Apple to release thinner, lighter iPhone 5 Sept. 21

Apple today unveiled the iPhone 5, saying it’s thinner and lighter than the previous model, even though it has a bigger screen. The new phone hits stores in the United States and several other countries on Friday, Sept. 21. The release is expected to help Apple recapture attention and revenue after it lost the lead in smartphones to Samsung earlier this year. Apple’s announcements today were largely in line with investor expectations, and their response was tepid. Apple shares were down slightly, but essentially flat, in afternoon trading. Yet Apple shares have jumped some 16% since the latest earnings report in July as expectations rose for the iPhone 5. As anticipated, the iPhone 5 screen is taller than that of the iPhone 4S, making room for another row of icons. Apple says the new screen is 18% thinner and 20% lighter because of technology that eliminates a separate touch-sensing layer in it. The new phone is made entirely of glass and aluminum. The iPhone 5 will also come with the capability to connect to the fastest new wireless data networks, both in the United States and overseas—another feature that was widely expected. Read the full story here.