Apple this week updated its iPhone lineup with new models that the company calls 3G S. The two new phones feature similar design with the previous generations of iPhones, but add missed capabilities, performance and battery life. The iPhone 3G S models will hardly become a new revolution, but will allow certain users to obtain better experience with the device. In addition, Apple lowered the price for the iPhone 3G.

“iPhone 3G S 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.

Apple iPhone 3G S is very similar to the 3G model and features almost the same 3.5” touch-screen with 480x320 resolution, which now comes with special covering that should mask fingerprints. The main differences compared to the existing models is 600MHz ARM Cortex A8 microprocessor that enables higher performance of applications, PowerVR SGX graphics core that provide better performance of graphics as well as 256MB of random access memory (vs. 128MB of earlier models). Besides, Apple promises longer battery life for the new iPhone 3G S as compared to predecessors.

Less important differences are 3.0MP camera with autofocus and macro shooting support, a new built-in digital compass for instant navigation, voice control support and some other improvements. The iPhone 3G S also includes support for quad-band GSM, EDGE, UMTS, 7.2Mb/s HSDPA, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 wireless technologies. Traditionally, the 3G S model sports audio and video playback capabilities, assisted GPS function and so on.

Apple iPhone 3G S will be available in the US on June 19 for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16GB model and just $299 for the new 32GB model in both Apple and AT&T’s retail and online stores, Best Buy and Wal-Mart stores. iPhone 3G S requires a new two year contract with AT&T for qualifying customers.

A lot of new features of the iPhone 3G S are enabled by iPhone 3.0 software platform, which will be available for owners of existing iPhones as well. iPhone OS 3.0 software will be available on June 17 as a free software update via iTunes 8.2 or later for all iPhone customers.

Beginning June 8, iPhone 3G will be available for $99 for the 8GB model provided that a user signs a contract with AT&T in the U.S.

“With a breakthrough price of $99, we are thrilled to get iPhone 3G into the hands of even more users who want them,” said Mr. Schiller.

Tags: Apple, iPhone, Cortex