After what seems like months of rumours and speculation, Apple have confirmed and announced the next reiteration to their mobile device product range, with the iPhone 5S and lower-cost iPhone 5C.
The announcement, made today at Apple’s 2013 iPhone Media Event, also unveiled more details regarding the next update in the iOS software series – iOS7. The operating system has been confirmed for launch on Wednesday 18th September, a free download to users with iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini, and iPod touch (5th generation). Additionally, previous paid-for apps, have now been confirmed to be free with the launch of the new software, namely iPhoto, iMovie, Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
The iPhone 5S is Apple’s upgrade to the hugely popular iPhone 5, and whilst keeping in the same overall dimensions as last year’s product, contains more features to keep it up to and ahead of the competition (namely Samsung’s Galaxy IV Android-based smartphone).
The phone will be available in slate, gold and silver colour options upon its release and will also feature double-LED flash. Meanwhile processing will come from Apple’s new A7 64-bit chip as well as an M7 motion co-processor.
On the upgrade front, the camera receives a boost on its 8MP resolution. Along with auto-stabilisation, when a photo is taken, the iPhone 5S will take multiple photos and select the sharpest.
Amongst the highest-speculated rumour is around the iPhone’s security. Further to speculation, the iPhone 5S will indeed feature a fingerprint sensor, dubbed ‘Touch ID’, and be embedded within the device’s Home button. Integrated into iOS7, Touch ID will allow users to make purchases on the iTunes Store and App Store without having to enter a password.
Pricing for the iPhone 5S, with a two year US contract, are as follows
– 16GB $199
– 32GB $299
– 64GB $399
Check out the official iPhone 5S video below:
The device will be available to preorder on 13th September, and arrive instores on 20th September in the US, Australia, China, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the UK.
The iPhone 5C, unlike it’s high-end brother, is set to be available for all markets, however the lower pricepoint will look to help spearhead Apple’s introduction into emerging markets, thus expanding Apple’s reign to new territories with both the iPhone product and iOS operating system. The phone will be available in an array of colours, launching with green, yellow, blue, white and pink/red.
Similar to the 5C’s predecessor, the phone is set to feature the same 8MP rear camera, hybrid IR filter, five-element lens, 4-inch retina screen, integrated touch later, widescreen video, full sRGB standard, A6 processor. It’s also said to have a slightly larger battery capacity.
Final costs for the iPhone 5C have been confirmed, with two-year contracts as:
– 16GB $99
– 32GB $199
Watch the official iPhone 5C launch video below:
