Apple unveils new iPhone at conference

Apple Inc. unveiled a new iPhone at its annual San Francisco conference Monday, but kept mum about a possible appearance by its top executive.

As promised, Apple displayed a near-completed version of its Snow Leopard computer operating system, which it said took 45 percent less time to download and would cost $29, about $100 less than the previous version.

But Apple devoted Monday afternoon to its new phone, the iPhone 3GS, which will go on sale June 19, sooner than analysts had predicted, The New York Times reported Monday.

Apple said it would be cost $199 for the 16 gigabyte version and $299 for a 32 gigabyte model. It includes an upgraded camera and new voice-activated features that allow a user to dial phone number or play music with spoken commands.

In addition, a built-in compass gives greater accuracy to the phone's locating system, the Times said.

Some have speculated Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs could make an appearance. Jobs has been on an extended sick leave and Apple said he would return to work at the end of June.

Apple, however, did not mention Jobs in its presentations, leaving the speculation about an appearance open for another day.

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