Apple announces iPhone 4

Following all the leaks and rumours, there may not have been many surprises with the launch of the new iPhone 4 (besides the name), but Apple has certainly delivered a device that is a big step up from the current models.

Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, used the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference in San Jose, California to announce the long-awaited iPhone and introduce a number of new features.

These include:

  • The thinnest iPhone yet, at just 9.3mm thick.
  • Enhanced battery life of up to 300 hours.
  • Apple’s high-speed A4 processor with up to 32GB of storage (a 16GB model will also be available).
  • A brand new high-definition ‘Retina Display’ screen that offers a stunning 960×640 pixel resolution; four times that of the existing iPhone models, and 78% of what is available on the iPad.
  • A 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and improved quality in low-light. Video recording is increased to 1280×720 at 30 frames per second. iMovie for iPhone is now available from the App Store to allow editing and sharing of video straight from the phone.
  • iPhone OS 4, renamed to iOS 4, will ship on the iPhone 4 ahead of its introduction to existing iPhone models on June 21.
  • Improvements to iBooks, allowing books to be shared with other iOS devices (e.g. iPad or iPod touch).
  • A bold statement that by the end of June, over 100 million devices will have shipped running iOS.
  • A front-facing camera to introduce ‘FaceTime’ video calling between iPhone 4 users, in a Wi-Fi enabled area.

 

Talking about FaceTime, Jobs said: “FaceTime video calling sets a new standard for mobile communication, and our new Retina display is the highest resolution display ever in a phone, with text looking like it does on a fine printed page. We have been dreaming about both of these breakthroughs for decades.”

The iPhone 4 goes on sale on June 24. Pre-ordering will be available from June 15. It will be available in black and white versions, with the existing 3GS model being curtailed and offered only as an entry-level 8GB model.

Exact UK pricing and availability will be announced shortly.

 

More info: Detailed at-a-glance guide to iPhone 4