The wait is almost over for Apple fans as the technology giant announces it will release its eagerly anticipated iPhone 8 on September 12.

Rumours have abounded for months over the possible design and functionality of the latest Apple smartphone, which will mark the 10th year of the hugely popular iPhone.

Apple sent out media invitations for the launch presentation in the US late Thursday night.

As always, Apple did not include details of the products to be announced in the invite.

The company is widely expected to announce three new iPhone models, including a $US1000-priced premium version, as well as an updated Apple TV.

Apple watchers claim the company will introduce an iPhone 7S, iPhone 7S Plus and the iPhone 8.

The iPhone 7S is expected to feature incremental updates, while the iPhone 8 phone is tipped to feature a radical new look.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was recently photographed with a taller iPhone in his pocket, which tally’s with rumours that the iPhone 8 will feature a 5.8 inch display. The iPhone 7 is currently 4.7 inches and the iPhone 7 Plus is 5.5 inches.

The iPhone 8 is also predicted to boast a next-generation an OLED display that has richer colours, wireless charging, a virtual home button and facial recognition technology.

The iPhone 8 is expected to feature a radical design change. Photo: Twitter/Ben Miller

Apple is also expected to unveil its first cellular Apple Watch and a 4K Apple TV set-top box at the September launch.

The launch ceremony will for the first time be held at the Steve Jobs Theatre at Apple’s new state of the art HQ in California, leading the company to joke: “Let’s meet at our place”.

The event will also be a first opportunity for media to view Apple’s new campus, which is still partially under construction.

First announced in 2006, the new office complex features a circular design, which is why it has often been called the “spaceship campus”.

– With AP