It marks a change of strategy for Apple which had not launched two distinct types of handset at the same time before.
We can't say we're really surprised: according to market research company Gfk, smartphones are getting increasing popular in Asia, with Android now being the region's most popular OS for this type of handsets.
If you shop for a phone by first picking the type of handset, that also often determines the carrier.
Smart-phones are not just another type of handset, but fully-fledged computers, which come loaded with software and double as digital cameras and portable entertainment centres.
For consumers, being able to take their iPhone or any other type of handset with them when they switch carriers could make it easier to take advantage of lower rates once an initial contract is fulfilled.
You make sure that they get the right type of handset.
"Motorola is leading the market with the introduction of this type of handset, and they have shipped more than any other manufacturer," says Todd Koffman, analyst at Raymond James.
Advertising publishers will be looking for new ways to target certain populations with ads that aren't only specific in content, but also specific to the type of handset the ad is being sent.
Though the drop-off in the market for mobile-phone handsets has hammered the bottom lines of Motorola and its chief rivals, Nokia of Finland and Ericsson of Sweden, Motorola has an impressive lead on a new type of handset that could spur renewed buying interest next year.
