iOS 5 to be released October 12th

The iOS 5 update will be available starting next Wednesday, October 12th for iOS users. It will be a free update, compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, the original iPad, iPad 2 and the third and fourth-generation iPod touch.

The update brings over 200 new features to iOS users. A few of the major features in iOS 5 include Notifications, iMessage, Reminders, Newsstand, Twitter integration, Multitasking gestures for iPad users and AirPlay Mirroring for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S users.

The new iPhone 4S will go on sale shortly after the release of iOS 5. Apple announced today that they will begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 4S starting this Friday, October 7th and they will ship starting on October 14th.

Black and white versions will be available for the iPhone 4S with the prices starting at $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB and $399 for 64GB (with a 2 year contract).