Will the next iteration of the iPhone family sport an even tinier SIM when compared to its predecessors? Recently, leaked images of a nano-SIM surfaced on a French website 'NoWhereElse.'

The leaked image highlights a side-by-side comparison of the micro-SIM with the fourth form factor (4FF) design nano-SIM. The nanoSIM is 40 percent tinier than the micro-SIM used in the iPhone 4 and 4S. Previous rumors have indicated that the next iPhone - dubbed the iPhone 5- will have a bigger 4-inch screen display and a 19-pin or 8-pin connector. Going by the recent spate of leaks, how do we ascertain if the leaked image of the nano-SIM is fake or real?

Earlier this year, The European Telecommunication Standard Institute (ETSI) confirmed a new form factor (i.e., the 4FF), also known as the nano-SIM for mobile devices. The nano-SIM measures 2.3mm wide by 8.8mm high and 0.67mm thick. The nano-SIM too will require a tray just like the older versions of the iPhone.

Mobile businesses like Nokia, Motorola, and RIM had put forward their designs, it is believed that the design of the nano-SIM approved was the one Apple had proposed. Additionally, rumors of carriers stockpiling nano-SIMs have abounded of late further fueling speculation that Apple may employ the same in its next-gen iPhone 5.

If Apple announces the next iPhone with a bigger 4-inch display screen as rumored and ends up using the current micro-SIM instead of the nano-SIM, what then? Will users transition to the nano-SIM with ease and accept it readily?

With increased competition amongst smartphones, companies want their devices to provide more features to its customers and persevere to stand out from their rivals. Tech gurus suggest that a smaller SIM means more hardware room for the phone developers, which means they have additional space to cram in something else. Therefore, it's no surprise that Apple may consider introducing the next iPhone nano-SIM in tow.

However, the smaller SIM may also pose compatibility issues. One of the great advantages of the SIM card is the option of switching the SIM from one phone to the other. Even though the nano-SIM will be backward compatible the user will still need an adaptor to switch the SIM from one phone to the other.

Ultimately, the million-dollar question is do users really care if the picture of the nano-SIM is real or fake? In all probability, iFans are happily devouring yet another iPhone 5 rumor!

For now, consumers can only speculate and dissect the features and design of the next iPhone. The countdown for the much-awaited Sept. 12 begins when expectedly Apple will announce its next iGadget.