We may still have a couple weeks to wait before Tim Cook takes the stage to introduce the iPhone 5, but as we edge closer to the big day, Apple’s surprises are quickly being spoiled. We’ve already seen almost every component that will end up inside the device — including its display and back plate. And so it’s no surprise that we’re now seeing its packaging.

But unlike the other iPhone 5 leaks, we have a feeling this one’s nothing more than a good fake. In fact, there are a number of reasons why this isn’t the iPhone 5’s new packaging at all.

If you needed any more confirmation that the next iPhone is launching during the second half of September, look no further. Verizon has put a vacation blackout in place for its employees starting September 21st, and now TechCrunch is reporting that AT&T has the same blackout in place from September 21st to the 30th.

Apple is expected to announce the next iPhone on September 12th with pre-orders beginning on the same day. In-store availability would then begin the next Friday, September 21st.

Just as we had predicted, the iPhone mod that aims to turn your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S into an iPhone 5 — which we told you about yesterday — has been pulled by Apple. The site selling the kit has received a letter from a third-party who is “authorized to send notice and takedowns on behalf of Apple,” and it will stop selling in 48 hours.

For months rumors have been saying that Apple is getting ready to launch two major, new products this fall: the iPhone 5 and iPad mini. Both of these names are placeholders for what will be the sixth-generation iPhone and a 7-inch version of the current iPad. Everyone pretty much agrees that the new iPhone will be announced on September 12th, but opinions are split on the possibility of Apple also announcing the iPad mini during the same event. While it’s nearly 100% confirmed that a unibody iPhone 5 will be announced on the 12th and then ship on the 21st, specific dates have not surfaced for the elusive iPad mini—we haven’t even seen so much as an incriminating part leak.

While some think that Apple will announce both the new iPhone and iPad mini at its September event, it actually makes more sense for Apple to hold two separate media events this fall for each product. Here’s why.

If, for whatever reason, you won’t be upgrading to the iPhone 5 this fall, but you don’t want to feel left out when everyone else upgrades. Then check out this mod that promises to covert your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S into an iPhone 5. All it really does is change its back panel, but it’s still pretty cool.

You know it’s coming. We know it’s coming. It’s the iPhone 5 (or the new iPhone or whatever) and I think it’s safe to say a lot of us are going to want one. Except we don’t want to wait in line. I certainly don’t. So this is simple. It’s the old “win one before you can get one” or maybe “get one without waiting in line”. Yeah, I’m talking about an iPhone 5 Giveaway and we have it.

Really, do I need to say more?

Image by Ed Yourdon from Flickr.

The iPhone 5 is coming. Maybe it won’t be called the iPhone 5, but it’s coming, and it’s almost a sure bet that it will launch on Friday, September 21st.

A new report claims that Verizon has issued an all-staff vacation blackout from September 21st till September 30th so that all Verizon retail staff will be working to cover the launch.

Although Apple has never officially promoted it, every iPhone and iPad’s screen resilience is thanks to Gorilla Glass, an ultra-strong, chemically treated glass made by Corning right here in the United States. At CES this year, though, Corning unveiled the stronger and much tougher sequel to Gorilla Glass, Gorilla Glass 2, and it’s this technology that is in all probability a shoo-in for the next iPhone and upcoming iPad mini.

We’ve already heard reports that the next iPhone will have the toughest and most scratch resistant display yet, but how tough will it be, really? This promotional video by Corning for Gorilla Glass 2 puts it all in perspective, proving not only that glass can be really cool, but that the next iPhone will likely be pretty much scratch and shatter-proof unless you let a real gorilla take a sledgehammer to it.

At the very least, stay for the flex test. It’ll make your jaw drop.

Source: YouTube
Via: POETV

Earlier today, U.K. communications regulator Ofcom gave Everything Everywhere — the parent company of Orange and T-Mobile — approval to rollout out the country’s first 4G network from September 11. Within hours of that announcement comes a new report that claims Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5 will be one of the first smartphones to take advantage of it, possibly handing Everything Everything an “exclusive” as the U.K.’s only 4G carrier compatible with the iPhone.

Apple parody commercials are nothing new, but this is the first I’ve seen for the upcoming iPhone 5. According to video artist and creator Adam Sacks, Apple’s next iPhone will be perfectly suited to those who feel the need to take pictures of their food “to create the illusion of a fulfilling life.”