iPhone 6s: 9 Features On Our Wishlist
Apple is predicted to add an iPhone to its smartphone lineup on September 9. Here's the latest from the ever-churning rumor mill.
![](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt69509c9116440be8/blt7930c73981df5294/64cb4e338511fad9386dd38d/iPhoneiStock.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
With the debut of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus almost one year behind us, it's time for a new Apple smartphone: the iPhone 6s.
If history repeats itself (as it has for the past few years), Apple will unveil a new iPhone in September 2015 (most likely September 9). The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus debuted in September in 2014, and the iPhone 5s and 5c in September 2013.
With September a couple of weeks away, Apple fans and industry watchers are eagerly spreading rumors about the specs and features behind the next generation of iPhones. Popular opinion holds the new device will be called the iPhone 6s, though some have guessed Apple will release the iPhone 7.
[ What's in store for Apple's latest mobile OS? Read iOS 9 Beta: WiFi Assist, App Redesigns]
The 6s seems like a more likely candidate, given most of the anticipated upgrades will be under the hood. Chances are, Apple will reserve the iPhone 7 name for a model with a different form factor or other major changes.
Even if the new iPhone packs mostly minor upgrades, it's unlikely Apple will suffer. The tech giant commands 92% of profits in the smartphone market, even though it only holds 20% of market share.
While it's likely the new iPhone will steal the spotlight during Apple's September event, it's not the only new product Apple is expected to release. Sources close to Apple's plans have claimed the successor to Apple TV will make an appearance, according to Buzzfeed News.
It doesn't look like Apple will release its subscription TV service at its September event, as content deals are still in the works.
In terms of the next iPhone, new details are surfacing every day. We rounded up the latest batch of rumors, so read on to learn more about what's predicted to arrive in Apple's latest smartphone.
We first saw Apple's Force Touch technology in the newest Macbook lineup and the Apple Watch, and it looks like the feature will be included in the next wave of iPhones as well.
Force Touch technology can distinguish a light tap from a deep press, a feature made possible by the inclusion of a sensor that can recognize extra pressure. The ability to recognize differences in pressure could transform how iPhone users interact with their devices.
As iPhone users know, current devices let you tap, hold down, pinch, zoom and swipe to interact with the screen. Force Touch will let you tap then push down to unlock more features. There's a lot of potential for developers with Force Touch, and we're curious to see how Apple lets them use it to create new apps or enhance existing ones.
The above image depicts Force Touch technology as used in the trackpad of the new Macbook. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on MacRumors, the Force Touch for iPhone hardware will be different and "use capacitive technology and thin FPC material to save space."
It's predicted Apple will make slight (if any) changes to the overall design in the upcoming iPhone 6s. Rumors suggest the updated device(s) will get very minor enhancements to thicken the casing in an effort to prevent the Bendgate scenario that plagued the two most recent iPhone 6 models upon their release.
The anticipated Force Touch feature will reportedly make updated devices a tiny bit thicker. Don't worry about upgrading to a bulkier device. 9to5Mac reported any difference in thickness will be too small to notice. Newsweek predicted an upgrade from 1.14mm to 1.90mm. The new iPhones are expected to look almost identical to their predecessors. Additionally, the iPhone 6s could be getting a material upgrade to the 7000-series aluminum used in Apple Watch, making the chassis 60% stronger than its predecessor.
The iPhone 6 lineup may go beyond the current gold, space gray, and silver color offerings, reported Gizmodo.
The launch of a pink or rose gold iPhone isn't too far out of left field, given Apple has already released a rose gold Apple Watch Edition model. The Watch ranges in price from $10,000 to $12,000. Naturally, we're expecting to see an aluminum iPhone with pinkish-gold coloring, as opposed to a solid rose-gold iPhone, much to the dismay of Apple Watch Edition owners hoping for a matching smartphone.
Rumor has it the next iPhone will get a 12-megapixel camera with the ability to record 4K video, and a dual-lens for optical zoom. The two-lens camera system may enable DLSR quality photos, putting Apple's iPhone camera ahead of those from smartphone competitors LG and Samsung, according to Apple blog The Michael Report.
A source familiar with iPhone development plans reported to AppleInsider the upcoming iPhones will pack 2GB of RAM. Every device released since the iPhone 5 in 2012 has included one gigabyte of RAM, so the upgrade to 2GB would be a break from the iPhone lineup. It would also reflect Apple's efforts to enhance the iPhone with features from the iPad Air 2, which was upgraded to 2 GB RAM last year.
It also seems likely the next iPhone will include an A9 chipset manufactured by Samsung, as reported by Bloomberg. The new processor will have 35% more power efficiency, give 20% more performance, and take up 15% less space than its predecessor.
Keeping with the theme of putting iPad features in the iPhone, some reports suggested Apple's next smartphone could also receive Apple SIM cards. These cards, which were recently included in the iPad, enable users to bounce among participating mobile networks in order to provide users with optimal service.
Apple recently quelled rumors suggesting its plans to become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, lessening the chance we'll see the Apple SIM in the next wave of iPhones. However, the company also filed a patent for an MVNO service and extended a patent in 2011, so this is something to keep on your Apple radar for later this year and going into 2016.
We may also see a boost to the iPhone's Touch ID capabilities on September 9, as indicated by a February 2015 Apple patent published by the US Patent and Trademark Office. This could mean Apple is looking to broaden Touch ID capabilities to the entire screen display, or solely improve the accuracy of Touch ID on the Home button.
The beta version of Apple's new iOS 9 rolled out shortly after the kickoff keynote at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Over the last few months, developers have been testing the mobile OS to shape it in time for its public rollout. We'll probably see the new iPhone make its way to consumers around the same time iOS 9 rolls out to the public.
The WWDC keynote delivered details on the many new features coming in iOS 9, which will be available for all devices supporting iOS 8. Those who download can expect greater speed, longer battery life, and updates to myriad apps, including Proactive Search, News, Maps/Transit, Notes, Apple Pay, and Multitasking.
If Apple adheres to its usual iPhone release schedule, we'll get a first look at the new iPhone during the second week of September (most reports are saying September 9) and the company will start pre-orders shortly after its press event. The official public release may happen as soon as September 16 or late as September 25.
If Apple adheres to its usual iPhone release schedule, we'll get a first look at the new iPhone during the second week of September (most reports are saying September 9) and the company will start pre-orders shortly after its press event. The official public release may happen as soon as September 16 or late as September 25.
-
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like