Around this time last year, Apple fans and analysts around the world were eagerly anticipating the announcement of the iPhone 5, the successor to the then year old iPhone 4. Instead, Apple brought forth the iPhone 4S, which displayed updated software and the new Siri feature.

Despite the record-breaking sales, some felt disappointed over the 4S’s lack of significant changes. Apple listened and responded with the new iPhone 5, which was released on Sept. 21.
The size of the new iPhone is the most obvious change from the previous model.

Featuring a 4-inch screen, the new iPhone screen is .5 inches taller than the screen on the iPhone 4S, although the width of the screen is the same. This larger size allows another row of icons to fit on the home screen.

Despite the size, the iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone yet, measuring in at 18% thinner, 20% lighter, and 12% less volume than the iPhone 4s.
The latest iPhone comes with 4g LTE, offering faster data speeds than the previous network. Android and other smartphones have had LTE for a while now, but now iPhone users will now be able to experience its faster speed.

Another new feature is the Lightning connector. Instead of the universal white Apple USB cord that has fit every iPhone and iPod, the iPhone 5 will use a new, smaller connector. This means that the iPhone 5 users will not be able to use any of their old chargers or any old docking stages on speakers without an adaptor that costs $39.
Since the first iPhone in 2007, every new iPhone model has garnered excitement from critics and fans alike.

The iPhone 5 is no different, receiving over 2 million preorders within the first 24 hours of the phone’s announcement. It sold out twenty times faster than either the 4 or 4S models. AT&T reported that the iPhone 5 was the fastest selling phone that the company had ever offered.

Also new is iOS6, the mobile operating system that powers the iPhone 5. Apple released it on Sept. 19, allowing consumers with older iPhone models to update to the latest operating system.

Boasting over 200 updates, iOS6 includes a more responsive Siri, more Facebook integration, and a new app called Passbook, meant for organizing receipts, tickets, and boarding passes.
Some users have reported gripes with iOS6, particularly regarding the new “Maps” app. Previously, Apple had used Google maps to supply users with directions, but decided to go with it’s own version for the new operating system.

The new app has some major inconsistencies. Users have reported that the new app doesn’t even have some towns listed, showing blank splotches where streets and buildings should be.