Why Apple's iPhone 5 Release Date is Likely Oct. 14, Features Larger Display, Better Camera, 4G

Apple's CEO Tim Cook is expected to unveil the iPhone 5 at an event on Tuesday at the company's Cupertino, Calif. campus, and the phone's release date could likely be Oct. 14.

Here's why.

Widespread rumors are that Apple will have a mid-October launch for the iPhone 5 and several bits of information reported in the media seem to provide some support. In late September rumors surfaced that Apple was blacking out vacation days for its employees between Oct. 9 and Oct. 15. People close to the situation told news and rumor Web site AppleInsider that the first date of blackout will between Oct. 9 and Oct. 12, which is when the iPhone maker is expected to release the iOS 5 for its existing iOS device owners. Then the second black out period will mean that the iPhone 5 will launch either on Oct. 14 (Friday) or Oct. 15 (Saturday).

In early September France Telecom CEO Stephane Richard reportedly claimed the iPhone 5 launch seems to be set for Oct. 15. But it was uncertain if Richard has specific information on the release date or just speculating because of rumors of a mid-October launch. The thing is for Apple to release the next-generation iPhone on a Saturday would be deviating from its norm. The iPhone maker usually launches new smartphones on Thursdays or Fridays. And if the company's press meeting is on Oct. 4, that would give the company time to get the hardware out by Oct. 7 and launch on Oct. 14.

Recent iPhone leaks you might want to know about features and specs.

For more than a month, people have been wondering if the iPhone 5is coming to Sprint and if there will be an unlimited data plan.

Last weekend, people over at another Apple watcher -- 9 to 5 Mac -- got their hands on a screenshot of what is purported to be Radio Shack's inventory. On it there is a 16GB and 32GB iPhone 5. But most important, among the carriers listed were Sprint, AT&T and Verizon.

No word yet on whether Sprint will have unlimited data plans, but Bloomberg reported in early September that Sprint intends to offer the iPhone with unlimited data service plans in order to set itself apart from other carriers.

Other features

Based on an accidental iPhone leak from the Cincinnati Bell Web site, users can likely expect an 8-megapixel camera, a 4-inch screen, and 4G data connectivity. The placeholder for the 32GB model suggests it would be priced at $639.99. The iPhone is also rumored to come with a new processor.

Is there going to be two iPhones?

It seems so, as another leak showed the Cincinnati Bell site carrying the iPhone 4S. They have a 16GB version for $99.99 with a 5-megapixel camera, 3.5-inch screen, and A5 processor.

Now Apple hasn't confirmed any of this as yet, but we certainly expect them to on Tuesday.