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Finally, we can put a rest to the rumors — Apple, by way of Phil Schiller has officially unveiled the next-gen iPhone which has been dubbed the iPhone 3GS. Apple is calling the iPhone 3GS “the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet.” To begin with, they have stated that it will be faster thanks to the 7.2Mbps HSDPA support.

Other new additions include a 3-megapixel camera with auto-focus. According to the coverage you will just need to tap focus, which sounds just like the leaks we have already seen. However, a little more important — the iPhone’s camera will also capture video. There will also be an API for developers which I am looking forward to seeing what comes from that. Maybe we can finally have an official (non-jailbroken) version of Qik.

Moving on from the camera, Apple also added voice control. This will allow you to do things such as make calls and control iTunes. You can even ask your iPhone what is playing and it will tell you. Overall, using voice control sounds simple, it is enabled by holding down the home button.

The iPhone 3GS will also have new accessibility features. These will allow you to read text, zoom in and even invert the black and white. Other features include support for Nike+ and a built-in digital compass app. Of course, there is also one that should make any current iPhone 3G user happy — improved battery life.

Finally, it seems it is also greener, not in color, but in the 23-percent less packaging.

As far as features, the new iPhone actually has quite a bit over the iPhone 3G and as you would expect even more so over the original iPhone. In other words it should be worth an upgrade for any current iPhone user.

To wrap things up, the pricing. The iPhone 3GS is going to retail for $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB) and it will remain in the same black and white colors as the current iPhone 3G. Additionally, the current iPhone 3G will stay on the market and be priced at $99.

The iPhone 3G price drop starts as of today, and the iPhone 3GS will be available on June 19.

[Apple via Engadget Live Blog]