Apple, a leading maker of consumer electronics and a provider of digital media services, is projected to reveal its next-generation iPhone smartphone in early October at a big media event. The device itself is expected to become available several weeks later, which points to late October or early November.

Apple is currently expected to hold its next big media event on October 4, 2011, where the tech company will unveil the highly-anticipated next iteration of its popular iPhone, according to AllThingsD, which cites industrial sources. It is expected that Timothy Cook, the new chief executive of Apple, will introduce the new iPhone. It is unknown whether legendary Steve Jobs will also participate in the event.

Not a lot is known about the next-generation iPhone. Some believe that it will be an updated version of the current-generation iPhone 4 with dual-core Apple A5 processor that sports improved graphics accelerator and some other innovations. The so-called iPhone 4S rumour is indirectly confirmed by photos of an iPhone prototype in white iPhone 4 enclosure and with A5 system-on-chip. Nonetheless, many believe that the "true" next-gen iPhone 5 will not only feature a new SoC inside, but will sport a different form-factor  and a larger screen.

Apple did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Apple, iPhone