MoneyWatch

Apple iPhone 5: Top features

By Jason McCormick

September 12, 2012 / 5:07 PM EDT / CBS News

Apple unveils iPhone 5 — Justin Sullivan/Getty Images (image), Jason Henry McCormick/CBS (text)

Apple (AAPL) on Wednesday raised the curtain on its latest smartphone, the iPhone 5. Faster, thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the new model is expected to go on sale Sept. 21.

Apple iPhone 5 - Camera

Apple's newest smartphone features an updated version of its iSight camera. The revamped camera comes equipped with an 8-megapixel sensor and 3,264 x 2,448 resolution.

Apple iPhone 5 - iOS 6

The iPhone 5 uses iOS 6, Apple's new operating system for mobile devices. The platform includes more than 200 new features and is also available for download for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Thanks to iOS 6, the iPhone 5 has an enhanced Siri, the phone's voice-directed interface; new mapping program; and upgraded Facebook plugin.

Apple iPhone 5 - Design

Although the new model is 18 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter than the iPhone 4S, the metal-backed iPhone 5 has a taller screen than its predecessor. The 4-inch "retina" display on the iPhone 5 includes 326 pixels per inch, according to CNET. With a total pixel count of 1,136x640 and an aspect ratio of 16:9, the screen provides space for a fifth row of icons.

Apple iPhone 5 - Integration

Apple's new-gen iPhone is integrated with a number of third-party services, including applications provided by Facebook, OpenTable and Yelp. Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, allows iPhone 5 users to connect with Facebook and share information on the social network effortlessly. Apple is reportedly working with automakers to allow hands-free use of Siri.

The new iPhone 5 is displayed on Sep. 12 during a special event hosted by Apple at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

Jason McCormick

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