With Apple's eagerly anticipated Sept. 12 event just a few hours away, palpable excitement surrounds the expected iPhone 5 launch. With everything that Apple does (or does not) subject to scrutiny, the Cupertino-based company's venue décor is the latest fodder for speculation. iFans and tech experts are of the opinion that the décor hints at a taller iPhone 5 screen.

The front façade of the YerbaBuena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, the venue for the Apple press event, has been decorated and an initial glance does not give any clues about the announcements in store.

However, according to a MacRumors report, an "eagle eyed MacRumors forum visitor believes the facade shows stretched iOS icons." The forum visitor "Zaym" pointed out that the décor's image shows elongated iOS icons, which include Game Center, Music, iTunes, and App Store. The forum user also provided a thumbnail of the said image and went on to assert that the stretched icons were indicative of a taller screen. MacRumors confirmed the user's claims.

"After taking the above image and skewing it and shrinking it, we've verified his findings. Several icons are clearly recognizable in their un-stretched form," stated the report.

Several rumors and leaks have hinted that Apple's next-gen smartphone will sport a taller and slimmer screen. Apple is known for its subtle tactics and marketing manoeuvres, indicative without giving direct confirmation. Speculations are rife that the company may well be hinting at the taller iPhone 5 display via the stretched icons on the outside decorations, just like its invite's design pointed to the iPhone 5 launch.

Whether the speculations hold true will be revealed when the Apple event gets underway in a few hours from now.