For many Apple fans, the arrival of the new iPhone 5 was supposed to have been made in the early summer of 2011. However, the Japan earthquake in March put a dent on the production of critical parts. Nevertheless everyone expected Apples’ October 4^th announcements to include the debut of the much-awaited model.

Well, today is October 4^th and Apple did make an announcement. But there was no iPhone 5. Instead Apple unveiled an improved version of the current model called the iPhone 4 S.

On the outside the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S look the same. The differences are on the inside. And what are the newest features:

• Voice activated personal assistant service called SIRI.
• An improved camera with a higher resolution sensor.
• A faster processor, which is great for gamers.
• World Phone – The Verizon and AT&T models come locked but can be used outside the USA with on other networks. However, they need to be unlocked for use with SIM cards from other networks instead of paying high roaming fees.
• New mobile software iOS 5 with improved wireless sync capability.

Overall reaction was been mixed, and of course Wall Street speculators were hit the hardest with Apple’s stock price loosing more than 5 percent before making a comeback to a negative 1 percent later in the trading day. This might pose a problem for those who have recently acquired Apple stock, but not so much for those who bought into the stock before 2007. The price has quadrupled since then. It was in that same year the Apple first introduced the first iPhone.

Given the high expectations, and the fact that Steve Jobs is no longer CEO, the burden and the weight has clearly shifted onto Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook’s shoulders. Tim Cook is no Steve Jobs.

The new iOS 5 mobile software will also be made available for old iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 models as well as for the iPad on October 12^th.

On the same day the Apple iCloud service will also be launched. This new service will provide an external storage source for content such as documents, photos, videos, music and applications. So even if you own more than one Apple device such as an iPod, an iMac, a MacBook Pro, an iPad or an iPhone you will be able to access all your content provided you have an internet connection of some sort.

The new Apple iPhone 4S will be available on October 14^th in the United States on both the AT&T and Verizon wireless networks. It will also be available for the first time on the Sprint Nextel network.

Pricing will remain the same with the new iPhone 4S available on a two-year contract for $199 (16GB), $299 (32GB), and $399 (64GB).

In this crowded and competitive smartphone market, the delay on the iPhone 5 is sure to give Apple biggest competitors such as HTC, Samsung, Motorola and Blackberry a little bit of breathing space. However, speculation still has it on Apple unveiling this possible 4G model early in 2012. UnlockWorldwide.com will keep you informed of any new developments. In the meantime legions of new Apple followers are sure to buy into the new features offered by the new iPhone 4 S.