iPhone 4S with CoPilot

When Apple announced the iPhone 4S last week, the instant reaction from many observers was one of disappointment both due to the rather low-key presentation and the lack of an all-new iPhone 5. In hindsight the muted atmosphere was completely understandable as we now know Steve Jobs sadly passed away a day later. We can assume that Apple’s senior management were somewhat preoccupied with greater concerns about Steve’s health.

However, the deflation that some felt about the iPhone 4S – or more specifically the lack of an iPhone 5 – has since been replaced by enthusiasm by many. According to Apple, pre-orders for the iPhone 4S exceeded 1 million on day 1, making it the fastest-selling iPhone ever.

The iPhone 4S hits the shops this Friday, and it’s clear that far from being a damp squib, it’s going to prove just as hot as any of the previous launches. Queues are already forming outside Apple stores across the globe – let’s hope the weather holds-up for the next few nights for those enthusiastic souls sleeping on the pavement.

Although on paper the iPhone 4S can be beaten on most counts, in reality it continues to set the highest standards for build quality, overall usability, music and accessibility to apps. It’s new camera can already be beaten by other phones in terms of megapixels, but that won’t prevent the 4S from becoming the world’s most widely used point and shoot picture-taker.

This sensational demand is the best possible tribute to Mr Jobs. While the gap to the competitors has narrowed substantially – we are excited about the forthcoming Android Ice Cream Sandwich – right now the iPhone remains the one to beat.