Apple's iPhone4 launches June 24 with its running slogan "This changes everything." Again, it has much hype to live up to. According to Apple, the new iPhone4 is the thinnest smartphone ever produced, 34 percent thinner than its predecessor.
With millions sold to date, some wonder if the new changes will be enough to urge consumers to cast aside their older versions and spring for the new one. Apple seems to think so.
"This is more evolutionary than revolutionary," said Steve Jobs, co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple.
Apple boasts features on its new device such as a high resolution retina screen and the new Facetime video calling feature, as well as improved battery life and an upgraded five-megapixel camera.
"The VideoChat feature on the new iPhone4 is the coolest feature Apple has added and is the main reason I will buy the new version," said Ardell Halston, a senior political science major.
According the Apple website, you can tap a button and wave hello to your kids or watch your friends laugh at your jokes across the planet.
"The extended battery life will also be a great perk," Halston said.
On June 15, Apple began taking pre-orders for the latest version 11 days before its official release, hoping to continue its record high quarterly sales.
With more than 200,000 applications compatible with the previous model, the sky seems to be the limit with how many may be developed for the newest version to accompany the old ones.
"I think the main reason why most people will buy the new version will because of how much smaller they are making it," Halston said.
Unfortunately, Halston and his fellow iPhone enthusiasts will not be able to purchase the new iPhone4 on campus.
"By terms of our agreement with Apple as a campus Apple retailer, we are not able to sell the iPhone4 in our store," said Randall Barrows, employee of the campus Apple store located in the Auburn University bookstore.
Another breakthrough announced by Apple is that the new version is more durable and scratch resistant than ever before. The two glossy panels of aluminosilicate glass are said to be chemically strengthened to be 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic. For all the environment friendly advocates, it's also recyclable.
The iPhone4 price is set at $199 for the 16GB and $299 for the 32GB. The older version's price will be reduced to $99. All prices are contingent upon a 24-month agreement with AT&T.
For those not looking to renew their contract, higher prices may discourage the new purchase.
The closest retailer of the new phone will be the AT&T store located on 1710 Opelika Road in Opelika.
With cutting edge technological advances in almost every facet of the device ranging from camera features to battery life and new applications, Apple seems to have indeed changed everything. Again.
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