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Roundup of today's iPhone event coverage
Here's a summary of what happened today during Apple's iPhone event, with links you can follow to more in-depth coverage. You can check out Apple's keynote for yourself if you like, but our summary will probably go a lot quicker for you. Apple announces the iPhone 4S: The top story for today, Apple's next-gen iPhone is an all-internal upgrade that looks externally identical to the iPhone 4. The handset will be available for pre-order on October 7, and it launches in the US and a few other countries on October 14. As virtually everyone expected, the iPhone 4S will launch on Sprint in addition to AT&T and Verizon. Evidence on Apple's site suggests unlocked models will be available, but pricing info for contract-free handsets isn't available yet. The iPhone 4S has a faster A5 processor with much-improved graphics performance, improved battery and wireless performance, and a vastly improved 8 megapixel camera. Exclusive to the iPhone 4S is Siri, a new and powerful voice interface. Speaking of which... Apple (re)introduces Siri as iPhone voice control assistant for iPhone 4S: By far the biggest new feature announced today, Siri looks like it will revolutionize voice control on the iPhone. Siri is able to understand natural language inquiries and quickly look up information, generate appointments and text messages, and even take dictation. You may never need to type on your iPhone again. Reportedly the existing Siri app will go dark on October 15, so the service will definitely be exclusive to Apple's newest iPhone after that. iOS 5 available October 12: The iOS 5 "gold master" seed was released today to developers, and it will be available to everyone else on October 12. iOS 5 will be a free download that will run on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S; all models of iPad; and the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch. Apple's free replacement for MobileMe, iCloud, is also going live to everyone on October 12. Meanwhile, the App Store is now officially welcoming apps compatible with iOS 5. Apple refreshes iPod touch lineup with new colors: With the only apparent changes being a new white model and a price drop for the entry-level model, the iPod touch received only a very modest update today. No mention was made of the iPod touch being updated with the A5 processor, which marks the first time the line hasn't kept pace with the iPhone's processor. Apple refreshes iPod nano, lowers price: The iPod nano also received a very modest update; aside from new clock faces, integrated fitness functions, a slightly revamped UI, and a price drop, the nano is largely the same as last year's model. The new UI and clock faces appear to be available to 2010 model iPod nanos via a software update, so if you have last year's model already there doesn't appear to be any reason to upgrade. 8 GB iPhone 3GS now free with contract, iPhone 4 price dropped: You can now pick up Apple's two-year-old iPhone 3GS for free if you sign up for a two-year contract. That may sound like a great deal, but by 2013 the iPhone 3GS is probably going to seem like it's a UNIVAC. You're better off spending the extra $99 to get an iPhone 4 instead; it's the same capacity, but with a much-improved processor, Retina Display, and a far better camera. Sure, the iPhone 3GS is free, but in our opinion you get what you pay for with that model. Other new services and products: Apple announced a Find My Friends app that will work via iCloud, which should make stalking locating your friends much easier -- no more "I'm over by the thing, next to the other thing" directions. Another new app that had us alternately scratching our heads and cracking jokes: Cards will enable you to send photos to Apple, which it will then turn into postcards and mail out for you for a modest fee. To comply with EU standards, Apple will release a dock connector to micro USB adapter on October 14. Available on Apple's online UK store, it's relatively inexpensive at only £8. The sequel to Chair's hugely popular Infinity Blade will be released December 1. Infinity Blade 2 demonstrated the hugely improved graphical performance of the iPhone 4S -- I can't wait to see how this looks in person. Apple kicking butt, taking names: Apple's largest store in Asia had over 100,000 visitors in its opening weekend. OS X Lion has sold 6 million copies since its July 20 debut, 80 percent more than Snow Leopard. The iPhone 4 accounts for half of all iPhone sales, ever, and iPhones now account for 5 percent of worldwide handsets -- not just smartphones, all phones. iPads are "showing up everywhere," including 80 percent of US hospitals and 92 percent of Fortune 500 companies. Despite arguably stagnant features over the past couple years, the iPod still accounts for 70 percent of the portable music player market, and iTunes is the number one music store. The App Store has served more than 18 billion app downloads, with more than 500,000 total apps and 140,000 iPad-specific apps. To be honest, with the exception of Siri there doesn't seem to be much new and exciting coming out of Apple's event today. The iPhone 4S is, as the name implies, an iterative update to the (admittedly hugely successful) iPhone 4, while the iPod lineup has seen only very modest updates. Given Apple's massive success as of late, the company can afford to rest on its laurels for awhile -- but not for too long.
Apple's iPhone 4S, iOS 5 and iPod roundup: details, specs and release dates
Phew, what a day! Apple's done its fair share of introducing today, and now it's on us to distill everything down into something understandable by folks who don't have the time to pore over every single morsel of iPhone and iOS 5-related news oozing from Cupertino. You can relive our liveblog right here -- for everything else, get schooled below. iPhone 4S iPhone 4S officially announed, lands October 14th in sizes up to 64GB Sprint iPhone announced, getting both iPhone 4 and 4S Meet the new iPhone 4S AirPlay Mirroring coming to iPhone 4S iPhone 4S hands-on iPhone 4S vs. the smartphone elite iPhone 4S vs. iPhone 4 Post-event live broadcast iPhone 4S event video posted online iPhone 4S makes its way through the FCC Upgrade to AT&T iPhone 4S: there's an app for that iOS 5 iOS 5 will be available October 12th, iCloud launches the same day Cards app for iPhone introduced Find My Friends announced iTunes Match hits US 'end of October' for $24.99 Apple brings Siri voice recognition iPod / Mac / other news Six million copies of Lion downloaded since launch Macbook Pro and iMac are the best selling notebook and desktop in the US 16 billion iTunes songs downloaded, 300 million iPods sold 250 million iOS devices sold, 18 billion apps downloaded iPod Touch available October 12th in black and white, maxes at 64GB / $399 iPod nano now $149 for 16GB and $129 for 8GB iPhone 3GS 8GB is free, iPhone 4 8GB $99 AppleCare+ debuts for $99, covers accidental damage for a fee
Apple's iPhone 4S event video now online
Looks like we weren't the only ones shooting video at today's 'Let's Talk iPhone' event. Apparently Apple had some folks there with cameras as well. Cupertino has posted video of the event, so between that and our liveblog, you can relive the magic -- or disappointment -- again and again. Check out the action in the Source link below.
Official iPhone micro-USB adapter quietly sneaks into UK Apple Store
It looks like Apple's making good on its promise to standardize its charger port for EU territories. Behind all the big hitters announced by Apple today, an official micro-USB adapter has shuffled into the UK's online store in a very typically English way. Sure, there have been third-party options for a while, but this one's the real deal and looks set to go on sale on October 14th, alongside the newly crowned iPhone 4S. We hope and expect that this will come packaged with Apple's latest phone in Euroland -- but on the off-chance that it doesn't, we'd question whether charging an extra £8 obeys the spirit of the regulation. [Thanks, Cameron]
Apple's 'Let's Talk iPhone' post-event live broadcast!
Well, that was fun. If you wanted to read along with the liveblog, but couldn't hang with all of those words, or if you just need some help processing all of the Cupertino-based iPhone 4S-related excitement, stay-tuned. Tim Stevens, Darren Murph and a number of guest Fraggles (schedules pending) are live on the scene to help you wade through the deluge of news from today's Apple event.Update: And we're done! Check out video of the broadcast after the break!
iPhone 4S vs. the smartphone elite: Galaxy S II, Bionic and Titan
Now that we know how the iPhone 4S stacks up against the iPhone 4, let's take a look at how Apple's latest smartphone compares to its mightiest competitors on the other major platforms -- Android and Windows Phone. In Google's camp we chose the superlative Samsung Galaxy S II models (focusing on the announced US variants) along with the Motorola Droid Bionic for its qHD and LTE chops. We then picked the upcoming HTC Titan to bat for Microsoft's team. RIM's not included here since it's still stuck in the junior leagues. We left out the intriguing Nokia N9 because it's a niche player. Check out the fancy table after the break -- the results are pretty clear cut!
iPhone 4S hands-on!
It's not an iPhone mini or anything, but it's the first iPhone with Siri. And that has to count for something, right? Right? While it's no iPhone 5 (not even close, really), the iPhone 4S is far from being "last year's iPhone," and the greatly enhanced camera, bolstered A5 dual-core processor and inbuilt voice command should provide plenty of reason for folks to upgrade if they're near the end of their contract. Furthermore, having the option on Sprint -- despite Apple almost announcing it as an afterthought -- is bound to make folks already entrenched on the Now Network think twice about what their next phone will be come upgrade time.We were able to spend a few quality moments with the refreshed iPhone 4 here at Apple's campus, the Sprint flavor no less, and as you might expect... it's an iPhone 4. But S-ier. Much in the same way that the 3GS improved the overall experience of the 3G, the 4S does likewise compared to the existing 4. The dual-core A5 chip is a laudatory improvement, and whisking about pages, loading the camera application and launching -- well, just about everything -- just feels zippier. As it should. The other major change, the antennas, weren't readily different at a glance, but as Mr. Cook stated, you'd have to be iFixit to notice (and we're sure they will).The most impressive part was the demo of Siri, the new assistant that lets you do just about anything you can do on your phone -- but with your voice. We tried to psych it out with a bunch of random requests, including the history of Chester, Vermont (a lovely town) and the best Ramen places in San Francisco. Siri never faltered, never missed a beat. It worked as well as Scott's demo up on the stage. There's nothing better to say than that. We even sent ourselves a few text messages, which Siri transcribed to a T. Of course, the lady on the other end still sounds eerily robotic, but we're hoping for smoother responses from the alien within in a future update.The 8 megapixel sensor doesn't look any different from the outside, but we're trusting that Apple's re-engineered the interior. We snapped a few photos in the demo room to test and not a one came out as great as the retina-bursting contrasty pictures of balloons and flowers we saw in the demo, but then again, we didn't have any balloons or flowers to capture.As for weight and feel? Just like the old king. We'll be updating this post with our impressions live from Cupertino, and are working to get you some better pictures to look at. Hang tight -- they're coming!Update: Sorry, guys, but this time around Apple isn't allowing anyone to take photos or videos of the new iPhone in the hands-on area at its event. But don't worry, we'll give you all that and more when we review it in the coming weeks!Relive the announcement in our liveblog right here!%Gallery-135711% %Gallery-135683%
App Store begins accepting iOS 5 submissions
iOS 5 is almost here, boys and girls, and Apple has just given the green light for firmware-specific App Store submissions. This happens before each major release, where developers can begin to submit software using the gold master SDK. Until that time, App Store forbids submissions using beta SDK development tools. Reviewers are typically overwhelmed once the notice is given, although they appear to work overtime to get material reviewed in a timely fashion. This is one of those times you really see Apple bending over backwards to help developers get ready for launch. Developers have been building tools all summer, waiting (but dreading) this moment. In a way, it's always too long to wait. In another, it's always too short a time period to get everything done. But that's the way Apple and App Store work, and you have to ride the wave. Once iOS 5 goes live, expect to see some of the shiniest examples of the new batch of software get featured on App Store. And also watch for TUAW's full coverage of the new iOS features. Until then, pre-release TUAW iOS 5 coverage -- researched and written by our non-NDA staffers -- is available here. Happy developing everyone! Thanks, everyone who tipped us.
iPhone 4S vs. iPhone 4: what's changed?
It's finally happened, after all the wrangling, speculation and aluminum dummies, we now know the truth. Join us as we delve into the nitty gritty of how the newest addition(s) to the Apple clan match up against last year's model.
Meet the new iPhone 4S
You can finally lay all that speculation to rest because here it is! Apple's set its latest iPhone family member free, and out into the wireless wild for your future consumption. Pictured above is the new dual-core A5 processor-equipped, dual CDMA / GSM iPhone 4S -- awash in Siri-enabled voice control. You can snag this black or white update on October 14th in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB configurations for $199, $299 and $399, respectively. Click through the gallery below to get intimate with Cupertino's latest smartphone refresh.%Gallery-135711%
Sprint iPhone officially announced: iPhone 4 and 4S both on the way
Regardless of whether Sprint dropped $20 billion, or just the right combination of phrases to the right combination of people, Dan Hesse finally (finally!) has an iPhone to call his own. Despite The Now Network's stellar lineup of Android devices (and that increasingly valuable Everything plan), Sprint's been struggling to gain postpaid subscribers for as long as most can remember. Granted, the prepaid arm is doing alright, but without Apple's cash cow sitting on its shelves -- well, let's just say the company's shareholders are apt to be pleased with today's turn of events. As you might have guessed, the specs for Sprint's version perfectly match the Verizon model -- both have an EVDO radio for 3G within the US, and a GSM one for service outside the country. As with AT&T and Verizon, Sprint customers hankering for the 4S' dual-core A5 processor, 8MP camera, dual-mode radio and Siri personal assistant can place their pre-orders starting this Friday, October 7th, with the phone officially landing a week later, on the 14th.Update: And now that Apple's site is live again we're seeing that Sprint is getting not just the iPhone 4S, but the 8GB iPhone 4 as well. Screenshot from Apple.com after the break.
Apple brings Siri voice control to the iPhone 4S
You've heard the rumors, and Apple has now confirmed that it will be bringing Siri voice control to its new iPhone 4S -- and, yes, it will still be called Siri. That will let you use natural language to perform tasks like asking for a weather forecast or getting directions, setting an alarm or making a calendar appointment, and searching Wikipedia or Wolfram Alpha for information (among many other possibilities). Described as a "humble personal assistant," Siri will work in English (including the UK and Australia), French and German for now, and it'll work with all built-in apps and over both 3G and WiFi. It'll also be a beta to start with, and Apple promises that it "gets better" as it learns your voice. Unfortunately for current iPhone owners, however, it looks like Siri will only be available on the iPhone 4S (at least initially). Update: Perhaps not surprisingly, Apple appears to have pulled the existing Siri Assistant app from the App Store. There's also somewhat curiously no mention of Siri at all on Apple's Canadian website, although the Siri app itself was never available in Canada to begin with. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update 2: Already enjoying the fruits of a voice navigated lifestyle with Siri on your iPhone? Don't get used to it, as users are receiving messages like this one indicating it will shut down for the non-iPhone 4S owning plebeians as of October 15th. [Thanks Shawn & Lloyd] %Gallery-135726%
AirPlay Mirroring coming to iPhone 4S, not just for iPads
That snazzy AirPlay Mirroring feature Apple showed off at WWDC earlier this year is back for an encore, and now it's strutting its stuff on the iPhone 4S. Previously we saw AirPlay piping an iPad 2 to the big screen by way of Apple TV, but the upcoming iOS 5 features seems to have broadened it horizons -- letting Apple handsets get in on the HDTV mirroring love. AirPlay not your thing? Don't worry, you can still score high-def mirroring action using a wired dongle. Skip on past the break for a peek at the accessory that will make your next $2,000 Halloween costume that much easier to build.
iCloud going live on October 12
Apple has announced that the long-awaited iCloud service will finally go live on October 12. The service will be free for Lion and iOS 5 users (the new mobile OS releases on the same day), and will enable cloud sharing of user contacts, pictures, and other pertinent user data across all of your Mac and iOS devices. Apple also went over iTunes Match functionality again, which will work in tandem with iCloud to deliver music to you directly from the iTunes store. For an extra fee ($24.99 a year), you can "match" any music in your library up to the tracks on iTunes servers, and then re-download those tracks as if you really owned them to any of your Mac or iOS devices. iTunes Match is set to go live with iCloud in the US on October 12, and then show up in the rest of the world later on this year. It's been a long wait, but Apple's full entry into the cloud is finally coming. Next week, we'll finally see for ourselves what iCloud has to offer.
iPhone 4S officially announced: lands October 14th starting at $199 in sizes up to 64GB, coming to Sprint
What's this? The second coming of the iPhone 4? Sure enough, Tim Cook just pulled the covers off of the hotly-anticipated iPhone 4S here in Cupertino, making 2011 the first year in the company's current stint in the smartphone business that it chose to launch three new handsets (Verizon's CDMA iPhone 4 included, of course). On the outside the 4S looks exactly like its predecessor, but on the inside it's "all new." Apple has jammed a dual-core A5 CPU inside alongside a new dual-core GPU that supposedly boosts graphics performance by up to 7x. Up front is the same 3.5-inch Retina display we've all come to know and love, and around back is a glass plate. Those antennae around the sides (which caused many users so much trouble) have been revamped and iOS will intelligently switch between two different sets on the fly to avoid dropping calls no matter how you hold it. Those antennae are connected to a dual-mode GSM and CDMA radio that will let Apple's handset roam the globe while enjoying either 14.4Mbps HSPA+ or EV-DO Rev. A. %Gallery-135683% %Gallery-135727% %Gallery-135711%
iPod touch still maxes out at 64GB / $399, available in white October 12th
While the iPhone 4S takes the headlines with its dual antennas and upgraded processor, we also have a new white iPod touch joining the family. Pricing for the "#1 portable game player" (Apple's words, with some numbers to back them up) still starts at $199 for the 8GB version, going up $399 for a 64GB. All will be available in black or white October 12th. There's no hardware changes to speak of, so hopefully all those sweet iOS 5 upgrades are enough to hold you. Check out the full details in our live blog or in the press release, conveniently available after the break. Follow along in our ongoing liveblog right here! %Gallery-135720%
iOS 5 available October 12
Apple has announced that its next-generation mobile OS, iOS 5, will launch to the public on October 12. It will be a free upgrade for the iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and the third- and fourth-generation iPod touches. iOS 5 includes a number of new features, including a revamped notifications system, improved Camera app, iMessages, and many other tweaks and improvements. The "gold master" version of iOS 5 has not yet been released as of this writing, but it will likely be released today if the public release is due eight days from today.
Apple announces Find My Friends feature for iOS 5
Apple spent a fair bit of time recapping some already announced iOS 5 features during its keynote today, but it also got around to announcing a new one: Find My Friends. That will let you easily find friends in the real world who have opted to share their location with you, and you'll also be able to invite friends to share their location for a limited time -- when they're driving to your house, for instance, so you can give them directions. Naturally, there are also some parental controls and other "simple" privacy settings.%Gallery-135713%
iOS 5 will be available October 12, iCloud launching the same day
Mark your calendars, kids. Scott Forstall's on stage here at "Let's Talk iPhone" and just gave a hard date for iOS 5's arrival: expect it to hit next week, on October 12th, with Apple's iCloud service launching that same day. Though developers have been playing with it for four months now, this will be the first time the general, non-tinkering public gets to taste its 200-plus new features -- a list that includes Newsstand, Reminders, iMessage, WiFi sync, Find My Friends, split keyboards, AirPlay mirroring for the iPad 2 (and iPhone 4S!) and the Notification Center. (And, you know, greeting cards, if you're into that sort of thing.) iOS 5 will be free for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches, while iCloud's standard 5GB of email / storage will come gratis to folks already using iOS 5 and Lion. Take note that if it's iTunes Match you're after (and you live in the states), you'll have to sit tight a few more weeks yet. %Gallery-135713%
Cards app for iPhone sends snail mail best wishes, for a price
We've got at least one completely unexpected announcement from Apple's Let's Talk iPhone Event: a new app that sends out greeting cards. For $2.99 within the US and $4.99 internationally, sending a greeting card the old fashioned way is just one click away on your mobile, complete with notifications when your card is mailed. Taking shots at PC makers and Android's apps are a given, but a bomb dropped on Hallmark? Welcome to the Tim Cook era. Check the liveblog and gallery below for more details. %Gallery-135715% Follow along in our ongoing liveblog right here!