For many people, the question of them being an Apple or and Android fan is a perfectly legitimate one. There is, however, a strong contingent of Apple-philes who should only be asked the question "are you a 5 or a 6?" Now, persistent rumors might also add the question "and do you want it in gold?"

Though these rumors have popped up before, there seems to be an especially strong current of belief this time around that says Apple will finally introduce a gold color option when it final releases the next incarnation of the iPhone. Verification of that rumor is still up in the air, as knowledge of whether the next iPhone will be 5S or 6.

So far, there has been no official word on whether Apple will go ahead and start a new generation with 6, or just do a nice overhaul on the 5 series. There has even been speculation that Apple will come out with a 5C as well, with the "C" ostensibly standing for "cheap." The iPhone 5C would tap into emerging and low-budget markets.

"KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo... has issued a new research note indicating that the iPhone 5S may include a sapphire-covered convex home button housing a fingerprint sensor," reports MacRumors.

Kuo has also confirmed similar information about the 5C and gold color options, so it appears that there may be some substance to these rumors. Others have also confirmed not only the convex home button, but also the potential impact such an advancement would have.

"A convex home button could be more easily scratched, so a harder material is required," 9to5Mac said. "With last year's Authentec acquisition and the recent rumors and evidence, it seems likely that a fingerprint sensor will be this year's 'Siri.'" And few substances on earth are harder than sapphire.

At this point, everything is still water cooler chatter, but it does appear that more and more info is leaking right before Apple goes public with its latest technology. And just when is that next iPhone supposed to hit stores? While conservative estimates have it at sometime in the early fall, others are certain they know the exact date.

"The Loop's Jim Dalrymple, who is considered to be 'in the know' when it comes to all things Cupertino, weighed in on the Sept. 10 date with a quick 'Yep,' post on his blog, which is basically a confirmation that the date is correct," reports pcmag.com.