Apple Unleashes iPhone 3G S at WWDC

By Nick Mokey Published June 8, 2009

Apple Unleashes iPhone 3G S at WWDC

Confirming long-standing rumors of a new iPhone for 2009, Apple officially released the iPhone 3GS at its Worldwide Developer’s Conference in San Francisco on Monday. The beefed-up iPhone will include a faster processor, better camera with video capabilities, and a handful of other updates, such as a software compass.

Despite an exterior that looks nearly identical to the existing iPhone, the 3G S has received a processor transplant inside, and up to 32GB of memory as well. Apple claims the faster processor will allow it to load Web pages and application up to two times faster in some cases, as well as enable better 3D graphics.

Recommended Videos

Besides leaping from 2.0 megapixels to 3.2, the camera will now include auto-focus, auto-exposure and auto-white-balance, which should help it better compensate for a range of shooting conditions. It will also shoot video now, to tune of VGA quality (640 x 480 pixels), and users can edit video directly in the phone, then upload directly to MobileMe or YouTube.

Apple has also addressed one of the other chief complaints from the last-gen phone: battery life. According to Apple’s own specs, the 3G S will get five hours of 3G talk time and 24 hours of music playback.

Users will also notice a new compass running on an internal magnetometer, tethering capability (though details from AT&T haven’t yet been released), support for the lossless A2DP Bluetooth format, and voice control.

The 32GB and 16GB iPhone 3G S will replace the existing iPhone 3G at the $299 and $199 price points, respectively, while a new 4GB version of the existing iPhone 3G will sell for $99. The iPhone 3G S will go on sale June 19.

Editor in Chief

As Digital Trends’ Editor in Chief, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team covering every gadget under the sun, along with…

Mobile

TCL is finally launching a phone in the U.S. with its unique Nxtpaper display

TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G display

If you’ve ever wanted a smartphone with a display that isn't uncomfortable to look at for extended periods, then good news! TCL has announced the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G at CES 2025, and while this is not the first Nxtpaper phone, it is the first one to launch in the U.S., which is a big deal.

For those who haven’t seen a Nxtpaper device, TCL’s innovative display technology blends advanced screen capabilities with digital health and comfort. Handsets like the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G have previously offered Nxtpaper tech on smartphones, but now this advanced display tech is coming to North America for the first time, allowing consumers in the U.S. to experience a display that protects their eyes from the harsh effects of blue light and glare during extended viewing periods.

Mobile

This new Belkin accessory transforms your iPhone into a digital camera

The Belkin Stage PowerGrip attached to an iPhone.

The iPhone has a powerful camera built-in, but what if you could turn it into a proper digital camera that can keep you snapping Ansel Adams-worthy pictures all day long? Belkin's newest accessory promises to do just that, and we really hope it works. The Stage Power Grip is a more ergonomically designed accessory that helps you take great shots while reducing shake, and it's just been announced at CES 2025.

Belkin hopes to release the Stage Power Grip sometime in May, but that date isn't set in stone (nor is the price). It functions as both a button to take pictures and a grip to help you keep a steady hand. It attaches to your iPhone via MagSafe and includes a 10,000mAh power bank, too. There's also a built-in USB-C cable for charging other devices (as well as your iPhone, if needed).

Mobile

Behind the scenes of a Royal Caribbean cruise as captured by the iPhone 16 Pro

Captain Tobias, the skipper aboard Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas in December 2024 (captured on the iPhone 16 Pro)

Have you ever been on a cruise? I recently went on my first cruise, and it was on one of the biggest ships you'll find. The Allure of the Seas — the second in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class and formerly the biggest cruise ship in the world — is effectively a floating town with a capacity for 5,400 passengers and 2,300 crew members.

The experience aside, the cruise also offered an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a Royal Caribbean ship. Considering the logistical operation required to ensure smooth sailing, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pas up.