Apple sends out iPhone 5 invite for 12 September

Firm confirms month of speculation for eagerly anticipated device

Apple has confirmed after months of speculation that the iPhone 5 will be unveiled on 12 September after an invite was sent out, according to widespread reports.

The invitation simply says "It's almost here" and shows a large number 12 that then casts a shadow that creates a number 5 on the floor, hinting heavily the new device will be called the iPhone 5.

There had been some speculation it may be called the new iPhone, following the iPad naming convention which saw the device called the new iPad, rather than the iPad 3, as was expected.

The iPhone 5 has been expected for months now, as the world watches to see what Apple releases to compete with increased competition from the likes of Samsung. Microsoft and Nokia, meanwhile have a phone launch scheduled for Wednesday, 5 September.

The unveiling will be particularly notable for Apple, marking the first major iPhone developed since the death of former chief executive Steve Jobs in October 2011.

Apple will be hoping the launch proves another huge success after previous launches have seen huge crowds queuing for days on end to try and be among the first to get hold of the device, helping generate huge excitement around its launch.

It also comes after a sizeable legal victory against arch-rival Samsung in the US courts that saw the South Korean firm ordered to pay $1bn in fees for copyright infringements on design and software patents.

This has helped Apple's share price has rocket to as high as $675, from $411 at the start of the year, underlining its market dominance. If the iPhone 5 proves a success it could well shoot past the $700 mark before the end of the year.