Apple has announced the dates of its 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference, causing iPhone addicts to chew on their fingernails in anticipation that a new, redesigned version of the iconic device could be unveiled at the annual event.

The Silicon Valley giant will hold WWDC at San Francisco’s Moscone West, June 11-15. And if talk of a new iPhone is on the agenda, Apple is keeping that close to the vest. Much like last year, the company is touting software improvements ahead of the conference.

We have a great WWDC planned this year and cant wait to share the latest news about iOS and OS X Mountain Lion with developers,” said Philip Schiller, Apples senior vice president of worldwide marketing. The iOS platform has created an entirely new industry with fantastic opportunities for developers across the country and around the world.”

Developers, Apple said, will be able to explore the latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS and OS X Mountain Lion and learn how to enhance the functionality, performance, quality and design of their apps. Company engineers will help them apply development techniques and best-practices to enhance their apps.

WWDC will also feature more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers as well as the Apple Design Awards, a showcase of the most outstanding apps from the past year.

The conference was the launching point for new iPhone hardware in 2009 and 2010, but Apple broke from the tradition last year when it focused almost entirely on software. The latest version of the iPhone the 4S was released in October 2011. The majority of so-called experts believe we’ll have to wait again for the fall before we see a new device, but just because Apple isn’t tipping its hand about an announcement at WWDC doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

The next iPhone is expected to be compatible with 4G LTE networks. Other swirling rumors out there predict a new, more sleek design and the potential for near-field communications technology built in to make mobile payments more accessible.