Apple's iPhone 5In the weeks leading up to its September 21 release, the iPhone 5 has, rightfully so, been at the center of much hype. Consumers are asking many questions: what new features has Apple developed? How well is the new IOS 6 going to work? And, ultimately, what will this new technology mean for mobile marketers? Mobile phone technology has never ceased to evolve, impress, and influence the very core of our existence – especially when you consider that smartphone users spend twice as much time surfing the internet as they do making calls. Believe it. Statistics like this are hard to ignore. They also send a clear and obvious message: engage your customers on their mobile devices, fast … or somebody else will earn their business.

The new iPhone will boast a screen that is .5” larger than its predecessor. This will give users an extra row of apps on each “page.” It will also change the aspect ratio for many applications – not to mention your web browser. With the added length, companies with mobile websites will be able to show more on the splash page, giving the user more information before they decide to “bounce” or continue toward a conversion.

The new A6 processor has everyone talking, as well. Apple says this chip will be twice as fast as the previous A5 processor. Given this boost in quickness, companies will be able to push more extravagant data toward their consumers. Furthermore, new .gif files and other web application software will be able to handle more enhanced images and content. Currently, mobile web surfers are only able to see oversimplified versions of websites – a downfall which will change come September 19.

Naturally, the integration of Facebook into everything the IOS 6 touches will change the way marketers reach their consumers. The way we interact will now become even more personalized because companies and individuals alike will be able to develop social media platforms directly from their iPhone 5. More importantly, they will do so quicker and easier than ever before. Undoubtedly, marketers will be able to push more buying opportunities at consumers, more often, and much more effectively. The only question is: How quickly will these new features become integral parts of company campaigns?

The excitement over the new iPhone’s release has pushed shipping dates out to two weeks or more, and Apple has sold a record 2 Million iPhones in the first 24 hours of their presale! However, there is competition. It will be very interesting to see what the mobile phone market looks like by the end of 2012, as Samsung has announced their Galaxy S4, Nokia will come out with the Lumina 920, and Motorola will deliver their Droid Razr HD to the masses.

Apple's iPhone 5 will undoubtedly change things for mobile marketers – affecting how, and how often they reach their consumers, as well as how much money they will make from them, and from the looks of it all, it’s going to be a lot.