Apple iPhone 5 Event On October 4 Tip Sources

Apple will announced the iPhone 5 on Tuesday, October 4, with new CEO Tim Cook taking the stage to reveal the fifth-gen smartphone, according to the latest leaks. The early October date, AllThingsD's sources tell them, will be followed by a retail release of the iPhone 5 that's expected "within a few weeks" as Apple rushes to get the much-anticipated handset onto store shelves.

The exact nature of what Apple will reveal is unclear, but rumors have suggested that the company has not one but two smartphones in the pipeline. The iPhone 4S, leaked images of which have purportedly been seen in recent days, is tipped to be a more affordable version of the device, targeting prepay and low-cost postpay customers. Meanwhile, the iPhone 5 – Apple's true fifth-gen handset – is rumored to include a larger display, thinner chassis with a teardrop profile, and functionality like NFC.

Cook's role, meanwhile, will not only be announcing the new iPhone(s) but convincing investors, press and the public that he is the right man to fill Steve Jobs' shoes. Although the new CEO has stepped in to cover Jobs' medical leave on several occasions, he is yet to take center-stage for a significant product launch.

Apple's high-profile VPs like iOS head Scott Forstall, marketing lead Phil Schiller and internet services VP Eddy Cue are all expected to take their turn walking through different aspects of the new iPhone, but the show will apparently belong to Cook. Apple is yet to confirm any iPhone 5 dates, nor send out invitations to press.