Several tech industry and media sources are claiming that Apple’s iPhone 5 wil be released in October. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 5 in mid-October, running an upgraded version of the operating system, iOS 5, which will encompass more than 200 new features.

A report from Bloomberg last week predicted that Sprint will commence sales of the iPhone 5 in October. The report said that Sprint Nextel Corp, the third largest US carrier, will offer the smartphone from next month on an unlimited data plan, in mid- rather than early October.  Earlier rumors had hinted at a September launch, but a pointed silence from Apple led to the general consensus on an October release.

Since the Bloomberg report, other industry ‘leaks’ have appeared supporting the October-release hypothesis –  UK carrier Vodafone suggested on its website the iPhone would soon be on sale, when a product list of devices compatible with Vodafone’s Sure Signal service featured the new device. The list actually mentioned four ‘iPhone 5′ models –  black and white versions of 16GB and 32GB models. This detailed description has been interpreted by analysts and eager Apple fans alike as proof the iPhone 5 is nearing release. Vodafone has since apologised for the leak, saying the source was unidentified, and Bloomberg in turn has referred to its sources as ‘unidentifiable’.