Apple to Unveil iPhone 5S in June 2013: Report

Apple is reportedly getting ready to release the iPhone 5S, the company's next iPhone offering. And while little is known about the features that will be offered, a recently discovered Apple patent application might have shed some light on the topic.

The patent, which was first filed back in September 2011 (but had only surfaced earlier this week) outlines an Apple proposal for up to two AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED) screens for a new device.

AMOLED screens are known to house faster pixel-switching capabilities, meaning that response times are even greater than standard OLED displays.

Whole iPhone Becomes 3D Screen

According to the patent application, the current design would allow "functionality to extend to more than one surface of the device"; more specifically, to the edges and back area. This means that the display screen would now encompass all parts of the phone.

To accomplish this, all buttons would be removed and replaced with facial recognition technology capable of determining the exact angle at which the user is holding the smartphone. The device can then adjust the display image accordingly. (Source: indiatimes.com)

The patent application also hints at another feature that, if successful in its integration, would usher in a whole new world of innovation. The exact wording states that AMOLED technology would offer users "an illusion of depth perception mimicking a 3D experience."

The patent application does not mention that such concepts would accompany the iPhone 5S per se, but analysts speculate that mobile 3D advancement is not that far off.

June 2013 Unveiling Expected

The biggest question among iPhone enthusiasts: when can the public expect the iPhone 5S to arrive at retailers?

According to reports, Apple will unveil the iPhone 5S at a media event on June 20, 2013, with public sales expected to begin sometime in July. Apple might reveal a new update to iOS at the same event, signaling an entire overhaul of the OS' design.

Analysts note that a June iPhone 5S unveiling would avoid putting the product head-to-head against the Samsung Galaxy S4, which is expected to come to North America in May. Also, June 20 is close to the anniversary of the original iPhone launch back on June 29, 2007. (Source: canoe.ca)