Need to Know: iPhone 4
We have all been waiting for the latest version of Apple’s flagship smartphone to be unveiled and last night saw Steve Jobs unveil it to the world. We take a look at all you need to know about the latest device.


So what was launched last night?
Steve Jobs took to the stage at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco and unveiled the next generation of Apple's smartphone device, the iPhone 4.
Thrilling name. So what are the new features?
Jobs claimed this version was "the biggest leap since the original iPhone."
Headline features of the device include a five megapixel camera up from 3.2 in the last one including a flash and 5x digital zoom, and a front facing camera for video conferencing.
On the inside, the smartphone has been given a new, more powerful Apple A4 processor and microSIM, as well as a much improved battery life, according to Jobs' claims. The casing also includes an antenna inside for better reception.
Extra features continue with the addition of HD recording and a gyroscope. Finally the device will be 24 per cent slimmer than the last incarnation.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
How did these features compare to the rumours?
In general the rumour mill was proved right. The camera, both front and back, processor and increased battery life had all been predicted although much of this came from a leaked prototype rather than guesswork.
However, there were a couple of added extras. The casing with the antennae was quite a surprise, as was the release of iMovie for just $4.99 in the App Store. But the biggest shock was how soon the release date was, as we all thought we would have to wait around for ages.
Don't leave us in suspense, when will it be available?
The iPhone 4 is set to be launched on UK shores on 24 June.
Even in the UK?
Yes! Jobs pledged last night that the release date would be the same internationally as it was in the US. Those getting the device on 24 June aside from the UK and US are France, Germany and Japan. Other countries will follow suit in July, with the iPhone 4 being available in 88 countries worldwide by September.
Will it be exclusive to one network this time?
No. Although O2 always had the exclusive before, many other operators have got on the Apple bandwagon and as a result will also be offering the latest version of the device.
So far confirmed we have O2, Vodafone and Orange, with Carphone Warehouse providing the phone on contracts for all three.
But what will it cost?
This is where the information is lacking right now.
O2's UK chief executive (CEO), Ronan Dunne, has confirmed the company will be offering a "limited time special upgrade offer" for customers who already have the iPhone on the O2 network, but pricing has yet to be revealed.
Again with Vodafone and Orange, the only details we have are they will carry the device, but no tariffs have been specified as yet.
Will the iPhone 4 be better for business users though?
The iPhone has increasingly become more of a business phone, with the usual email and web capabilities, but also with increasing numbers of apps hitting the market aimed at the business user on the road.
We think the main draw, from the business aspect, is the front facing camera, as video conferencing when you are on the go could be great for those meetings you can't get to.
Also the improved battery life if it proves to be true will be great for those using battery draining business apps.
However, the camera and processor improvements will probably be of more benefit to consumers.
That said, the real draw for business users will be the arrival of iPhone OS 4, which will bring with it lots of enterprise-friendly features including better data encryption, mobile device management, support for Exchange Server 2010, multi-tasking capabilities and the ability to create and manage folders like you do on the desktop. This will be available as an update to iPhone 3GS users from 21 June.
Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.
Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.
-
M&S suspends online sales as 'cyber incident' continues
News Marks & Spencer (M&S) has informed customers that all online and app sales have been suspended as the high street retailer battles a ‘cyber incident’.
By Ross Kelly
-
Manners cost nothing, unless you’re using ChatGPT
Opinion Polite users are costing OpenAI millions of dollars each year – but Ps and Qs are a small dent in what ChatGPT could cost the planet
By Ross Kelly
-
macOS Mojave release date and specs: Mojave 'still full of security holes' despite promises of tougher protections
News ‘Explosion’ of dialogue boxes undermines user privacy, and zero-day flaw could allow an attacker to bypass permissions entirely
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet
-
watchOS 5 release date and specs: WatchOS 5 will roll out 17 September
News Apple confirms the release date for the new software alongside Apple Watch 4 launch
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet
-
WWDC 2018: Nine things you might have missed from Apple's annual developer conference
News The most interesting WWDC announcements, from 'digital health' on iOS 12 to Dark Mode on macOS Mojave
By Thomas McMullan
-
Apple TV and tvOS news, rumours, specs, features: Apple announces 4K HDR Apple TV
Rumours The new devices was launched at the launch of the new iPhone
By Adam Shepherd
-
iOS 10 release date, features and rumours: iOS 10 users no longer allowed to upgrade or downgrade to iOS 10.3.2
News The move will hopefully encourage iDevice users to migrate to iOS 10.3.3 instead
By Clare Hopping
-
macOS Sierra UK release date, price, features: Night Shift mode returns with macOS Sierra 10.12.4 beta 8
Rumours The tech will reduce blue light from your screen at night time
By Jane McCallion
-
Swift Playgrounds: Everything you need to know
In-depth Apple wants to help get kids coding with a new, free iPad app. We run down the details...
By Adam Shepherd
-
WWDC 2015 live: OS X El Capitan, iOS 9, watchOS 2 and more
News A UK Apple Pay launch date, OS X 10.11 El Capitan, iOS 9 and watchOS 2 all confirmed
By Jane McCallion