I had pretty much written off the idea that Apple would release a new form-factor for its upcoming iPhone 5, believing that Apple would let the phone's present form ride for another year, much like the company did when it introduced the iPhone 3GS. Because Apple released an iPhone 4 for Verizon late in the yearly refresh cycle, well, that was just another nail in the new-design coffin. But the latest rumors have me entertaining a tantalizing thought.