Apple has unveiled the latest version of its iPhone range, with a faster processing chip, new camera and voice-command capability, but there was no sign of the widely rumoured iPhone 5.
Rumours abounded that Apple would launch two new models, an iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, after comments made at the Discovery Invest Leadership Summit in South Africa by former US vice-president Al Gore, who is a member of Apple’s board of directors.
Although the new phone is just an upgrade of the existing iPhone 4, which was launched 15 months ago, Apple said that updates to iOS meant the phone would boast some “200 new features”.
The new device, called the iPhone 4S, will cost between $199 and $399 for 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, when it goes on sale on 12th October in the US.
It is understood the iPhone 4S will launch in the UK on 14 October.
Apple said the phone will also offer a significantly extended battery life and 3GS for free, along with purchase of a wireless contract
The launch event was the first major announcement for new boss Tim Cook who took over from Steve Jobs in August.
The new voice control tool features an “intelligent assistant” that allows users to ask questions aloud and receive detailed answers back.
Apple will also introduce a system called Siri to the updated phone, which will allow users to speak into the device to do tasks from finding restaurants, to setting reminders.
The voice-activated software is also designed to be more conversational and understand questions such as: “Do I need a raincoat today?”.
