There is more speculation about the release of the new Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone 5 than about who will win the presidential election. Both may be settled at about the same time. Companies which do business with huge Apple supplier Foxconn claim the launch of the iPhone 5 will be in June or July. Other predictions put it a quarter later.
The trick to the launch is what Apple will add to a product which has already had record demand. If the new iPad is any indications, the iPhone 5 will have a stronger processor, the ability to work on super-fast 4G networks, and better screen resolution. It will need at least those things to distinguish it from the hot-selling iPhone 4S.
The news handset will be up against an emerging and highly successful line of Samsung smartphones. Samsung expects record Q1 earnings because of improved smartphone sales.