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==Design==
==Design==
{{See also|iPhone#Hardware|l1=iPhone hardware|iPhone4#Hardware|l2=iPhone4 hardware}}
The iPhone 4S is primarily a combination of a hand-held computer, cell-phone, GPS, digital/video camera, and music player into one device, powered by a rechargeable [[lithium-ion]] battery. It is supported by an online infrastructure where media and secondary applications can be acquired to run on the device, thereby expanding its capabilities.


The iPhone 4S retains almost all of the same design features as its predecessor, the [[iPhone 4]]. The front and back are both flat, the screen being made of glass. There is a [[camera]] on the back and the sides are [[stainless steel]] with metal buttons. It keeps the 3.5 inch (8.89 cm) screen of past iPhones with the "home" button at the bottom. The iPhone 4S comes in two colors, black and white.
The iPhone 4S retains almost all of the same design features as its predecessor, the [[iPhone 4]]. The front and back are both flat, the screen being made of glass. There is a [[camera]] on the back and the sides are [[stainless steel]] with metal buttons. It keeps the 3.5 inch (8.89 cm) screen of past iPhones with the "home" button at the bottom. The iPhone 4S comes in two colors, black and white.

Revision as of 14:23, 8 October 2011

Template:Infobox iPhone The iPhone 4S is a touchscreen smartphone developed by Apple Inc.. It is the fifth generation of the iPhone. It retains the exterior design of its predecessor, iPhone 4, but is host to a range of improved hardware specifications and software updates compared to the previous model. Integrated software and hardware changes support the introduction of new user interface and functions by Apple. Highlights include a voice recognition assistant called Siri, personal computer independence, cloud-sourced data (iCloud) and an improved camera system. Much of the device's functions can be controlled by voice, which frees people from looking at and touching the device for many tasks.[1]

After being unveiled at Apple's "Let's Talk iPhone" event (held October 4, 2011 in Cupertino, California), Apple started taking pre-orders for the iPhone 4S on October 7, 2011 in seven initial countries (the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan) with a first delivery date set for October 14, 2011. It will also be available on the same day for direct store sales in these countries.

It will be available on 100 carriers in 70 countries overall, including AT&T, Verizon, and for the first time, also for Sprint customers in the United States. In Japan it will be available for au (a KDDI brand) and Okinawa Cellular, for the first time (see iPhone 4S carriers for more).

For US customers, while pre-orders for purchasers buying contracts started on October 7, 2011, unlocked (contract-free) sales are expected to begin in November 2011.[2][3] AP says that AT&T described early iPhone 4S demand as "extraordinary".[4]

Design

The iPhone 4S retains almost all of the same design features as its predecessor, the iPhone 4. The front and back are both flat, the screen being made of glass. There is a camera on the back and the sides are stainless steel with metal buttons. It keeps the 3.5 inch (8.89 cm) screen of past iPhones with the "home" button at the bottom. The iPhone 4S comes in two colors, black and white.

Hardware

Processor, memory, and storage

The iPhone 4S has a dual core A5 processor,[5] compared to the single core A4 processor used in the iPhone 4. The phone has the same amount of RAM as its predecessor, persisting with 512 MB. [6]. Storage size also remains the same at 16 GB and 32 GB, however a larger capacity has been added (64 GB). The screen is the same as the previous generation's iPhones; 3.5 in, 640×960 resolution (Apple's "retina" design).[5] The improvement in interactive multimedia applications was obvious compared to its predecessor.[7] However, applications that take more advantage of the new specs will take time to be developed and released.[7]

Antenna

The iPhone 4S antenna has been slightly changed from the iPhone 4, and can now automatically switch between two antennas to attempt to provide the best signal possible. Download speeds up to 14.4 Mbps on HSDPA wireless networks are supported.[5]

World phone

The device is a World phone and can work on both GSM & CDMA networks.[5] On a 2G (on GSM) network it supports up to 14 hours of talk time.[5] It can download at maximum rate of 14.4 Mbps on a 3G GSM network. On CDMA networks, it is limited to 3.1 Mbps.[5] On 3G networks it supports up to eight hours of talk time and up to six hours of internet browsing.[5] The iPhone 4S can access Wi-fi networks, supporting up to nine hours of browsing.[5] The time of use depends on power from the lithium-ion battery inside the device.[5] It can be recharged by power from a USB port or power adapter.[5] It also supports Bluetooth 4.0.[1]

Camera

The camera on the iPhone 4S is capable of shooting 8MP stills (3264 by 2448 pixels) and recording 1080p videos at thirty frames per second.[5] The camera can now be accessed directly from the lock screen, and the volume up button as a shutter trigger. The built-in gyroscope is able to stabilize the camera while recording video. Other features of the camera are macro (for close up pictures) and faster capture including being able to take its first picture in 1.1 seconds and the next half a second later.[5] Double tapping what Apple calls the home button also brings up the camera mode.[7]

Power and battery specifications

The iPhone 4S is stated to have 200 hours standby time, 8 hours talk time on 3G, 14 hours talk time on 2G, 6 hours 3G browsing, and 9 hours Wi-Fi browsing.[1][8] The battery is enclosed inside the device, and as other Apple devices, is not designed to be removed except for completely new battery replacements by experienced technicians.

New software features

Voice control (Siri)

The iPhone 4S introduced a new automated voice control system called "Siri", unique to the 4S,[7] that allows the user to give the iPhone commands, which it can execute and respond to. For example, iPhone commands such as "What is the weather going to be like?" will generate a response such as "The weather is to be cloudy and rainy and drop to 54 degrees today". These commands can vary greatly and control almost every section of the phone. The commands given do not have to be specific and can be used with natural language. Siri can be accessed by holding down the home button for an extra amount of time (compared to using the regular function). Siri needs the support of the A5 chip,[7] and requires internet access.[1] An impact of Siri, as pointed out by Apple video messages, is that it is much easier and/or possible for people to use device functions while driving, exercising, or when they have their hands full.[9] It also means people with trouble reading, seeing, or typing can access the phone more easily.[9]

At launch Siri supports French, English, and German languages.[7] However, in early testing the German Siri did not know as much as the English version.[7] One issue is that the German database does not have as much information for the program, in particular the Wolfram Alpha search database is lacking information in German.[7]

The Harvard Business School described Siri as the new phone's most interesting feature, and how well it works could make or break it.[10]

Messaging

An iPhone 4S feature (though common to any device running iOS 5) is iMessage, a specialized instant messaging program and service that allows unlimited texting to other Apple iOS 5 products. This supports the inclusion of media in text messages, integration with the device's voice controlled software assistant, and read receipts for sent messages. Input to the computer comes from a keyboard displayed on the multi-touch screen or by voice-to text by speaking into the microphone. Entered text is supported by predictive and suggestion software as well as a spell checker, that includes many regional dialects like Swiss spoken French.[1]

Since Siri can send text messages, a person can text and drive without taking their eyes of the road, as shown in Apple's video ad.[9] Another example, is that a person can ask Siri for information while they are cooking and their hands are messy.[9] It also makes it much easier for people with physical disabilities such as blindness to compose and send text messages.[9]

Operating system

iPhone 4S was announced with Apple's iOS 5 operating system, which Apple claims as having 200 new features compared to the last version. On the 4S the A5 processor and the iOS 5 work together to support many subsystems of the device, such as data processing for the camera. Some major tasks performed include browsing the internet with Safari, Siri, cell phone use, media playback, and applications.

It supports PC/Mac freedom, where updates can be downloaded by wireless to the device.[11] Another feature is the ability to have Apple send a real card in the mail.[11]

Input and output

Users can input commands with a touch screen that can be touched in more than one place at once, multi-touch. They can also talk to the device—and it can talk back. The device will attempt to do what the user says, such as send text messages or look for nearby restaurants. It also has several traditional buttons, including one on the front and some on the side, such as volume buttons. Human output includes a small speaker, vibration, and a color display which is 3.5 inches across diagonally with 960 by 640 pixels.[5] The speaker is used for media, phone conversations, and lets the digital assistant talk back. Another output is the led-flash for the camera, for taking pictures.

The iPhone 4S supports video out via AirPlay and various Apple A/V cables.[5] Supported video formats include such formats as H.264 (1080p 30 fps max.), MPEG-4 video, and motion JPEG (M-JPEG).[5]

In addition to user inputs the device also has several other sensors, such as a 3-axis gyroscope that allows it to detect its orientation.[1]

Carriers

The Apple iPhone 4S is planning to launch with 100 carriers in 70 countries in the closing months of 2011.[12]

As with previous models in the U.S., the iPhone 4S will be available on Verizon and AT&T. In addition, the iPhone 4S will be offered by Sprint, a new carrier for Apple. This confirms a Wall Street Journal report, that the American telecommunications company Sprint Nextel committed $20 billion to do this.[13] All 3 carriers will require a new 2-year contract with the phone, in addition to the purchase price of the device. In addition to being sold by AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, Apple will sell an unlocked version of the iPhone 4S.[3] The phone will ship without a micro-SIM card and will not work on CDMA Carriers.[14]

In the UK the iPhone 4S will be offered by all the major networks including Orange, Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2, Three and Tesco Mobile. Virgin Mobile however will not offer the iPhone 4S. It will also be sold SIM-Free and in all variants via Apple Store Online and Apple Retail Stores at a fixed price without a contract.

In Japan, au by KDDI will join SoftBank Mobile, previously the sole Japanese carrier of the iPhone, in selling the 4S model. Softbank plans to charge ¥4,410 ($57) a month.[15]

In Canada the iPhone 4S will be offered by all the major networks including Rogers Telecom, Bell Canada, Virgin Mobile, Telus Mobility

The device is typically sold to consumers with an initial fee and a two year contract, whereby a person will agree to pay a certain amount upfront then each month pay an additional fee for the time of the agreement. This also pays for using some services, mainly the wireless data transmission to cell phone towers. Depending on the contract, additional services may require more fees or be included. The business that sells the devices offer different types of contracts to people, and may charge different amounts per month.[15] From the standpoint of the business, they subsidize the initial cost of the phone to make it more appealing, eventually recouping the money during a payback period.

Apple is also allowing the iPhone 4S to be sold directly to people without a contract in November 2011, they will work on GSM but not CDMA networks with service from a provider.[15][3] The unlocked or contract-free phones will also support micro-SIM cards from networks.[15] The card is a small memory device that plugs into the phone in small slot/tray, and contains the information for the device to run on that cellular network. Non-contract phones need to gain access to a cellular network service to be used that way.

Impact on used-phone market

The used phone market saw unprecedented rates of trade-ins of older models in the weeks leading up to the 4S announcement, and when it happened there was a drop in prices offered on trade-ins of older models.[16] There are many third-party buyers of old phones, and Apple also buys back old phones under a special program.[16] The 4S is designed with recycling in mind, including a mercury free display.[1]

Language support

At announcement plans were in place for the iPhone 4S to support many languages of the World. Different features have different language requirements, such as keyboards compared to the word predictor and spell-checker, which needs a large dictionary of words. Language support is related to the iOS 5 operating system that the device launched with, although not always. The Siri digital assistant supported French, English, and German at launch. Since it uses a software based keyboard supported by the multi-touch display, it can support many different keyboard layouts without having to change physically. The iPhone 4S can display different languages and scripts at the same time.[5]

Accessories

Bumper

The iPhone 4S will be able to fit into the iPhone 4 bumpers made previously. Bumpers come in six different colors: black, blue, white, green, orange, and pink.[17]

Expectations

A series of expectations about Apple's next generation phone including various specifications and a predicted name—"iPhone 5"—were built up in the time preceding its debut.[9] After the iPhone 4S was announced, there was some disappointment about this.[9] Close examinations of the device show that its innovations are technologically dramatic after all.[9]

Critical reception

A day after the announcement of iPhone 4S, Apple's founder Steve Jobs passed away, and there are some online and media speculations that the designation "4S" stands for "For Steve".[18][19]

Initial reaction

With no drastic changes and few new features, the unveiling of iPhone 4S failed to impress many fans and critics. Reuters speculates this could open new market opportunities for rivals.[20] Shares of Samsung Electronics, HTC and Nokia gained on Wednesday after the 4S was announced, while Apple stock dipped sharply. However, later in the day Apple shares rebounded, ending at a 1% gain.[21] [20] Analyst C. K. Lu of Gartner believes that Apple no longer has the leading edge and 4S will only sell due to brand loyalty, as fans were expecting an iPhone 5 with a thinner profile, bigger screen, and stronger features.[20] Some of these same people also wanted a cheaper stripped down iPhone 4.[7]

Other reactions

The German phone company Deutsche Telekom said they were "satisfied" with consumer interest.[15]

Timeline of iPhone models

Timeline of iPhone models
iPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 ProiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 ProiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 ProiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 ProiPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 ProiPhone 11 ProiPhone 11 ProiPhone XSiPhone XSiPhone XiPhone 16iPhone 16iPhone 15iPhone 15iPhone 14iPhone 14iPhone 13iPhone 13iPhone 12 MiniiPhone 12iPhone 11iPhone XRiPhone 8iPhone 8iPhone 7iPhone 7iPhone 6SiPhone 6SiPhone 6iPhone 6iPhone 5iPhone 5SiPhone 4SiPhone 4iPhone 3GSiPhone 3GiPhone (1st generation)iPhone SE (3rd generation)iPhone SE (2nd generation)iPhone SE (1st generation)iPhone 5C
See also: Timeline of Apple Inc. products

Source: Apple Newsroom Archive[22]

iPhone comparison

Main article: iPhone comparison

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Apple iPhone 4S". Apple. Retrieved October 5,2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ "iPhone 4S – Apple Store (U.S.)". Apple Inc. Retrieved October 7, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c iPhone 4S Pre-Orders Begin, by Daniel Ionescu, PC World, October 7, 2011
  4. ^ AT&T: Initial demand for iPhone 4S 'extraordinary', The Associated Press, Oct. 7, 2011
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Apple Announces iPhone 4S: New Antenna, 64GB Capacity [Update]". Mac Observer. October 05, 2011. Retrieved October 05, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  6. ^ "iPhone 4S has 512MB of RAM, same as iPhone 4?". This is my next. October 05, 2011. Retrieved October 08, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Neues iPhone 4S, by Der Speigel, 05.10.2011 (Translation by Google)
  8. ^ "Apple iPhone 4". Apple. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h iPhone 4S: 4 Reasons to Upgrade by Jennifer Van Grove at Mashable
  10. ^ HBS Faculty Make the Call On the New iPhone4S, by Marco Iansiti, Terry Kramer, and Nancy F. Koehn on Oct 06 2011, Harvard Business School
  11. ^ a b WIRED Apple iPhone 5 Live Blog
  12. ^ Page 7 of Apple iPhone 4S / 5 event live blog by This is my next
  13. ^ Cheng, Robert (3 October 2011). "Sprint commits to $20B order for 30M iPhones, WSJ says". CNET. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  14. ^ Oliver, Sam (7 October 2011). "Unlocked iPhone 4S coming in November, won't work with CDMA carriers". AppleInsider. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
  15. ^ a b c d e Pre-Orders for iPhone 4S Will Test New CEO, by Geoffrey A. Fowler and Ian Sherr, Wall Street Journal, October 7, 2011
  16. ^ a b Where to Sell Your Old iPhone or How to Pick One Up Cheaply, by David Daw, PC World,Oct 6, 2011
  17. ^ "iPhone 4 bumper". Apple.com. Retrieved October 08, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  18. ^ "Did Apple Name the 4S-- "For Steve"?". Retrieved October 6,2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  19. ^ [www.webguild.org/20111006/iphone4s-iphone-for-steve-job "iPhone4S Means 'iPhone For Steve'"]. Retrieved October 6,2011. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  20. ^ a b c Jim, Clare (5 October 2011). "Apple stumble seen opening door for rivals". Reuters. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  21. ^ "Apple NASDAQ". {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  22. ^ Apple Inc. (2007–2024). iPhone News - Newsroom Archive. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
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