The iPhone 4S announcement has disappointed some and surprised others with new features.
Apple's latest iDevice retains the same design as the iPhone 4, instead of the teardrop or tapered shape many fans were hoping for. There is also no 4G update that some were expecting, given that 4G networks are now up and running in the US and Australia.
All in all, it's an update and not the iPhone 5 that tech blogs and fans had been predicting for months. It's not as exciting as some of the wilder rumours floating around the internet but does have some pleasant surprises. And iPhone 4 customers still locked into a two-year contract won't be left with an outdated design.
Dual-core processor
However, the iPhone 4S will have the same A5 dual-core processor that powers the iPad 2. This will make the updated iPhone twice as powerful and increase the battery life.
The chip will also significantly improve gaming on the phone, with up to seven times faster graphics.
Camera
The rumours about a better camera were also true. The iPhone 4S will feature an 8 megapixel camera with a larger f/2.4 aperture, improved face detection and reduced motion blur. Editing software is also included, so users can crop photos, reduce red-eye and enhance images without transferring files to a computer.
Siri
An unexpected addition is Siri, which Apple believes makes their smartphone the smartest.
Siri is voice recognition software that promises to be your own personal assistant. According to Apple, Siri will understand everything from simple commands like 'Phone Dad' to more complex musings such as 'Should I take an umbrella out today?' and 'Remind me to call the dentist'. Siri will set a reminder, send a text or open the relevant app to answer the question.
This is the most interesting feature of the iPhone 4S and it won't be available on previous models.
iOS5
Apple is also releasing iOS5, the latest operating system for its mobile devices. Useful features include iMessage, a free instant messaging system that can be used between any iPhone, iPod or iPad running iOS 5.
iCloud
Apple announced the iCloud some months back and is expected to launch the service soon to coincide with the release of the iPhone 4S. iCloud promises to back up all your photos, music, files and videos for free, whenever the iDevice is connected to Wi-Fi. This service will keep all your calendars and documents in sync without actually having to connect devices together.
Cost
Since Google launched the Android operating system, Apple has faced serious rivalry from smartphone makers. Samsung's Galaxy SII is more powerful and has several better features than the current iPhone 4.
Apple launches usually set the bar in desirable tech, and Apple's innovations are much admired (and copied) across the world. However, the latest release seems more like a catch-up with other smartphones on the market. While Siri could be the next big thing in smartphones, it could also go the way of Facetime – a nice gimmick but not used all that often.
Fortunately, Australian customers have a range of choices when it comes to a plan, unlike US customers who have to buy into a contract with one or two networks.
In Australia, the iPhone 4S will be available from October 14, from $799 outright. It's usually cheaper to buy an iPhone on a plan, and the major telcos are expected to release their plans within the next few days. We'll be analysing the best value plans from the providers once they are released.