iPhone 5 Release Date and Removable Camera Lens Lead New Apple Rumors

The Worldwide Developers Conference took place this week with Apple making some exciting announcements. In particular, an updated MacBook Pro was announced featuring a Retina display. However, the focus on Apple has also led to a number of new rumors emerging related to the tech giant's most highly anticipated device; the iPhone 5, and many are touting that the release date could hit as early as September 2012.

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Various rumors have been stirred this week, and in addition to the release date, another new rumor surrounds a removable camera lens, which could revolutionize the way users take photos with their smartphones.

The rumors have been sparked by a patent application made on Thursday by Apple, for a device with a removal back panel. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent application is titled "Back Panel for a Portal Electronic Device with Different Camera Lens Options."

The patent application was also supported by an image of what many have assumed to be the next generation iPhone, which features a removable back cover. However, as usual Apple has remained quiet about their plans for future releases, and the company was sure to omit any device name from the application.

In an abstract of the patent application Apple has said, "A removable panel is coupled to the case and held in a second defined positional relationship to the case that covers the digital imaging subsystem without the removable panel being directly connected to the digital imaging subsystem."

Previous rumors surrounding the iPhone 5 have suggested the next generation device will be larger than the current 3.5 inch iPhone 4S, and could measure in at 4 inches. The enlargement could be made in response to the popularity of a number of larger Android-based devices currently on the market.

Earlier this week other rumors swirled as Apple unveiled its new iOS 6. It was not confirmed when the operating system will be made available to the general public but many have suggested it will arrive in the Fall. As the iPhone 5 is likely to feature the iOS 6, critics have suggested that a Fall release date could be expected for the next generation iPhone.

Although these new rumors of a removable camera lens have stirred Apple fans and blog sites, it may end up being a storm in a tea cup. Oftentimes tech companies apply for patents for ideas they have, but that in no way means those ideas will come into fruition. In fact it is often that patents are granted for ideas that are never released to the public. Nevertheless the rumor mill continues to spin, and Apple fans maintain their eager wait for more news and leaks on the new iPhone 5.