Today, as expected, Apple announced the iPhone 5s as its flagship smartphone for the next year or so. The iPhone 5s will be available on September 20th, 2013 for both online order and in-store purchase. Prices are $199, $299, and $399 for 16gb, 32gb, and 64gb versions respectively (based on upgrade eligibility). The phone is available in gold, silver (white), and gray (black).
Apple has made a number of improvements that will improve performance for business owners and consumers. The phone has a new processor, the A7 chip, which is estimated at twice the speed of the A6 chip found in the iPhone 5. The A7 is the first 64-bit cpu for a smartphone. For the first time Apple has placed a sidekick processor in the iPhone, the M7, which will handle all motion tracking functions. In addition, the iPhone 5s features what Apple calls "Touch ID", a fingerprint sensor built-in to the home button. This will allow users to do away with passcode lock as well as eliminating the need to enter a password for iTunes purchases. This also leaves open the possibility for Apple to allow developers to use this as an authentication option for their apps in the future. Apple has made improvements in the camera which includes a 15% larger sensor and a 33% increase in light sensitivity. The video camera has also been improved with slow motion video and improved video stabilization.
Apple also announced the release of iOS7 on September 18th, 2013. The radical design changes have changed how easy it is to use an iPhone, while keeping it familiar for those of us who has been using iOS since inception back in 2007. Every native app has been redesigned and feels natural to use.