Apple will start selling the iPhone 3GS, a new version of its iPhone, on June 19 and slash the retail price of its least expensive iPhone 3G model, which came out last year, in half.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company said the new iPhone 3GS will come with a faster processor, longer battery life, an internal compass, voice control features and an improved 3.0-megapixel auto-focus camera with video recording capabilities.
It will also run Apple's new iPhone OS 3.0 software and have the ability to cut, copy and paste text, and "tether" to connect a computer to the Internet. However, AT&T, the exclusive U.S. carrier of the iPhone, said it will disable tethering.
The new operating software, available for download June 17, lets software developers sell additional content, like electronic books or extra levels to a video game, within applications.
"The iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet and we think people will love the incredible new features including autofocus camera, video recording and the freedom of voice control," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of WorldWide Product Marketing.
The iPhone 3GS will hit AT&T stores on June 19 costing $199 for a 16GB version and $299 for a 32GB version.
The 8GB iPhone 3G, which came out last year, now costs $99, instead of $199.
