Apple Announces iPhone 5s

As expected, Apple took the stage at their special event earlier today and unveiled the next iteration of the iPhone, the iPhone 5s. Unveiling new smartphones has become a yearly process for the popular purveyor of tech's hottest devices, and we didn't expect them to stop there.

For that matter, the unveiling of the iPhone 5s went down as close to expectations as mobile enthusiasts hoped. Apple announced that the iPhone 5s would ship in three different colors — space grey, gold, and silver — and would include some exciting new features, many of which had been rumored for quite some time.

As far as the phone's general design, nothing much has changed. The iPhone 5s still sports the new sleeker look of last year's iPhone 5, including the lightning port, new audio jack location, and taller screen.

Where the phone differs from the predecessor is in its hardware. The smartphone includes a new 64-bit A7 chip, an M7 motion co-processor for more accurate motion data via the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass, and the coolest of the new features, a fingerprint sensor Apple is calling 'Touch ID.' The iPhone 5s also has a slightly better camera with a 15% wider active area, an LED flash, a new burst picture-taking mode, and the ability to record slow-motion video

Touch ID uses a sensor built into the home button and the surrounding steel ring for scanning the owner's fingerprints, or presumably anyone else registered to the phone. Simply press your finger to the home button, and the iPhone 5s, as well as iOS 7, will be able to verify your identity. Apple will be using this tech for App Store and iTunes purchases, and for unlocking the phone.

While pre-order info for the iPhone 5s is not yet available, Apple did announce that the smartphone will go on sale September 20th for $199 (16GB), $299 (32GB), and $399 (64GB).

Iphone 5c Discount Option

But wait, there's more. In addition to the announcement of the iPhone 5s, Apple also unveiled a new colored iPhone model called the iPhone 5c. These discount iPhone models will come in an assortment of colors (blue, yellow, pink, green, and white) and will retail for $99 (16GB) and $199 (32GB).

Although many mobile enthusiasts might not think much of the iPhone 5c, the device does feature an A6 processor, an 8-megapixel camera, and Apple's patented Retina display. The only major difference in this model is the phone body, which is made of a hard-coated polycarbonate.

Yes, it's a cheaper version of the iPhone (in several senses of the word), but it's also the perfect device for the Holiday season. Now parents can get their kids an iPhone without having to pay upwards of $200. This particular model also makes the iPhone a more attractive alternative to the 3DS or the Vita, which are more expensive as handhelds and for games.

Are you interested in either the iPhone 5s or the iPhone 5c? What are you hopes for next year's iteration of the iPhone?