Official documentation
Apple Launches iPhone 4S, iOS 5 & iCloud
Apple, Apple Newsroom, 2011
Read the originalRead on October 19, 2026
- What it is
- Apple's October 4, 2011 press release announcing the iPhone 4S, iOS 5 and iCloud. It introduces Siri on the iPhone 4S as an intelligent assistant and gives the beta languages and the on-sale date.
- How much weight it carries
- Primary source for the launch date and for the Siri announcement. Marketing language, and it describes Siri as a beta. It does not mention dictation, so it does not show how or when dictation arrived on the iPhone 4S.
Facts taken from this source
- Apple announced on October 4, 2011 that the iPhone 4S introduces Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. Siri was offered in beta.
“iPhone 4S also introduces Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking.” (Press release dated October 4, 2011)