Core fans disappointed as latest Apple iPhone found wanting

APPLE’S latest iPhone has left punters wishing for more than a souped-up version of last year’s device, at a time when rival smartphone makers are nipping at its heels.

The iPhone 4S is identical in form to the previous model, disappointing fans who had hoped for a thinner, bigger-screened design. But analysts say the device, revealed by chief executive Tim Cook, sported new features, such as voice commands, to draw in consumers and is still going to be a big draw for Christmas.

It remains to be seen whether the iPhone 4S can stem market share gains by phones running Google’s Android software.

Samsung Electronics, notably, is growing global shipments several times faster than Apple and is estimated to be within a hair’s breadth of catching up in worldwide market share.

The iPhone 4S’s voice commands — for sending messages, searching for stock prices and other applications — caught the attention of several analysts who argued it could profoundly change the user experience.

Known as Siri, the technology exists on Android but experts say Apple’s integration was more fluid — a hallmark of the company. Whether such hi-tech wizardry is enough to make the iPhone 4S a must-have remains to be seen.

“It’s not clear that Siri is sufficient to make or break a purchase decision,” said John Jackson, an analyst at CCS Insight. “History tells us users don’t use this technology in great numbers.”

While the iPhone 4S sports many of the features leaked in tech blogs before Tuesday, it lacked the “wow” factor that some were hoping for to sustain the popularity of the brand.

In some ways, Apple may have been a victim of past success. Product launches by Steve Jobs, now chairman, had been some of the hottest events on the tech calendar. Tuesday’s iPhone event took place at Apple Central and lacked the oomph and pizzazz of Apple events in years past.

Despite disappointment online, analysts said the phone is superior to many rival offerings.

“Voice recognition has been on Google and Blackberry devices for years, but Apple will make it much more usable,” said Morgan Keegan analyst Tavis McCourt.

Meanwhile, Samsung is taking legal action in France and Italy seeking to block the sale of the latest iPhone.

Samsung plans to file preliminary injunctions asking that courts block the iPhone 4S from being sold in the countries, alleging patent infringement of wireless telecommunications technology. The South Korean company said it plans similar moves in other countries.

Apple declined to comment.

The companies have been at odds since April, when Apple took legal action claiming Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablet computers copy the iPhone and iPad. Samsung has responded by taking Apple to court over what it alleges are violations of its patents.