Apple reveals new iPhone features

Apple has unveiled a raft of new features for the iPhone and the iPod Touch, which finally includes the ability to cut, copy and paste.

The "major update" features 100 new functions which many other smartphones already offer.

Among the additions to the iPhone's operating system software is copying and pasting text, picture messaging and an in-phone search feature, but not Flash video.

Other features highlighted by Apple include a voice memo and stereo Bluetooth. A new search tool called Spotlight will let you search files and applications on the iPhone or iPod Touch.

"Apple wants to start reminding consumers of what is coming down the line and what they might expect from the iPhone," said Michael Gartenberg, an analyst with the research firm Interpret.

The upgrade, the third for the iPhone, will be available from the summer and is free to all iPhone users.

Users who want to download the iPhone OS 3.0 software onto their iPod Touch will have to pay a fee of $9.95 (£6.80).

Apple claims there have been more then 800 million downloads from its App Store, which features 25,000 paid-for and free applications.

www.apple.com/iphone