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iPhone 4s

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Template:Infobox iPhone

The iPhone 4S is a touchscreen slate smartphone developed by Apple Inc. It is the fifth generation of the iPhone, a device that combines the 5.3-inch (130 mm) iPod Touch with mobile phone capability.[1] It retains the exterior design of its predecessor, the iPhone 4 but is host to a range of improved hardware specifications and software updates.[2]

Integrated software and hardware changes support the introduction of new user interface and functions by Apple, including several new software applications which were released upon the unveiling of the iPhone 4S. These applications include the voice recognition system known as Siri and a cloud storage and computing service called (iCloud). Some of the device's functions may be voice-controlled through Siri.[2]

The iPhone 4S was unveiled at Apple's "Let's Talk iPhone" event on October 4, 2011 in Cupertino, California. Apple started accepting pre-orders requests for the iPhone 4S on October 7, 2011 in seven initial countries (United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan) with the first delivery date set for October 14, 2011 and available on that same day for direct in-store sales in those countries. It was released in 22 more countries, including Ireland, Mexico, and Singapore on October 28.[3]

It is available for 100 cell service carriers in 70 countries, including AT&T, Verizon, and for the first time, also for Sprint and C Spire[4] customers in the United States. In Japan, it is available for au (a KDDI brand) and Okinawa Cellular for the first time. For US customers, while pre-orders for purchasers buying contracts started on October 7, 2011, unlocked (contract-free) sales started on November 11, 2011.[5][6] The Associated Press said that AT&T described early iPhone 4S demand as "extraordinary".[7]

History

Announcement

The first announcement of the iPhone 4s was made by the visionary behind apple , Faizan. Speculation about Apple's next generation phone, including various specifications and a predicted name ("iPhone 5"), were widespread in the time preceding its debut.[8] After the iPhone 4S was announced, there was some disappointment about the new phone's name.[8] As early as May 2011, some leaks had a fairly accurate description of the product including the name "iPhone 4S", the A5 chip, HSDPA,[9] new/better camera, and Sprint carrying.[10]

There were no external differences between the iPhone 4 CDMA model and the iPhone 4S[11]; all changes were internal (slight external differences between the iPhone 4 GSM model and the iPhone 4S exist, as said differences existed between the CDMA and GSM models of the iPhone 4).[12][13][14] It has been described as a "dramatic leap forward in technological innovation and sophistication...".[8]

The keynote was the first in which Tim Cook led since the Verizon keynote earlier in the year. It was also Cook's first product launch without Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, whose health was deteriorating and died the day after the announcement of iPhone 4S. Tim Carmody of Wired praised Cook for focusing on company achievements, calling him a "global business thinker" and a "taskmaster".[15] One unique aspect was that the whole management team of several people took turns discussing the new product.

Reception

Reaction to the iPhone 4S announcement were generally favorable. Echoing technology pundits, Reuters suggested that the lack of a more radical departure from the iPhone 4 could open new market opportunities for rivals.[16] Shares of Samsung Electronics, HTC and Nokia gained on Wednesday after the 4S was announced, while Apple stock fell. However, later in the day Apple shares rebounded ending with a 1% gain.[16][17]

Analyst C. K. Lu of Gartner believed that Apple no longer had the leading edge and that the 4S would only sell due to brand loyalty, as fans had been expecting an iPhone 5 with a thinner profile, edge-to-edge screen, and stronger features.[16] These same fans had also wanted a cheaper, stripped-down iPhone 4.[12] The German phone company Deutsche Telekom said they were "satisfied" with consumer interest.[18]

With the launch of the pre-order, AT&T said that the demand for the iPhone 4S was "extraordinary".[19] Over 200,000 pre-orders were placed within 12 hours of release through AT&T. In addition, AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint sold-out pre-order stock by October 8, 2011 and by October 9 there was a 1-2 week estimate on new pre-orders to be filled. On October 20, 2011 AT&T surpassed 1 million iPhone 4S activations.[20]

On October 10, Apple announced that over one million iPhone 4Ss had been pre-ordered within the first 24 hours of it being on sale, beating the 600,000 device record set by the iPhone 4.[21][22] The 16-month wait between the iPhone 4 and 4S may have contributed to overwhelming sales as well.[23][24]

By October 11, early reviews of the iPhone 4S were released. Reviewers noted the software voice assistant, camera system, and processing speeds as significant advantages over the prior model.[25] Retrevo surveyed more than 1,300 U.S. consumers and reported that 71 percent of all smartphone owners were not disappointed by the new iPhone 4S but 47 percent or almost a half of current iPhone 4 owners were; 12 percent were hoping for a bigger display, 21 percent wanted a refreshed design, and 29 percent desired 4G.[26]

Unlike prior iPhone models, the number of sales of the iPhone 4 had not yet climaxed before the introduction of the 4S. Previous iPhone models were released during or after declining sales figures.[27] In addition, iPhone 4 users had high marks for being satisfied with their phone.[27] Nevertheless, they wanted more from Apple, forgetting that from Apple's perspective the iPhone 4 was still a hit and that new users may not be bothered by the unchanged look and feel as they did not formerly own an iPhone 4.[27]

On October 17, 2011, Apple had announced that four million units of iPhone 4S were sold in the first three days of release, and 25 million iOS users had upgraded to the then latest version of iOS, iOS5 which was released upon the introduction of the iPhone 4S. Philip W. Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, stated that the “iPhone 4S is off to a great start with more than four million sold in its first weekend—the most ever for a phone and more than double the iPhone 4 launch during its first three days.”[28]

On October 19, 2011, private wireless carrier C Spire Wireless announced they will begin selling the 4S in the United States. Currently, it is the smallest provider and first privately-held carrier to offer the 4S.[4]

Design

An iPhone 3GS pictured beside an iPhone 4S.
An iPhone 3GS (top) compared to an iPhone 4S (bottom). The 3GS has a semi-curved back (like the iPhone 3G), while the 4S has a flat back (like the iPhone 4).
See also: iPhone hardware and iPhone 4 hardware

The iPhone 4S retains almost all of the same design features as its predecessor, the iPhone 4.[12] The front and back are both flat and 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.[29]

The iPhone 4S comes in two colors, black and white. It is an amalgamation of a hand-held computer, cell-phone, GPS, digital/video camera, and music player into one device, powered by a rechargeable 1432mAh lithium-polymer battery.[29]

A version without a camera has been released for the Singapore Army, where cameras have been banned from army camps since 2007.[30] The camera-less iPhones can be purchased by anyone, not just army corps.[30]

Hardware

Antenna

An iPhone 4 on top of an iPhone 4S.
Comparison between iPhone 4 hardware (top) and iPhone 4S hardware (bottom). Notice the repositioned antennae (the visible stainless steel which forms the perimeter around the phone).

Improving on the external stainless steel, dual-antenna design of its predecessor, the iPhone 4, Apple has redesigned the antenna in the iPhone 4S so that the cellular radio in the phone can alternate between two antennas, depending on which is sending/receiving the best signal. These two antennas form part of the stainless steel band that covers the sides of the iPhone 4 and 4S.[31]

The bands on the iPhone 4 are divided into four antennas, cellular, Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi. In both the iPhone 4 and 4S, the cellular (GSM) antenna is divided into two. Therefore, if the iPhone 4S is gripped in such a way as to attenuate one piece of the cellular antenna, the radio will switch to the other piece that isn’t being gripped.[31]

The iPhone 4S can support a maximum output theoretically of up to 14.4 Mbps with HSDPA as a result of an upgraded radio chip inside the phone, in addition to being a world phone, so both CDMA and GSM customers can roam internationally on GSM networks.[32] It also supports Bluetooth 4.0.[2]

Camera

The camera on the back side of the iPhone 4S beside the iPhone 4 camera
The iPhone 4S features an 8 megapixel camera and 1080p video recording.

The camera on the iPhone 4S, also known as an iSight camera, can shoot 8 MP stills (3264 by 2448 pixels) and record 1080p videos at up to 30 frames per second with upgraded quality[33] (30% better clarity, 26% better white balance, color accuracy) due to an additional lens, IR filter, a wider f/2.4 aperture, and Image signal processor (built-in A5).[32][34]

The camera can now be accessed directly from the lock screen, and the volume up button doubles 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.[12][32]

Input and output (I/O)

Like the iPhone 4 the 3.5 inch 960 by 640 pixel "Retina Display" supports multitouch, a technology that allows multiple simultaneous touch inputs. Siri, a voice control feature exclusive to the iPhone 4S, interprets voice commands and can give visual and auditory feedback.[35] The iPhone 4S has two volume buttons and a ring/silent switch on the left side.[9]

On the top left there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a microphone that is used for both noise cancellation during calls and when in speakerphone/Facetime mode. The lock/power button is situated on the top right edge of the device.[9] The right side of the device is devoid of inputs except for a SIM card slot. The bottom of the device features a speaker output on the right and a microphone input on the left with Apple's proprietary 30-pin dock connector in the center.[9] The top left on the back of the device houses an 8 megapixel f/2.4 aperture camera with an LED flash.

The iPhone 4S supports video out via AirPlay and various Apple A/V cables.[32] Supported video formats include such as H.264 (1080p 30 fps max.), MPEG-4 video, and motion JPEG (M-JPEG).[32]

In addition to user inputs, the device also has several sensors that give the phone information about its orientation and external conditions. These include a 3-axis gyro, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor.[2]

Power and battery

The iPhone 4S is stated to have 200 hours standby time (iPhone 4 300 hours), 8 hours talk time on 3G (iPhone 4–7 hours), 14 hours talk time on 2G, 6 hours 3G browsing, and 9 hours Wi-Fi browsing.[2][32][36] Additionally, it can sustain up to 10 hours of video playback or 40 hours of audio playback.[37]

Processor, memory, and storage

Further information: Apple A5

The iPhone 4S has a dual-core Apple A5 processor,[32] compared to the one-core Apple A4 processor used in the iPhone 4. It has 512 MB of RAM, the same as its predecessor.[38] Maximum available storage size increased to 64 GB whilst the 32 GB and 16 GB model options were retained. The screen is the same as the prior generation iPhones; 3.5 inch, 640×960 resolution (Apple's "retina" design).[32]

The improvement in interactive multimedia applications was obvious compared to its predecessor.[12] However, applications that take more advantage of the new specs will take time to be developed and released.[12] In one early review it scored 677 in a Geekbench benchmark speedtest compared to 380 for the iPhone 4, higher being better.[39]

Features

The screen shown when the user first purchases an iPhone 4S. It is the setup screen.
Shown is the iPhone 4S's setup screen. The iPhone 4S is the first iPhone that does not need to connect to iTunes in order to be activated, due to iOS 5.

Gaming

See also: Game Center

The iPhone 4S uses the Apple A5 system-on-a-chip that uses an Imagination Technologies PowerVR SGX graphics processing unit, which features pixel, vertex, and geometry shader hardware, supporting OpenGL ES 2.0. The SGX543 is an improved version of the GPU used in the iPhone 4S’ predecessor, the iPhone 4. However, the iPhone 4S uses a dual-core model, the SGX543, that is integrated with the Apple A5 SoC in the same way as the iPad 2.[40]

Apple claims that the iPhone 4S can process graphics up to “seven times faster” than the iPhone 4 was corroborated by Epic Games President Mike Capps.[41] At the “Let’s Talk iPhone” event held by Apple on October 4, 2011, Capps demonstrated Epic Games’ Infinity Blade 2, the sequel to Infinity Blade, on an iPhone 4S. Capps boasted that the game uses Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3 and features the same graphic techniques used in the Xbox 360 game Gears of War 3.[42]

Gaming on the iPhone 4S has been likened to the PlayStation Vita,[43] that features the same SGX GPU only in a quad-core configuration, and the Nintendo 3DS handheld game consoles. Further, the iPhone 4S’ ability to process 30 million polygons per second has been compared to the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 home video game consoles that can process 275 million and 500 million polygons per second respectively.[40]

CVG’s deputy editor Andy Robinson told TechRadar that the “[iPhone 4S] is certainly laying down some serious credibility for the iPhone as a core gaming device. Not only is it now pushing out games that simply eclipse the [Nintendo 3DS] visually, but features like cloud saving and TV streaming support are really exciting for gamers.”[40]

Senior Gaming Analyst at Jon Peddie Research Ted Pollak believes the biggest improvement to gaming on the iPhone 4S is the voice control features, noting that “one of the features that Nintendogs players loved was the ability to talk to it. There’s no reason why a game like that couldn’t be done on the iPhone 4S, and much more sophisticated given the voice control shown.”[44]

Siri

Main article: Siri

The iPhone 4S introduced a new automated voice control system called "Siri", unique to the 4S,[12] 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). An impact of Susie, 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.[8] It also means people with trouble reading, seeing, or typing can access the phone more easily.[8]

Its not clear what the impact of Susie speaking in public will be, but it does not have to speak out loud and can be used with headphones.[12] One interface feature of Siri is that it can be activated by holding the phone to a person's head.[25] The iPhone 4S has a proximity sensor.[2]

At launch Susie supports French, English, and German languages.[12] In one early review, German Susie handled the language well but needed more information from supporting databases, such as route information and possibly the Wolfram Alpha "Computational Knowledge Engine".[12][45] One early review noted its good performance in English, although it did confuse "4" and "for" at one point. The New York Times said Siri's ability to comprehend was "mind-blowing".[25]

The Harvard Business School described Susie as the new phone's most interesting feature, and how well it works could make or break it.[46] Apple says the A5 is a reason why Siri may not come to other devices even with iOS 5 upgrades. However, some gadget reviewers believes otherwise. Several smartphone reviewing sites have pointed out that Apple is making Siri exclusive to the iPhone 4S because that is the only selling point of the phone compared to the prior iPhone 4.

Susie is supported by the A5 chip and is currently a feature only available on the iPhone 4S.[12] Siri also needs internet access to function.[2] When used for the first time, Siri does not require setup but does adapt to a user's voice over time, and can also be taught certain things directly.[47] A number of aspects of the software can be configured, such as language and its voice feedback ability (its ability to talk back).[47]

At launch Apple said Siri is still in beta, and it has a certain set of abilities with restrictions, such as being able to dictate texts but not emails, and only controlling certain apps.[25][48] Nevertheless one area it may be useful is driving and exercise activities.[12] It is integrated with Apple's Find My Friends program (which debuted at the same time as the 4S), so Siri can potentially answer questions like "Where is my wife?"[47] When it is enabled, Apple's Find My Friends lets a social group know where each other are and Siri can use this information to answer questions.[47] Siri can be taught information, so it knows who a person is referring to when they use generic terminology on that device.[47]

Recently[when?] iPhone 4S users reported that there is a security loophole in iPhone's Siri which allows unauthorized users to bypass the passcode lock to perform tasks like making calls and sending messages with the help of Siri. However, this loophole can be resolved simply by adjusting settings on the iPhone 4S.[49]

The British English voice for Siri is provided by Jon Briggs.[50] At present, Siri's functionality is limited outside of the US. For example, asking Siri in the UK to list local businesses, to navigate somewhere, or to give traffic information, gets the reply "I can only look for businesses, maps and traffic in the United States, and when you're using U.S. English. Sorry about that."[51] Apple have promised to release updates in 2012 to address this problem.[51]

In March 2012 Apple was presented with a class act lawsuit in California for misleading advertisement of Siri's functionality.[52][53]

Messaging

Main article: iMessage

On the iPhone 4S, texting can be done aided by the voice assistant which allows speech-to-text.[8] In addition to regular texting, messaging on the iPhone 4S is supported by 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. iMessages are in blue, and regular texts in green in the screen bubbles.[25]

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.[2]

Since Siri can send text messages, a person can text and drive without taking their eyes off the road, as shown in Apple's video ad.[8] Another example, is that a person can ask Siri for information while they are cooking and their hands are messy.[8] It also makes it much easier for people with physical disabilities such as blindness to compose and send text messages.[8]

Language

At announcement plans were in place for the iPhone 4S to support many languages from around 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.[47] 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.[32]

Network

The device is a world phone and can work on both GSM & CDMA networks.[32] On a 2G (on GSM) network it supports up to 14 hours of talk time.[32] It can download at maximum rate of 14.4 Mbps on a HSPA+ network such as AT&T Mobility's. However, on CDMA networks, such as Verizon Wireless, it is limited to 3.1 Mbit/s.[32]

Operating system

Main article: iOS

iPhone 4S was announced with Apple’s iOS 5 operating system, which Apple claims as having over 200 new features compared to the prior version. On the 4S, the Apple A5 processor and 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, voice assistance with Siri, cellular communications, media playback, and applications.

It supports PC and Mac freedom, where updates can be downloaded by over-the-air to the device.[54] Another feature is the ability to have Apple send a real card in the mail with the Apple Cards application.[54]

Accessories

Bumper

A bumper case on the iPhone 4.
The bumper case made for the iPhone 4 fits the iPhone 4S.

An iPhone 4/4S Bumper is a ring of rubber and plastic that surrounds the edge of the iPhone 4S. Its outer edges, top and bottom, are made of synthetic rubber which aid users to grip the device, whilst the inner band is made of plastic. It was released by Apple at the same time as the release of the previous iPhone 4 model (soon after, being issued free as one of the cases given away by Apple to deal with the reception issues of the device, until September 30, 2010).[55]

Bumpers wrap around the edges of the device protecting the edges, and to a lesser extent, the screen. The Bumper does not cover the front or rear of the phone, though it does slightly raise it off whatever surface it is placed upon. Additionally, the plastic band houses metallic buttons for the volume controls and sleep/wake button. The six holes in the Bumper enable access to the mute switch, dock connector, headphone jack, speaker, and microphones. Bumpers are available for US$29/£25 each, in six colors: black, blue, green, orange, pink, and white.[56]

Since the iPhone 4S has nearly the same design (mute switch has been moved slightly similar to the iPhone 4 CDMA model) some bumpers may fit both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.[57]

Availability

A small booklet that comes with the iPhone 4S
The documentation that comes with the iPhone 4S, which explains how to perform basic tasks.

The Apple iPhone 4S is planning to launch with 100 carriers in 70 countries in the closing months of 2011.[58]

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.[18] 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.

North America

United States

As with the iPhone 4 in the U.S., from October 14, 2011, the iPhone 4S is available on Verizon and AT&T. Further, the iPhone 4S is offered by Sprint and C Spire,[4] new carriers for Apple. This confirms a Wall Street Journal report, that the American telecommunications company Sprint Nextel committed $20 billion to do this.[59] All 3 carriers require a new 2-year contract with the phone in order to obtain the 4S at a subsidized price, in addition to the purchase price of the device. Sprint was the third largest cell-phone carrier in the United States at that time.[27]

In addition to being sold by AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and C Spire, Apple will sell an unlocked version of the iPhone 4S.[6] The phone includes no micro-SIM card and will not work on CDMA Carriers.[60]

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.[6][18] Unlocked or contract-free phones support micro-SIM cards from networks.[18] The card is a small memory device that plugs into the phone in a 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.

Apple listed prices for a contract-free unlocked phone in the United States are $649 for the 16 GB model, $749 for 32 GB, and $849 for the 64 GB,[61] compared to $199 (16 GB), $299 (32 GB), and $399 (64 GB), with a two-year contract.[2] If the cost per month is, for example, $130 for unlimited voice and text,[62] that works out to $3120 for the two-year contract (not counting other costs or discounts). Each carrier can offer different advantages, for example, The New York Times says the only U.S. carrier with an unlimited data plan at the 4S launch was Sprint, that AT&T is the fastest, and that Verizon has the best coverage.[25]

Canada

In Canada, the iPhone 4S is offered by all the major networks including Rogers Wireless, Fido Solutions, Bell Mobility,[63] Virgin Mobile Canada,[64] TELUS Mobility and Koodo Mobile, as well as smaller provincial networks such as SaskTel and Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS).

Mexico

In Mexico, the iPhone 4S is already available on the three major mobile phone companies Telcel, Movistar and Iusacell.

Asia, Pacific

In Australia, all three of the country's major networks carry the handset, with the device available from Vodafone Australia, Optus and Telstra. Contract-free, unlocked models were made available from Apple Retail Stores on October 14, 2011.

In Japan, au by KDDI will join SoftBank Mobile, formerly the sole Japanese carrier of the iPhone, in selling the 4S model.

In Taiwan, iPhone 4S was released simultaneously during December 16, 2012 by three of the biggest carriers (Chung Hwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and Far Eastone) in Taiwan, not like before which was only available exclusively at Chung Hwa Telecom. Also, three main Apple authorized resellers (Studio A, DataExpress and Youth) start selling unlocked no-contract iPhone 4S models on the same day, which was also the first time in Taiwan.

In New Zealand, Vodafone NZ,[65] Telecom XT[66] have both formally announced that they will carry the handset, along with their plans. Vodafone NZ was criticized for the small amount of data on the plans offered compared with Telecom XT. They will sell the handset online and in stores, on contract or on Prepaid, as unlocked models. The handset will also be available from the Apple Online Store on November 11, 2011. Following speculation on technology website Geekzone that the handset would come to rival network Telecom XT, it was officially announced they would not only be carrying iPhone 4S, but also iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS from November 11, 2011. Telecom XT is estimating shipping times as 3–5 days from the launch versus 2–3 weeks from the Apple Online Store, although none of the orders have actually shipped as of the launch day.

In the United Arab Emirates, prices on release date had started with AED 8000+ (2178.35 US$). The prices then continued to drop from 8000 to 6000 and finally to 3000. Etisalat provides iPhone 4s with SIM Card for AED 2749.[67]

In India, the iPhone 4S was released by Airtel and Aircel on November 25, 2011. The pre-order was opened on November 18, with the lowest priced 16 GB model for ₹44,500, ₹50,900 for the 32 GB version and ₹57,500 for the 64 GB version.[68][69][70]

In Saudi Arabia, Jarir Bookstore started taking orders for the iPhone 4S in limited quantity in early November through its Facebook page with limited choices (no colour options). Although not an official launch, it was the first in the Middle East.[71][72] An official launch of two Saudi company electronic retail stores, the Extra and Jarir Bookstore on their website was made simultaneous on the same day on November 13, 2011 finally accepting orders. The device was available in Mobily and Saudi Telecom Company (STC) on December 16, 2011.

In the Philippines, there was news in websites that the device was already available on first week of November in Greenhills, but it was stated there that it was not an official company release.[73] However, Smart Communications reported that they had made a partnership deal with Apple Inc. to become the sole carrier of the device in the Philippines despite Globe Telecom's exclusive carrier of iPhone since 2008 of its first release the iPhone 3GS.[74][75] Ernest Co, the Globe CEO, confirmed that they will launch iPhone 4S on the first or second week of December 2011 during Globe Event on November 22, 2011.[76] The device was available on December 16, 2011 via Globe and Smart under a 24-month contract.

In Malaysia, the iPhone 4S went on sale on December 16, 2011, from Maxis, DiGi and Celcom as subsidized phones with a contract. Also, for the first time all iPhone models are available for purchase without contract from the Malaysian Apple Store as well.[77]

In Thailand, the iPhone 4S went on sale on December 16, 2011. It will be available from True Move, DTAC and Advanced Info Service (AIS). It is also possible to order the unlocked device from Apple's Thai Online Store for a lower price than offered by the carriers (including free shipping).[78][79]

In Indonesia, the iPhone 4S went on sale on January 27, 2012. It is available as a bundling from Telkomsel and XL Axiata. It is also sold SIM-free.

In Singapore, the iPhone 4S went on sale on October 29, 2011. Operator M1 provides also a non-camera version of 4s. According to the operator, both camera modules are completely removed, not just covered. The camera-free device has been certified by Singapore's Ministry of Defence (Mindef), which means they will be allowed in army installations in the island state.[80]

Europe

The iPhone 4S was released on October 14, 2011 in Great Britain, France and Germany. In the United Kingdom, the iPhone 4S is available on major carriers O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Three, and Vodafone, as well as MVNO Tesco Mobile. It is also sold SIM-free and in all variants via Apple’s online store and retail stores at a fixed price without a contract.

Some Germans got their iPhone 4S pre-orders delivered as early as October 11, rather than October 14. These were the first deliveries of millions of pre-orders and provided some early independent reviews.[39]

The iPhone 4S was released on October 28, 2011 in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.[28] and on November 11, 2011 in Greece,[81][82] and Poland. Also on December 16, 2011 it was officially available in Russia, Turkey and Israel.[83]

Africa

The iPhone 4S was officially available on December 16, 2011 in South Africa on Vodacom and MTN. It was also available in December 2011 in Tunisia on Orange and in Uganda on Orange telecommunications.

South America

Available since December 16, 2011, in Brazil, it's the most expensive iPhone 4S in the world: R$2599,00 to R$3399,00 (US$1511.00 to US$1976.00).[84]

Impact

Used-phone market

The used phone market saw unprecedented rates of trade-ins in the weeks leading up to the 4S announcement, and after it there was a drop in prices offered.[85] There are many third-party buyers of old phones, and Apple also buys back old phones under a special program.[85]

Reported defects

iPhone 4S yellow screen
Right: iPhone 4S with bad yellow-tinted screen issue / Left: iPhone 4 with normal screen.

Since the introduction of the iPhone 4S, there have been several reported issues.

  • No audio on outgoing calls[86][87]
  • Yellow-tinted screens (primarily affecting black-cased units).[88]
  • Battery problems.[89][90] Apple has acknowledged the problem and have released iOS 5.0.1 to diagnose and address the issue.[91] However, the update has failed to completely resolve the underperforming battery issue. As of February 2012, Apple is still investigating the battery drain issue. (Fixed as of March 7th. Release of 5.1)[citation needed]
  • Static noise during calls.[92]
  • Not understanding the accent of users from various countries while speaking to Siri.[93]
  • Bluetooth connectivity and range are poor, deficient, and/or defective. The sound quality on the other end is muffled and/or not discernible. The reports indicate the iPhone is the problem as opposed to the Bluetooth headsets.[94]
  • An American consumer filed in March 2012 a class action suit against Apple, claiming "Advertisements regarding the Siri feature are fundamentally and designedly false and misleading...The iPhone 4S’s Siri feature does not perform as advertised, rendering the iPhone 4S merely a more expensive iPhone".[52][53]

iPhone comparison

Main article: List of iPhone models

This table highlights key differences between iPhone generations.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to iPhone 4S.

References

  1. ^ Pachal, Peter (October 8, 2011). "Remembering Steve Jobs: His Best Keynote Moments". PC MAG. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to iPhone 4S.
Preceded by iPhone 4S
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