Finally, Apple has announced the launch of a next-gen version of the iPhone at its WWDC event - the iPhone 3G S - although Apple will still offer the iPhone 3G alongside the new model.

As with the upgrade from the iPhone to the iPhone 3G, Apple is focusing heavily on speed improvements, claiming the new hardware will be around twice as fast as the current model, as well as seeing a storage boost up to 32GB.

Announced by Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, the iPhone 3G S is basically the same phone but with a faster processor - and offers 7.2Mbps HSDPA, although it should be noted this will be where the coverage is available.

In addition, the new iPhone will offer an improved, although only slightly, 3-megapixel camera.

Calling it "the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet", as well as a boost in megapixel count, the phone's camera will offer autofocus abilities to be activated through tapping on the iPhone's screen.

In addition, video has been introduced with VGA-quality, 30fps capture, complete with audio as well as auto white balance and auto exposure functionality.

Borrowing from the iPod shuffle, the iPhone 3G S will offer voice control that will see users speak commands to the handset, such as making calls and playing iTunes tracks.

The new handset will launch in the States, as well as in the UK, on 19 June for $199 for the 16GB version and $299 for the 32GB version.