Apple to release iPhone 5 in September: report

Apple, Inc. is close to unveiling its latest iPhone smartphone, says Bloomberg, citing two anonymous sources who are "familiar with the plans."

Said to be available in September, the iPhone 5 -- as it's likely to be called -- will have a faster processor, the same dual-core A5 chip that currently powers the iPad tablet, as well as an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera (compared to the 5-megapixel camera found in the iPhone 4).

A new version of the mega-popular iPad is also in the works, one with a higher-resolution "retina display" screen, says Bloomberg, referring to the iPhone 4's crystal-clear text and images.

Speculation about Apple's upcoming products isn't unusual -- the Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant is one of the world's hottest companies, and one that notoriously keeps its cards close to its chest -- but Bloomberg says this information about the next iPhone and iPad are from trusted sources.

The new smartphone will run the just-unveiled iOS 5 operating system, which houses more than 200 new features including improved messaging, wireless synching, photo capture enhancements, Twitter integration, and more.

While not confirmed in the Bloomberg piece, iPhone 5 is also expected to have near-field communication (NFC) technology that turns the smartphone into a digital wallet of sorts, among other applications; users would be able to swipe the iPhone on a terminal at a store or vending machine to purchase products or services, get on public transit or easily exchange contacts with other smartphones.

Tara Hendela, spokesperson for Apple Canada, declined to comment on the purported features of the new iPhone and iPad.

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