5th Oct 11
Apple launches iPhone 4S as Steve Jobs passes
by Sally Davies
Hellos and goodbyes: Apple reveal new iphone as Jobs loses cancer battle
Hellos and goodbyes: Apple reveal new iphone as Jobs loses cancer battle
Apple unveiled a faster and slimmed-down version of the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S, as newly appointed chief executive Tim Cook tried to nail down its position as the largest phone maker in the world and co-founder Steve Jobs finally lost his battle with cancer at the age of 56.
The new product is expected to be put on sale from all five networks in the UK from 14 October, but no one was able to provide details of pricing. Apple also revealed there was an updated version of its ‘iOS’ software, the iOS 5, to run the iPhone 4, iPad and iPhone 3GS models would be made available from 12 October, bringing the “iCloud” system which synchronises documents, user video and pictures across devices without requiring a PC.
While rumours – as well as the name of Apple’s other software – had made many believe the phone would be named the ‘iPhone 5′, the head of marketing Philip Schiller demonstrated the 4S and pointed out that it was a total overhaul of the iPhone 4 which was released just over a year ago.
A crucial element of the iPhone 4S is the ‘voice assistant’ dubbed Siri, which head of the iOS division Scott Forstall demonstrated. It answered complex questions asked by voice including “what’s the weather like?”, and responded in a synthesized voice. Forstall said you can ask it a lot, adding that it may not be perfect yet, but it can do a huge amount.
The launch was Apple’s first without Steve Jobs at the helm after he stood aside in August. It was announced this morning that Jobs has finally lost his battle with cancer.
Apple is aiming to stay in front of its rival Samsung, which is competing with Apple for the recognition of being the biggest smartphone seller in the world. The two are predicted to be almost tied when third quarter figures are announced. Most of Samsung’s smartphone products run Google’s Android software.
Apple wants to bolster its position within the mobile market, where Cook said that despite its strong position in the smartphone division it only has a market total of five per cent by volume, by targeting the rapidly-expanding Chinese market in addition to US and European buyers.
Included in the iPhone 4S is the A5 processing chip which is used in the iPad 2 unveiled earlier in 2011, making it considerably than the iPhone 4. Schiller explained that the antennas have been redesigned to make the call quality better. Improvements have also been made to the camera.
One other alteration is that the product will work on any of the world’s phone networks by including chips that boost compatibility. Cook said that he considered it a lifetime privilege to have worked with the company for nearly 14 years.
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