Expectations are high for Apple’s iPhone 4S, which is the fifth iteration in the game-changing series. First introduced in July 2007, the iPhone was upgraded to the 3G, the 3GS, and the iPhone 4. While many consumers were looking for the iPhone 5, the 4S is a pretty significant upgrade that keeps Apple competitive in the smart-phone wars.

What’s New?

The iPhone 4S is the same size and shape as the iPhone 4 (see the figure). There is no change in the excellent 3.5-in. high resolution screen, which is beginning to look small compared to the numerous 4-in. and larger screens that are common on many Android phones. The case is available in black and white. The external antenna band also seems the same, making me wonder if Apple really fixed that glaring antenna problem it had last year. Apple says it’s fixed, so we shouldn’t worry.

As for the new features, the iPhone 4S has an upgraded camera that boosts resolution to 8 Mpixels from the previous 5-Mpixel rating. The camera includes an improved sensitivity light sensor as well as a better lens. Camera response also has been accelerated considerably, making it possible to snap pictures faster. The video capture has been upgraded to 1080p HD.

Another important upgrade is the processor. The iPhone 4S has the new A5 processor, which is also in Apple’s iPad2. This dual-core processor with a 1-GHz clock speeds up virtually all operations. Samsung, Apple’s arch enemy and recent lawsuit target, makes the processor.

An intriguing new feature is the voice command system. The 4S now incorporates voice recognition so you can give it spoken commands to initiate operations or access information. Called Siri, Apple landed this technology in its recent acquisition of the company of the same name. Several Android smart phones already have this feature. I am not sure how useful it really is, but many consumers think it’s cool.

One of the best new features of this phone is its dual-radio technology. It incorporates both GSM/HSPA and cdma2000/EV-DO, making the 4S operable on AT&T’s network and on Sprint’s and Verizon’s CDMA networks. That makes the 4S a “world” phone, a feature that many have wanted for years. This means that 4S is the same device for any network, boosting overall volume and probably profitability.

Also, the 4S features the new iOS5. It can sync with other devices and now provides for cloud access of Apple’s iCloud service, where you can store and access your data, videos, music, and whatever. It will certainly be interesting to see how that works out.

The iPhone 4S comes in the usual standard memory configurations: 16 Gbytes ($199), 32 Gbytes ($299), and 32 Gbytes ($399). The iPhone 4 will still be available for $99 and the 3GS will be available for free with a two-year contract. It’s an excellent set of choices.

You can get the 4S from AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint—yes, Sprint. Always the underdog of the four major carriers, Sprint committed to a multi-year deal to carry the iPhone. It’s a real financial gamble, but it should work out given the popularity of the iPhone as well as Sprint’s lower-cost data plans. That leaves out T-Mobile, but it carries the very competitive Android-based Samsung Galaxy S II, which is just as good as if not better than the 4S.

What’s Missing?

Some consumers were expecting several major features that the iPhone 4S doesn’t have. First, the phone isn’t compatible with Long-Term Evolution (LTE). While the big carriers like Verizon and AT&T are rolling out LTE, Apple decided to wait. In the meantime, subscribers are enjoying the extra speed and link reliability from the likes of Verizon with its LTE network and the Thuderbolt phone, as well as others.

Second, there is no support for near field communications (NFC), the technology used in mobile payments. Some new smart phones now include it. NFC isn’t new, but it has taken many years for vendors, banks, credit card companies, and other institutions to adopt it and agree on the payment systems and back-end software. We’re on the threshold of seeing NFC happen. Some say that next year is the year of NFC and mobile payment adoption.

Anyway, we know what to look for in the next version, presumably the real iPhone 5. In a year or so from now, LTE and NFC will be more widespread. Maybe then we’ll get the 4-in. screen too.

Many people question Apple’s ability to sustain its seemingly endless stream of successful products. The iPhone is now a mature product with a growing front of competition. Without Steve Jobs, can the streak of success continue?

Even some financial analysts are saying that Apple stock has peaked and it’s time to sell. That’s an investment decision for you, but for now, Apple is still the consumer gorilla in the room and will be for some time.

Now I have to decide whether to upgrade from my iPhone 3GS to the new 4S or wait for the iPhone5.

Apple
www.apple.com