We’re just one day away from the event that some tech enthusiasts think of as an early Christmas: the unveiling of the next iteration of Apple’s iPhone. Loosely referred to as the iPhone 5S in rumors, the expected smartphone has been subjected to such intense scrutiny and speculation over the past year. (Even some of the rumors have spawned rumors.)
Among the most likely features to be unveiled in the new iPhone, according to those with well-placed sources, are a fingerprint sensor designed to offer improved security, metallic finishes including a gold version, a faster processor and a much higher-quality camera.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Event: What to Expect
This may be only the tip of the iPhone iceberg, as other reports claim that Apple will also reveal a device known as the iPhone 5C, a low-cost handset offered in a variety of colors and priced to appeal to a wider audience.
As for the software, we already know about iOS 7, the radically different operating system that will power Apple’s new line of mobile devices. While the beta version of iOS 7 debuted at WWDC has undergone some changes, we essentially already know what the software face of the next iPhones will look like. Thus, it appears that most of the surprises in store concern the hardware.
If history is any guide, Apple probably has several surprises in store for Tuesday — ones unknown even to well-connected analysts, secret sources in China factories and your favorite tech pundits.
Whether you're hanging onto an older iPhone, patiently waiting for a groundbreaking new update or opting out of iPhone-mania until Apple offers more features in line with your tastes, we’re curious to know the features you’d like to see in the new iPhone.
In the comments, please share your thoughts, suggestions, crazy ideas and far-out proposals for the next iPhone. We’ll post some of the best and most interesting ideas for everyone to see in a follow-up post.
Image: Flickr, wicker_man