Apple unveils the iPhone 4S

Apple has launched its latest iPhone – the iPhone 4S, a slimmed-down, faster version of last year’s iPhone 4.

The phone will go on sale on all five UK networks from 14 October, two days after Apple’s new iOS software – iOS 5 – becomes available.

New additions to the handset include a voice assistant function called Siri, which answers questions such as “what is the weather like today?” – responding in the real time with a synthesized voice.

Users will also be able to compose and dictate emails, and set timers using the Siri function. The iPhone 4S includes an A5 processing chip, the same as the iPad2, as well as improved call quality. The camera has also been improved, according to Apple.

Apple hopes its latest product will ensure it remains ahead of Samsung in the battle for the most worldwide smartphone sales. The two companies are expected to be neck-and-neck with Q3 figures.

Apple has also updated the iPod Touch and iPod nano, which will now be offered in watch form.

Read the full Guardian article here.