPhone, T-Mobile turned their back on the product.

“We are not going to get the iPhone 5 this year,” CMO Cole Brodman said in a transcript of a company town hall, as reported on the blog TmoNews a.k.a. “The Unofficial T-Mobile Blog.”

The news could be interpreted two ways: 1) T-Mobile is still hoping that AT&T will be allowed to acquire them, if this pushes through, T-Mobile subscribers can still avail of the iPhone 5 since AT&T will probably be carrying it.  2) They could be going the Verizon route, wherein they released the iPhone 4 early this year though it was initially launched in 2010 at AT&T.  That being said, T-Mobile may sell the iPhone 5 early 2012.

Apple’s Stock price hit an all-time high of $413.23 last Tuesday before settling down to $411.63 at market close.  Today, they opened the market at $415.25.  The high stock price is perceived to be the result of much anticipation for the new iPhone 5.  Apple suffered a 5% drop in stock prices when Steve Jobs resigned but it seems like investors already warmed up to Cook as the new CEO.