Apple released an updated fourth generation of its hugely popular iPhone mobile smartphone in October 2011. The new phone, called the iPhone 4S, was widely expected to be the fifth-generation iPhone 5 prior to its release, but Apple instead chose to focus on the software and internal aspects of the phone instead of giving the new smartphone a new design or updated display.
Despite its look remaining the same, the iPhone 4S does include a number of impressive “under-the-hood” enhancements and new features, including a dual-core A5 chip (the same processor used in the iPad 2) for improved performance, a new Retina Display for a clearer display, an improved 8MP camera and optics, a video camera capable of recording in 1080p full HD, and support for the new iOS 5 operating system and Apple’s iCloud service.
One of the most touted additions to the iPhone 4S is Siri, an “intelligent assistant” that enables users to use their voice to operate the phone and its applications. With Siri users can use natural language voice commands to send messages, place calls, set reminders, operate iTunes and more.
Another key addition with the release of the iPhone 4S is its support for Sprint s cellular network, joining AT&T and Verizon as the only cellular providers selling the iPhone. However, the iPhone 4S may be best remembered as being the Apple product announced just days before the death of the company’s co-founder and industry icon, Steve Jobs.
