Apple iPhone 4S (photos)

The Apple iPhone 4S is externally the same as the original iPhone 4, but the internals are all new, Apple says.

Jessica Dolcourt

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

Oct. 4, 2011 12:08 p.m. PT

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iPhone 4S rundown

The iPhone 4S, which will be available October 14, looks almost identical to the original iPhone 4, but inside, it's a different world.

The iPhone 4S will work for GSM and CDMA networks. It's available in black and white for AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint (the rumors were true!). It'll come in three models: 16GB ($199); 32GB ($299); 64GB ($399).

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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A5 processor

A gutted iPhone 4S highlights the new dual-core A5 processor at Apple's big announcement at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters. It's just what we expected going into the event.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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Chip closeup

The processor promises to enhance battery life by efficiently dispatching tasks.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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iOS 5

The iOS 5 update rolls out to existing phones on October 12, and includes a long list of new features--including new messaging, over-the-air updates, and strong voice command tools--that bring the multidevice OS more in line with many other mobile platforms.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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Siri voice commands

Siri, Apple's new voice control app for the iPhone 4S, does deep voice integration, letting you search not just terms but entire questions. "Do I need an umbrella today?" you ask and the phone may answer, "Yes, it sure looks like rain."

The beta app will also compose text messages and replies, add reminders to you calendar, and send meeting invites.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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More you can do

Siri deeply integrates into the iPhone 4S' system, letting you access the phone, iPod, Messages app, calendar, reminders, maps (U.S. only), and e-mail app.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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Demo

During the event, Apple Senior Vice President of Apple Software Scott Forstall shows off a message he received from Senior VP of Product Phil Schiller.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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Plan a meeting

Forstall in turn demonstrated planning a meeting with Schiller using Siri and his voice.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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Converter

During the demo, Forstall also used voice search to define a word and convert currency. Both exercises pulled from Wolphram Alpha's database.

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Gaming prowess

The A5 processor promises to make gaming seven times faster than on the current iPhone 4.

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Camera

The iPhone 4 already had a great 5-megapixel camera, but the iPhone 4S promises a far richer experience with its 8-megapixel shooter and 1080p HD video.

Read our iPhone 4S first impressions.

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Close up

The camera also features a new sensor that lets in 73 percent more light, according to Apple. The company also claims that the iPhone 4S can take a single picture in 1.1 seconds.

Read our roundup for all iPhone 4S stories and our iPhone 4S first impressions.