By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Leaked photos from case maker Case-Mate hit the Internet last week showing what looks to be the rear of Apple’s iPhone 5. These were quickly pulled from their website creating buzz on what the unannounced but upcoming Apple smartphone would look like.

Apple has remained mum and mysterious as to when it will launch the 2011’s iPhone revision. Aside from some of the upcoming software features in the iOS 5.0 version as well as the iCloud focus on remote backup, an all Apple BlackBerry Messenger-like feature called iMessage and improved photo sharing and social media integration, little is known about the hardware.Analysts expect upgraded dual-core processor, perhaps a larger screen and improved 8 megapixel camera and an even thinner body than the current model. Some are saying there will be two iPhone announced, one would be a cheaper revision of the iPhone 4 targeting the budget-end of the mobile market now dominated by myriad Android devices and the flagship iPhone 5 will be the one with vastly improved features and specifications.

This delay, or strategic withdrawal is affecting Apple’s competition as well. Microsoft, whose updated ‘Mango’ update to its Windows Phone OS  is slated to roll out ‘this Fall’ offers a substantial feature upgrade and boasts 500 new features, many of which could put it on par with Apple and Google’s mobile operating systems.

Apple usually announces their iPhone earlier in the year for a June release in the US followed by a July or August release for Canada and the rest of the world. It hasn’t made any announcements, dropped any hints on the new device and it looks like it doesn’t have to.

Last year’s iPhone 4 is still a blockbuster seller today and still in high demand, specially now that the white version of the phone has hit the market after numerous delays due to manufacturing issues.

As for the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S, little is known about the device. A prototype was supposedly lost in a San Francisco Tequila Bar and was sold on Craigslist some time in June but Apple did its best to recover it.

The bar incident recalls last year’s iPhone 4 leak which caused a lot of controversy and grief for Apple who are extremely secretive about unannounced devices, specially since a number of competitors have been allegedly copying their designs and functionality.

The iPhone 4 may be the most popular smartphone around but it is no longer the most powerful.

Newer models from Samsung, Motorola and LG for Google’s Android OS now come with dual-core processors with performance matching some entry level notebooks as well as tablets. Newer phones have also increased their screen sizes, making the iPhone 4’s 3.7-inch screen seem small compared to the 4-inch, 4.3-inch and even 4.5-inch models coming out today.It is clear that Apple may be looking to the holiday buying season to deliver its updated smartphone and may be ramping up production in order to have enough units to sell for the season.