Clarifying iPhone-Related Terminology
Many people who are not technologically savvy get confused by the high-tech terminology related to the iPhone and its features. Here's what you need to know.
The iPhone 3Gs is the oldest iPhone model available at the time of writing. It offers some (but not all) of the same functionality as the newer iPhone models, but runs a bit slower and only has one built-in camera. The iPhone 4 was released in June 2010. It offers some pretty significant improvements over the iPhone 3Gs model, including front- and rear-facing cameras, a better screen, and extended battery life. The iPhone 4S is the newest and most advanced iPhone yet. It was released in October 2011.
All of the iPhone models run using Apple's iOS operating system. Also in October 2011, Apple introduced a major upgrade to the iOS, referred to as iOS 5. This upgrade is available for free if you have an iPhone 3Gs or iPhone 4, and it comes preinstalled on the iPhone 4S. iOS 5 replaced iOS 4.x as the latest version of the iOS operating system.
Currently, all of the iPhone models can communicate with the Internet using a 3G wireless data network provided by a wireless service provider, such as AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, or Sprint PCS. (The term 3G refers to the speed of the wireless data network.) All iPhone models can also utilize a Wi-Fi Internet connection via a Wi-Fi hotspot or home wireless network, for example.