iPhone 4S Preorders Begin: How to Get Yours

The iPhone 4S is now available for preorder on the Apple Web site.

Apple began accepting preorders on Friday, and at the moment, it is promising to deliver the iPhone 4S on its official release date, Oct. 14. It did not say when the deadline is for customers to order the phone if they want it delivered that day.

The iPhone 4S is available in black or white and costs $199 for a 16GB model, $299 for 32GB and $399 for 64GB with a two-year contract. The prices are higher without a contract, and also for people who want to upgrade from their iPhone 4 but aren't far enough into their contracts yet.

The new phone was introduced at a special event on Tuesday, disappointing many fans who were expecting Apple CEO Tim Cook to announce an iPhone 5. It looks the same as the iPhone 4 but has a lot of new features, including a more powerful processor, a redesigned antenna for better call quality, longer battery life and an upgraded, high-definition camera.

Buyers can choose from an AT&T, Sprint or Verizon plan.

Apple is in a transition period since Cook took the reins from former CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs in September, and it is also mourning Jobs' death on Wednesday from pancreatic cancer.

Some people have questioned whether Apple can continue its dominance of the tech industry in the post-Jobs era, and how successful the iPhone 4S is could be the first indicator.