According to a recent report by the blog iMore, Apple is planning two waves of release dates for the next iPhone. Citing sources that have provided "accurate iPhone related launch dates in the past," the blog says that Apple will announce the iPhone 5 on September 12. Pre-orders will be available on that date in the United States, but the smartphones won't be available until September 21. The second wave of sales, in international markets, will start the first week of October.

There are also key market indicators that a September launch date is imminent. The blog AllThingsD reported Monday that the retail chains Target and Best Buy dropped the price of iPhone 4S models, further suggesting that retailers are clearing shelves to make room for new inventory. Target has dropped the price of the iPhone 4S to $179 and Best Buy has dropped the price of the eight gigabyte iPhone 4 to $49.

As if and iPhone 5 isn't enough to drum up excitement for Apple fans, speculation runs rampant on whether or not an iPad mini is released. So what do we know about the alleged iPad mini?

The blog CultofMac reports that the smaller iPad will likely be just like the current 9.7-inch iPad, but scaled down to 7.85 inches.

While Apple dominates the full-sized tablet market, scores of competitors have cropped up with smaller, cheaper alternative tablet computers. Last fall, Amazon and Barnes & Noble announced 7-inch tablets - the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet, respectively. The tablets were priced between $199 and $249. In June, Google announced the Nexus 7 Tablet, which is also priced at $199.

It's been speculated that if Apple releases a smaller iPad, it will likely be priced at anywhere from $249 to $299.