The latest rumors say that Apple is ditching the 30-pin connector that’s been used since the release of the iPod in 2001 for a smaller, space-saving connector. Apple is reportedly releasing an adapter that will allow customers to use their old peripherals. Now, for the first time we get a look at what is allegedly the dock cord that will come with the next iPhone. » The iPhone 5 Mini Dock USB Cable?

As the launch date of the ‘iPhone 5’ comes closer and closer, more rumors and leaks enter the web as well. UBreakiFix received photos of the full front panel of the so called ‘iPhone 5’. It’s nothing too special, but we haven’t seen photos of the rumored 4″ touchscreen until now. 

» Another ‘iPhone 5’ Leak: Photos Of Front Panel + 4″ Screen

iMore wrote that Apple is planning to debut the new iPhone at a special event on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, with the release date to follow 9 days later on Friday, September 21. This information comes from sources who have proven accurate in the past. » Apple iPhone 5 & iPad Mini Event On September 12, iPhone 5 Release Date On September 21

9to5mac has been able to pull data from iPhone prototypes and after investigation they believe that the next generation iPhones will have Near Field Communication (NFC) controllers directly connected to the power management unit (PMU). With the recently announced PassBook application Apple will be set to compete with Google Wallet and the similar service Microsoft unveiled last week. » Next-Generation iPhones Will Get NFC Chips For Mobile Payments

9to5mac posted some images of a comparison between the black and white versions of the next-generation iPhone back. “The black and white coloring is, of course, a trim, and a large portion of the back – as you can see – is made out of metal. We are unsure at this point what purpose this metal serves (or if it is just a stylistic addition), but the metal is definitely present in all of our photos of the device’s back.” Check out more pictures after the break, showing the next-generation iPhone frame & a black next-generation iPhone front glass. » Photos: Black & White Next Generation Metal iPhone Backs, Mini-dock, Taller Screen & Moved Earphone Jack

A Taiwan-based publication Liberty Times (translated, via Macotakara) reported that LG and AU Optronics were certified to supply the 7.85-inch LCD panel for the iPad Mini. Furthermore, it goes on to claim that both manufacturers are working to ship the panels for production and for a release sometime during the latter half of 2012.

» Rumor: 7.85-inch LCD Panel Suppliers For The iPad Mini Ready To Ramp Up

Chinese parts vendor TVC-Mall has begun offering slightly different “iPhone 5” home buttons for sale in both black and white. “Different from iPhone 4S 4, the iPhone 5 home button is round in the centre and square outside as the pictures show.” We think that the rounded square portion of the new home button will lie below the surface of the iPhone and that there will not be any noticeable difference to users. » Next-Generation iPhone Home Buttons Appear for Sale