Another year, another iPhone. Next up to drive early adopters furious is the newly announced iPhone 3G S, which opens applications faster, goes easier on the battery, packs a sharper camera, records video, includes voice control and adds a compass that points to the inevitable reality that Apple will announce a fourth iPhone next year.

The third rendition of Apple’s “it” device, which the company revealed Monday at the WWDC Keynote, comes out June 19. A 16GB model will cost $399 ($199 if you’re eligible for a subsidized upgrade with an AT&T contract extension) and the 32GB 3G S will be $499 ($299 with an upgrade). Plus an $18 upgrade fee. Good news for holdouts who don’t need the freshest iPhones in their pockets: the suddenly obsolete iPhone 3G has dipped to $99 with a subsidized upgrade.

Unfortunately for Verizon customers, Apple said nothing at the press conference about breaking the AT&T exclusivity shackle that remains in place until next year.

Apple’s speedier, feature-rich new iPhone 3GS [Consumer Reports]
iPhone 3G S First Take [CNET]