Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone 5: Its Almost Here

Are you ready for the next smartphone from Apple Inc.(NASDAQ:AAPL)? Its almost here…

It looks like Apple's next version of its iconic smartphone will be called the iPhone 5.

On Tuesday, the company, which is rather secretive about its devices, sent e-mails to members of the media, inviting them to an "invitation-only event" in San Francisco on Wednesday, September 12.

The event is widely expected to be the launch of the next iPhone, but in typically cryptic Apple fashion, the invitation reveals little about what will be announced. The tagline says only, "It's almost here."

Invitees are reading a lot into the invite. This time, the shadow of the number 12 reveals a not-so-subtle "5," reinforcing speculation that the new device will be called iPhone 5 instead of iPhone 4G or something else.

What To Expect From iPhone5? Find Out Here

Most observers have been expecting the new iPhone to be released in the fall iPhone and it is to be expected that the company may not disappoint all its followers.

Among the device's rumoured new features are a slightly larger screen, a faster processor, a smaller dock connector and possibly NFC technology that would make it easier for shoppers to make payments through their phones.

iMore, the first blog to pinpoint the September 12 launch date, has also said pre-orders will begin that day and that the phone will be released nine days later, on September 21.

Many pundits also expect Apple to launch a smaller version of its popular iPad tablet at a separate event, likely in October.

Next week's Apple event will begin at 10 a.m. PT.