Apple has unveiled the latest update to its iPhone platform, the iPhone 3GS, at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2009.

Application loading and performance will be significantly faster, reports FingerGaming. For example, EA’s SimCity loads 2.4 times faster on the new device than on iPhone 3G, while text messages launch 2.1 times faster.

3GS will offer "updated 3D graphics," while the implementation of the OpenGL ES 2.0 standard will boost gaming performance, said Apple.

Other new features include an improved three megapixel camera boasting autoexposure, autofocus and video capture, voice-controlled phone number dialing and music playback, and improved battery life.

16GB and 32GB versions of the iPhone 3GS will debut in North America on June 19 for $199 and $299 respectively, and in “more than 80 countries in the coming weeks.” The price of the 8GB iPhone 3G has been reduced to $99 as of today.

Additionally, PocketGamer reports that Apple announced a June 17 launch for its 3.0 software for all iPhone and iPod Touch models.

The software will introduce the option for developers to include in-game microtransactions that operate on the same profit share as all iPhone applications, with Apple taking a 30 percent cut and developers the remaining 70 percent. Free applications won't be able to use the microtransaction system.

Picture courtesy of Apple.