Apple unveils new iPhone 5

Apple has unveiled the latest version of its iPhone at an event in San Francisco, showing off its thinnest and lightest phone yet.

The sixth generation of the popular smartphone is 18 per cent thinner and 20 per cent lighter than its predecessor, but increases the size of its display.

It also supports the latest 4G LTE mobile standard.

Apple’s Phil Schiller took to the stage in San Francisco to unveil the iPhone 5, describing it as “an absolute jewel” and the most beautiful product we've made bar none”.

The new handset has been slimmed down, with the entire phone 7.6mm at its thickest.

Apple has included a new type of screen that integrates the touch screen sensors into the display, rather than placing them on top as currently happens. That allows Apple to shrink the thickness of the display, and also makes it sharper.

The display itself has been increased to 4 inches from the 3.5 inch display that has been a feature of the iPhone since its 2007 launch.

The new handset also includes three microphones for better audio, and an improved 8 megapixel camera.

The standard 30-pin dock connector that Apple used in its previous iPhone, iPod and iPad models has also been replaced, with a new connector dubbed “Lightning”.

The all digital, eight signal connector is smaller and more durable than its predecessor and Apple will offer an adapter to allow users to use older accessories with the new iPhone.

The phone is powered by a new A6 processor, which Mr Schiller said is faster than its predecessor and more energy efficient, increasing the battery life.

“The iPhone 5 is the best phone we’ve ever made,” Mr Schiller said.

The iPhone 5 will initially go on sale on September 21st in the US, UK and a handful of other countries, with Ireland following in the second wave a week later.

Apple’s latest version of its mobile software, iOS6, will become available on September 19th, bringing new features such as Facebook integration and improved Siri functions.

Apple also showed off a redesigned App Store for iOS and iTunes software, integrating Facebook ‘likes’, a new look and iCloud integration.