Could iPhone sales help the economy?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - One of the most anticipated days for smart phone users happens Wednesday when Apple is expected to unveil the new iPhone 5. 

Millions of units are expected to fly off the shelves in the next few months. It's so highly anticipated, some wonder if the new iPhone could actually help the U.S. economy.

Outside the Apple store on Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, it's easy to find people anxious to learn more about the latest iPhone.

"I’m curious about the price point, what it's going to be, what the features are," said Apple customer Lawrence Cunningham. "Is it going to be as revolutionary as all the other ones have been in the past?"

NBCNEWS.com addresses the rumors, suggesting that the latest version will look similar to the iPhone 4S, only slightly thinner and with a larger screen. The new phone could have a smaller 19 pin port instead of the wider 30 pin port on the current iPhones, iPads and iPods.

Apple reportedly could sell 45 million new iPhones in the first three months after the phone hits store shelves.

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Monday’s Wall Street Journal reports sales of the new iPhone could add between one-quarter and one-half of a percentage point to annualized economic growth in the fourth quarter.

Some Apple customers will not wait for the new phone before buying. Chris DeJesus of Kansas City just took advantage of deals now offered on older models. He purchased the iPhone 4S for $125.

"Instead of going in and spending all the money for the brand new iPhone 5, the iPhone 4S is a really great value," he said.