Delayed iPhone 5 Release Date Fuels Nomenclature Controversy

Rumors abounding the iPhone 5's delayed release date may not spur the biggest controversy yet. But there have been reports suggesting a serious nomenclature controversy surrounding the iPhone 5 release date. The point of debate is whether Apple would call the next iPhone the "iPhone 5", "iPhone 4G" or "iPhone 6."

Apple's history of retaining product nomenclatures with the iMac and iPod for several generations signifies their non-linear naming convention with generation numbers for their products. The only exception to this list is the iPhone 4, which precisely fits the bill as a fourth-generation smartphone. The first iPhone was simply named "iPhone" and the second one was called "iPhone 3G" instead of "iPhone 2." Strangely, the fifth-generation iPhone was named "iPhone 4S" instead of the logically appropriate "iPhone 5." This further reiterates the fact that Apple wants to preserve the network technology based naming convention for their iPhones.

The iPhone 5 is assured to roll out with LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network technology onboard. Thus, it would only be fitting to call the next iPhone the "iPhone LTE" rather than "iPhone 4G" or "iPhone 6." Meanwhile, the "iPhone 5" just appears to be a convenient name in the pecking order, as most iPhone users would expect it to be called so. Besides, Apple wouldn't want to risk dropping the name "iPhone 5" from its product lineup as it could contradict public expectations.

If Apple sticks to its loyal consumer instincts, it would not dare change the proposed name for the iPhone. Though the name "iPhone 5" does not signify anything special about the phone, it still remains the key publicity and marketing factor for all the controversial reasons. Meanwhile, if the information from the highly-placed sources within Apple is true, then expect the iPhone 5 to be released on Oct. 5,2012, in honor of the company's co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs' first death anniversary.

After a spate of controversies surrounding the release of iPhone 5, the nomenclature controversy could only add more fuel to fire as the long wait for the elusive phone continues.