Recent research has revealed that 40% of smartphone users want Apple's next-generation iPhone 5.

VoucherCodes.co.uk commissioned the research, which sought respondents aged 18 and over, reports TechDigest. The survey conducted by OnePoll, an online research market company, revealed that over two fifths of the 2000 smartphone-owning respondents were looking to purchase the iPhone 5.

Additionally, 26 percent averred that they aim to purchase the iPhone 5 within the first week of the smartphone hitting the shelves, and nearly 15 percent of the respondents said that they would be willing to queue outside an Apple Store to be the first to lay their hands on the next-generation Apple offering. Excitement surrounds Apple's fabled smartphone, and Duncan Jennings, co-founder of VoucherCodes.co.uk, acknowledged the same.

"This really is the tech launch of the year and consumers are understandably excited about the latest version of the world's favorite smartphone," said Jennings.

The poll also delved into what feature improvements users would look for in the new iPhone iteration, and 69% of the respondents hoped that the smartphone would support longer battery life. The rumored larger screen and a higher resolution camera also made it to the anticipated features wish list.

With competing smartphones sporting 4-inch plus displays, Apple's iPhone 5 is expected to throw the gauntlet to rivals. Tech gurus are pitching the iPhone 5 to steal the thunder from Samsung's Galaxy S3, currently the most popular smartphone around.

"The launch of any Apple product is an interesting time for the rest of the market as the popularity of their products has a knock on effect on competitors pricing strategies. We expect to see Apple's major competitors adjusting the price of their smartphone offerings after the iPhone 5 launch, making it a great time for consumers to pick up the latest hardware at a discounted price," noted Jennings.

Whether the iPhone 5 launch has a domino effect on the smartphone market and pulls the rug from underneath its arch-rivals feet remains to be seen.