Apple drops price of least expensive iPhone to $99

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc is dropping the retail price of the least expensive iPhone to $99 from $199 and introducing new models.

Apple executives said Monday at an annual conference for software developers that the newer iPhones will include some sought-after features such as a video camera, a compass and an auto-focus function on photos. A 16-gigabyte version will cost $199 and a 32-gigabyte model will be $299. They go on sale June 19.

Apple also cut prices on MacBook Pro laptops.

Despite anticipation that he might make a cameo, Apple CEO Steve Jobs did not take the stage at the event.