At Incase, getting ready to turn out iPhone 5 cases (pictures)

SAN FRANCISCO--Like all iPhone case makers, Incase got no advance word about the specs for Apple's highly-anticipated new device. But on Wednesday, Incase -- and its competitors -- learned all the details that would help them get ready to produce their wares for the iPhone 5.

During Apple's big media event, it also revealed that its iPod Touch would have some all-new features, including a slot for a wrist-strap. For a case-maker, this entirely new element presented one of the biggest challenges. This is a concept drawing at Incase's headquarters for how the company might engineer a case that can accommodate such a strap.

In anticipation of Apple's iPhone 5 event, Incase's iPhone product manager Jing Liu made a part hat celebrating the day.

A mockup of a graphic that Incase planned to put on its Web site after the iPhone 5 unveiling.

A conference room full of Incase's design and product teams watch live blogs from Apple's iPhone 5 unveiling.

A mockup of the new front page for Incase's Web site.

During the Apple event, Incase employees in San Francisco talk to counterparts in China who have been waiting to get started on manufacturing prototypes of new iPhone 5 cases.

Incase director of product development Scott Davis examines details of the wrist strap for Apple's new iPod Touch on Apple's Web site.

Incase vice president of design Markus Diebel (left) and Jing Liu, the company's iPhone and iPod product manager, work on a concept for how to design a case that can accommodate the new iPod Touch's wrist strap.

A set of prototype iPhone 5 cases that Incase is working on for a pitch to Apple. Incase is hoping Apple will select an assortment of its products to sell in Apple Stores.

Incase marketing and communications director Dawn de la Fuente (left) and CEO Dave Gatto read over a draft of the company's press release announcing its iPhone 5 cases.

This is a prototype of Incase's Shock Slider case for the iPhone 5 -- though mocked up in an iPhone 4 form factor.

This is a prototype of an Incase grip slider case for the iPhone 5 -- though mocked up in an iPhone 4 form factor.

Liu wears her party hat during Apple's iPhone 5 unveiling.

Although Incase decided to announce that its iPhone 5 cases would be available in early October, its Web site briefly promised an October 1 ship date.

A look at the Incase home page announcing its new iPhone 5 cases.