iPhone 5 cases are being manufactured by retailers and designers who are preparing for those iPhone 5 fans who will be the first to purchase the Apple smartphone. Amazon is currently selling flip folio iPhone 5 cases for $9.99 online. Speck and Otter Box are expected to launch new iPhone 5 cases in anticipation for the release on Sept. 21. However, Case-Mate recently released a new portfolio of cases designed for the new iPhone 5 which will feature a mixture of luxury, functionality and quality materials.

The influence for the new look in the iPhone 5 cases comes from the hyperculture trend that incorporates different prints integrated with unique world styles.

"At Case-Mate, we have a diverse team of engineers and fashion designers that work with artists and companies around the world to design products that are as unique and stylish as they are innovative and protective," said Case-Mate's CEO and Founder Shashi Reddy. "The products we've designed for the iPhone 5 are without a doubt the most fashionable and protective cases we have ever released."

New lines have been developed for the needs of the consumer from being a professional to making a fashion statement. They have several collections that involve eco-friendly and green initiatives. Theire lines include: Artistry Collection and EKOCYCLE collection which includes a partnership with The Coca-Cola CompanyTM. 

Many of the collections from Case-Mate will be in U.S. mobile device retail stores and Best Buy.

As rumors have indicated, the iPhone 5 is taller, thinner and with a tougher exterior. The bigger display makes the iPhone screen 4 inches across, 326 pixels per inch, and 1136 x 640 retina display.

The new gadget also features 4G LTE and a faster processor, Apple A6. And will operate on the new, iOS 6 which also comes with 200 new additions to the software, including turn-by-turn navigation and 3D mapping.

Apple held an event on Sept. 12 where they unveiled the iPhone 5 and the latest versions of the iPod Touch. Click here to watch the live streamed video online.

Apple Inc. have strategized to release upgrades only once a year for a product that makes up about 70 percent of the company's profit, according to New York Metro. Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, made the announcement about the new phone on Wednesday. You can also see the event on CNET's live blog.

A iPad Mini is the next thing on the list for Apple. It is said to come out October 2012 and Cook said "the iPad is driving the post-PC revolution at a breathtaking pace."

The Apple site called the iPhone 5 "The biggest thing to happen to iPhone since iPhone" and sales are expected to highly boost their current numbers. The only competition they might face, if any, is from Samsung, who recently released the Galaxy S3. Reportedly, it is said to bring in more than 30 million by the end of the year. The Galaxy Note 2 will also hit U.S. stores later this year. 

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