It won't be an iPhone 5, but Apple has unveiled its next phone, and new CEO Tim Cook promises it's way faster, has a much better camera and does a number of things its predecessor can't.

Among the highlights from today's announcement:

• The iPhone 4S runs Apple's A5 dual-core processor. It's twice as fast as the iPhone 4 and has dual-core graphics, making it seven times as fast for gaming.

• The camera is upgraded to 8 megapixels for increased quality, with a vastly improved native camera app including filters to create effects like Instagram.

• Video camera will shoot 1080p video.

• New wireless software allows content sync without having to plug into a computer

• One of the most talked about features is new voice recognition software called Siri. Apple execs say it takes search into the realm of artificial intelligence.

According to Ed Baig at USA Today, you can ask "What is the weather like today?" "Will it rain in Cupertino?" "Do I need an umbrella today?" The device will figure out what you need and deliver info."

Baig reports Siri is also integrated in other ways, like with Clock. Ask "What time is it in Paris?", and it recognizes the words and comes back with a live clock.

"Wake me up tomorrow at 6 a.m.," and Siri sets a 6AM alarm. "How is the NASDAQ doing today?", and you get stock info.

• Prices for the iPhone 4S are as follows: $199 for 16 GB $299 for 32 GB $399 for 64 GB. The original iPhone 4 with 8 GB will remain available for $99. And the iPhone 3GS will be offered for free with a two-year contract.

• Pre-orders for the 4S start Oct. 7, delivery on the 14th.

• Apple announced it will also be available on Sprint along with Verizon and AT&T.

It's been 18 months since the iPhone 4 was announced. And GeekWire'sTodd Bishop tells 97.3 KIRO FM's Seattle's Morning News Apple is just teasing its core fans if it can't deliver an iPhone 5 soon.

"Apple's strength is hardware and if they can't come out with an actual iPhone 5, something that truly is the kind of thing that you want to go out and get because it's different than the iPhone 4 that you have today, they are going to be in trouble," Bishop says.

Apple Inc. made the announcement at its first major product event in years without Steve Jobs presiding. Cook is leading the show after Jobs, who has been battling health problems, resigned from the post in August.

Cook, wearing a navy blue button-down shirt and jeans, opened by calling his nearly 14-year tenure at Apple "the privilege of a lifetime." Those in the audience clapped as he entered, but the reaction seemed more muted than what Jobs had recently received.

Apple also touted the popularity of its products and unveiled a new line of iPods, including a Nano model with a multi-touch display that promises to be easier to navigate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter

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