It looks just like your old iPhone, only it’s more awesome. WWDC’s biggest announcement has been made, and it’s for the next generation iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 3GS. (Hint: the S stands for sexy.. or maybe just speed).
Apple’s announcement today of the iPhone 3GS effectively relegates the iconic iPhone 3G (8GB) to lower-tier status as a $99 entry-level iPhone. What makes the new iPhone 3GS the new hotness worthy of replacing the iPhone 3G?
Let us count the ways:
- The iPhone 3GS boasts an upgraded 3.0-megapixel camera with autofocus (tap-to-focus)
- We’re finally able to record true-blue video at 30 FPS – videos can be editing on the iPhone 3GS, with support for one-touch video uploading to YouTube
- The new iPhone 3GS features Voice control – control playlists and make phone calls with your voice
- A digital compass allows for more accurate position data and turn-by-turn GPS
- Much faster processor and 256MB RAM allows for at least 2x times speed increases when running native iPhone apps
- iPhone 3GS comes pre-loaded with OS 3.0 goodies like cut and paste, universal search, stocks, and voice memos
- MMS via AT&T later this summer
- Tethering via everybody else but AT&T
- Nike+ integration
- Battery life improved: 9 hours of WiFi use, 10 hours of video watching, 30 hours of audio listening, 12 hours of 2G talk time
You can get the full spec rundown over here. To ditch antiquated stock mark the new iPhone dawn, Apple has slashed the price of the iPhone 3G to $99 and $149.
The iPhone 3GS, however, will be available June 19th for $299 for the 32GB model, and $199 for 16GB model, both available on preorder from AT&T starting tonight. Canada, France, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland should also have the iPhone 3GS available for June 19th. All in all, it looks like a solid incremental upgrade for the iPhone, if nothing mind-blowingly new.
Those who are still rocking the original iPhone will be feeling the squeeze to upgrade to the 3GS, but even then, the operating system upgrade to version 3.0 will probably be enough to sate most users. What do you guys think of the new iPhone? Is a smoother experience and a new camera worth the money? Does video recording, turn-by-turn GPS navigation and improved battery life make the iPhone 3GS worthy of the $199 price-tag?