If a few hours time this year’s WWDC event kicks off with Apple’s keynote speech that is believed to showcase a whole host of new software features, which will include iOS 6 with the Golden Master expected to be released in September just before the new iPhone.

We recently told you that banners had been put up at the location for the WWDC event that revealed iOS 6 was going to be showcased, and according to AppleInsider it is believed that Apple will unveil the iOS 6 Golden Master in September. This is being claimed will come early enough to release the iPhone 5 during the same month, and one source is claiming this will generate “significant” sales during the third quarter of 2012.

This falls in line with earlier claims that the iPhone 5 and a mini iPad were set to be released in September. Apple is expected to release beta versions of iOS 6 to developers shortly after the unveiling of the software later today, and one reliable analyst tips the final release may be ready in three months.

KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to unveil iOS 6 GM at the beginning of September, and added “based on the release schedule for iOS 6 GM, there is a very good chance iPhone 5 will start shipping also in early September”. This would allow the company to ramp up sales of the handset before the end of its 2012 fiscal year.

The release of the iPhone 4S last October took Wall Street by surprise with a slower September quarter. The analyst believes that iOS 6 will have greater integration with Facebook and iCloud, and Apple’s own maps service will replace Google Maps.

An increase in the iPhone’s screen size is still being tipped with the device featuring a taller 4-inch display with a 16:9 ratio, but the analyst also believes the handset will be a lot thinner. While it is not thought we will see a new iPhone later today the release of the iOS 6 beta may provide some hints to what Apple has in store for the device.

Would you be happy with a September iPhone 5 release?