World watches for 'iPhone 5' unveiling on Wednesday

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Apple becomes the focus of the technology universe on Wednesday as the world awaits a new iPhone with a big, beautiful touchscreen and connectivity to blazingly fast telecom networks.

Apple has been tight-lipped about what is in store at its media event in San Francisco, but hinted at a keenly anticipated "iPhone 5" in invitations that bore the cryptic message "It's almost here."

Leaks and rumours portray the new iPhone as having a larger touchscreen than its predecessor and say that it will be available by the end of the month.

"They need to come out with a bigger screen since the market is clearly moving in that direction and they need to give the iPhone LTE 4G connectivity," said NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker. "Both of those are features people want and Apple is clearly ready to make them part of the iPhone."