WWDC 2009: Apple reveals new iPhone 3GS specs

Rumours about the new iPhone model have been bouncing around pretty much since the day after the last iPhone hardware update, but Apple has finally put the chit-chat to rest a few moments ago at the conclusion of its keynote speech at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. Tracy and Jon are in attendance, and sent over the details of the third generation iPhone, or the iPhone 3GS, as it's been dubbed.

The first thing Apple were keen to point out was the improved speed of the hardware. Launching messaging will be 2.1 times faster, SimCity will load 2.4 times faster, and viewing an Excel document will be 3.6 times faster. On top of this, running SunSpider JavaScript will take just 15 second on the iPhone 3GS, compared to 43 seconds on the 3G.

It also boasts HSDPA internet connectivity, allowing up to 7.2Mbps, and as expected, the camera has been boosted to a three-megapixel CCD with autofocus, auto-exposure and a macro function allowing photos to be taken from as close as 10cm.

It’ll also capture video, which only jailbroken handsets have currently enjoyed, at 30fps VGA with audio. An API will also provide developers with access to all these functions within their applications. Video editing is included, and you’ll be able to send your stored videos either through the new MMS function of 3.0, or directly to YouTube or MobileMe.

Voice control is another popular feature that’s been noticeable by its absence on the iPhone, though holding down the Home button on the 3GS will now enable you to initiate a call, control your music playback and ask your iPhone what’s currently playing or to play similar music to what’s already running.

Some of these features sound a bit like they could be tied more to the 3.0 software than a hardware update, but we'll have to wait until June 17th to be sure.

The digital compass was another function that featured heavily in the prolific rumours, which has been confirmed along with a compass application. Nike+ has also been added to the new electronic guts of the iPhone 3GS (as it was in the iPod touch 2G, you might remember (though you probably haven’t used it)).

One upgrade iPhone users have been crying out for is an improved battery life, and although Apple took the opportunity to fib a little bit about the current 3G’s battery usage, the 3GS gets a couple of extra hours on top of the current model across the usage board.

The 3GS will be available in black and white versions as before, with the 16GB model weighing in at $199, and the 32GB model (yep, double the memory confirmed) at $299. But what’s really exciting is the confirmation of the $99 iPhone rumour. Apparently, from today, the 8GB 3G iPhone will drop to $99.

The iPhone 3GS will be available two days after the 3.0 software roll out on June 19th.

Oh, and there’s no forward facing camera or video calling. Nuts.