The iPhone 3G S has arrived in Canada, available in black or white and in 16 or 32 GB capacities for $199 and $299, respectively. Starting today, it is available online, as well as through Rogers/Fido stores, and Apple store locations.

The new iteration of the popular Apple device incorporates several upgrades, like a faster processor, video recording capability, 3 MP digital camera with built-in autofocus, and voice control for voice dialing or initiating the play of a song.

While the phone will sell via contract, just as the original iPhone 3G has been sold, it will also be available on its own for a higher price: $699 for the 16 GB version and $799 for the 32 GB model. Additionally, Rogers will be offering owners of the first-generation iPhone 3G an early upgrade price for the new device that the carrier claims affords savings of up to 71%. Any customer who has owned a 3G iPhone for at least six months (legitimately, of course!), will save $250 off the no-term price if they extend their current plan for another year. This means that the 16 GB version, for example, can be purchased for $450 on effectively a one-year contract. 

Customers who currently have an iPhone on the Fido network will also be able to utilize FidoDollars toward an upgrade to the new device. They will be credited toward the no-contract price of the device. Up until July 31, Fido will also offer upgrading customers a $100 FidoDollars Bonus. Fido customers who don't currently own an iPhone can also redeem FidoDollars toward the purchase of the new model (no-term price, of course) by subscribing to a data plan. 

The 8GB iPhone 3G will also sell on its own for $599.

As an alternative, those who prefer to pick up the iPhone 3G and download the latest 3.0 software can do so for the newly-lowered pricing of $99 (8 GB) or $149 (16 GB). The 3.0 software, which offers a multitude of upgrades like MMS, the ability to cut, copy, and paste text, universal search, and a landscape keyboard view for all applications, has been available as a free download since June 17.

When it comes to plans, as we were one of the first to report, Rogers will be bringing back its $30/month for 6 GB of data plan option until July 31, and only for iPhone owners. While it's not unlimited, 6 GB is more data than most will come close to using within a 30-day period; with the exception of heavy video or large file downloaders or streamers.

If you're considering a new phone purchase or upgrade, read our blog entry for an in-depth comparison of the two devices in order to find out if the 3G S is really worth the upgrade for you.

Anxious customers lined up for hours, in the pairing rain, to be one of the first to snag an iPhone 3G when it became available last summer. Will we see the same reaction with the availability of the new iPhone 3G S? Probably not, but a similar level of anticipation is still there for the newest iteration of the widely popular device.

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