iPhone 5 cases are the first accessories Apple users will be looking for when the smartphone drops on Sept. 21. However, iPhone 5 cases will not be available at the Apple store on the phone's launch date. Many Apple fans will be in line to pick up their pre-ordered phone, however, consumers will have to seek third party venues to have iPhone 5 cases. Retailers including Speck, iLuv, and Otter Box have already begun production on iPhone 5 cases. Check below for a list on where to get your iPhone 5 cases.

"This is departure from the standard Apple launch that includes some kind of Apple case and a few third party cases, but it is the first real re-design of the iPhone in two years," GottaBeMobile reports. "Many manufacturers waited to see the iPhone 5 and download the exact measurements before starting design and production of iPhone 5 case."

AT&T already has 3 iPhone 5 cases in their collection, however, all 3 are currently sold out. Other parties like

Some consumers may consider not having a case at all since the new iPhone 5 is designed with a less fragile, metal back side. Nevertheless, the extra protection of a case is still desired by most buyers, including Case-Mate, already have cases ready for that Friday release.

Case-Mate recently released a new portfolio of cases designed for the new iPhone 5 which will feature a mixture of luxury, functionality and quality materials.

The influence for the new look in the iPhone 5 cases comes from the hyperculture trend that incorporates different prints integrated with unique world styles.

"At Case-Mate, we have a diverse team of engineers and fashion designers that work with artists and companies around the world to design products that are as unique and stylish as they are innovative and protective," said Case-Mate's CEO and Founder Shashi Reddy. "The products we've designed for the iPhone 5 are without a doubt the most fashionable and protective cases we have ever released."

New lines have been developed for the needs of the consumer from being a professional to making a fashion statement. They have several collections that involve eco-friendly and green initiatives. Their lines include: Artistry Collection and EKOCYCLE collection which includes a partnership with The Coca-Cola CompanyTM.

Many of the collections from Case-Mate will be in U.S. mobile device retail stores and Best Buy.

As rumors have indicated, the iPhone 5 is taller, thinner and with a tougher exterior. The bigger display makes the iPhone 5 screen 4 inches across, 326 pixels per inch, and 1136 x 640 retina display.

The new gadget also features 4G LTE and a faster processor, Apple A6. And will operate on the new, iOS 6 which also comes with 200 new additions to the software, including turn-by-turn navigation and 3D mapping.

Apple held an event on Sept. 12 where they unveiled the iPhone 5 and the latest versions of the iPod Touch.

WHERE TO BUY YOUR iPHONE 5 CASE:

1. Otter Box- [Otterbox.com]

12. Element Case- [blog.elementcase.com]

Tags
Iphone 5 cases, Apple