Because of the lack of “wow” factor, at least one analyst doesn't expect the debut to attract the round-the-block queues emblematic of an Apple launch, but to be a slow burn to the typical financial success.
One of the many rumors circulating in the lead-up to yesterday's announcement was that Apple was planning to announce the iPhone 5 and an updated iPhone 4 simultaneously, so it's still possible an iPhone 5 with LTE support is in the works.
Apple also confirmed the widespread rumors that Japan's KDDI had negotiated to offer the iPhone 4S on its CDMA market, putting an end to rival Softbank's market exclusivity.
The move is expected to shake up Japan's mobile market, which has typically been dominated by proprietary local handsets.
The iPhone 4S will launch in the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, Germany and the UK on October 14, and in 22 more countries including Singapore by the end of the month. It retail starting at $199 for the 16GB model.