Apple has replaced the iPhone 5 with the iPhone 5S and a low-cost 5C, while keeping the 4S as a base model.
Not totally unexpected, as it confirms images that were leaked ahead of the event today. The line-up now includes a range of brightly coloured low-cost 5C handsets, and a gold iPhone 5S.
The 5S has a new A7 chip with 64-bit processor that offers “desktop-class architecture”, which according to Apple, is the world’s first and only smartphone with a 64-bit chip. It also has an M7 coprocessor, which measures motion data from the gyroscope, accelerometer and compass. This means that you can use fitness apps without drawing power from the main processor.
It has a finger print reader, called “Touch ID”; LTE, and an improved camera. The new 8-megapixel camera has a 15% larger sensor; image stabilisation; has “true tone” flash with 2 LEDs (cool and white + warm and amber); a burst mode that shoots 10 frames per second; shoots 1080p video at 120 fps. The iPhone 5S will be available in black, white and gold. Cases will also be made available in various colours.
The cheaper plastic iPhone 5C comes in striking colours – green, white, blue, pink and yellow. It runs on an A6 processor (same as the iPhone 5), with a 4″ retina display, 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording at 30 fps, a 1.2-megapixel front camera with 720p video recording, and most surprisingly, with LTE capabilities and a better battery life. Apple claims you get 10 hours LTE browsing/talk time/video playback.
The 5C also has a range of Cases that you can mix and match.
Apple announced that iOS 7 will roll out worldwide on 18 September, to the iPhone 5 initially, and other iOS devices later. All iOS handsets will also get the iMovie, iPhoto and iWork (Pages, Keynotes and Numbers) apps free. Fore more technical info on the iPhones announced, check out the Apple website.
The iPhone 5S and 5C are expected to come to South Africa by December 2013.
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