Apple’s next iPhone, the iPhone 6, remains the subject of many rumors. There are reports that the screen of the iPhone 6 could be tougher than concrete. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also expected to make the iPhone 6 screen larger. The company is reportedly testing different prototypes ranging between 4.7-inch and 5.8-inch. We expect the iPhone 6 to hit the market in 2014 as there are also reports that the Cupertino-based company would release two iPhones next year. One will be similar in size with the current iPhone 5S. Another will sport a larger screen to compete with so-called phablets. So, we expect the iPhone 6 to hit the market in 2014.
Recent Rumors about iPhone 6
Over the year we have heard many rumors about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone 6, as well as concept designs for the latest from Cupertino-based company that will come out in 2014. As the year 2013 is about to end here is a flash back to the recent rumors and concepts about the iPhone 6.
iPhone 6 to feature a curved screen
There have been numerous rumors in November that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would soon launch a curved phone. And as reported Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) filed its recent patent for the iPhone 6, there is now even more reason to believe the rumors could be true. The new patent goes into a description of how the concave screen is manufactured, which utilizes high temperatures. The most current method involves heating screens longer at lower temperatures. This new technology will likely be used for iPhones, iPads, and smartwatches.
iPhone 6 curved battery patent
In early 2013, there was a published Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) patent which mentions curved batteries. It could be just the thing to make an iPhone that’s truly unique. The iPhone 6 could feature a thin cylinder back with a massive sized screen wrapping around the front/back of the phone. A bigger screen could also be a real possibility. Peter Misek (analyst for Jefferies) sent a research note to investors claiming the next iPhone would feature 4.8 inch Retina+ IGZO display. His estimations matched preditions from Ming-chi Kuo (KGI Securities Analyst).
iPhone 6 to use your face as a password
There are good chances that the iPhone 6 may include a facial recognition feature. On Tuesday, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was awarded a patent called “Personal computing device control using face detection and recognition” by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
iPhone 6: A Refocusable Light Field Camera
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been granted a patent that hints at an entirely different camera in its upcoming devices including the iPhone 6. The technology would capture the light field instead of a single 2D capture of the moment. The technology would ensure that the photo is not a fixed shot, and that a user could select the part of the picture that needs to be completely refocused. This technology is used in Lytro Light Field cameras.
iPhone 6 to feature a 3D screen
There has not been any official word from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) over the phone yet, but the rumor mills are already churning with speculation that the iPhone 6 will have a 3D screen. The iPhone 6 is supposed to be a big screen phone from Apple, which will position the company against large phones like Samsung Galaxy. Also, then the company could sell the iPhone 5 as a smaller version offering a host of choices to consumers.
The Concept of Edge-to-Edge Screen
A new concept design speculates a larger phone that’s somewhere between 4.8 inches to 5 inches. The design also features an edge-to-edge screen and a view-lock that enables users to capture video footage at different angles. iPhone users could also focus and zoom in (or out) with a simple slide of the finger. This concept design was also made from new materials like magnesium and has new glass to protect the display. The phone would also feature a fingerprint scanner and 64GB of internal storage.
The insides of iPhone 6
The most recent report comes from the Korean newspaper Hankyung (via DigiTimes). The media outlets report that most of the chip making for the iPhone 6’s A8 chips will be done by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM). However, as 9to5Mac reports, this is the fourth consecutive year that DigiTimes has reported that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was shifting from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) to TSMC for its A-series chips. So will this be the fourth time the newspaper is wrong about this?
We heard earlier this year (once again, from DigiTimes) that Apple had inked a deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) to make the chips for the iPhone 6. Today the site reports that TSMC will handle 60 to 70 percent of the manufacturing of the chips, with Samsung handling the other 30 to 40 percent.
Rumors around iPhone 6 pricing
As far as the price is concerned, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will most likely offer the iPhone 6 at a premium over the iPhone 5s. The price of the iPhone 6 is expected to be at least $100 higher compared to the iPhone 5S. Some analysts are expecting the iPhone 6 32 GB model to be sold at £529, 64 GB model will be priced around £599 and 128 GB model is expected to cost £699.
iPhone 6 Competitor
Apple’s next flagship smartphone, the iPhone 6, is being widely compared to Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S5. But new reports suggest that the iPhone 6 may have to face tough competition from another device from HTC. A leaked image of the HTC M8, the successor of the HTC One, shows an aluminum chassis. Reports suggest that the Taiwanese company will launch its next flagship device in the first quarter of 2014.
iPhone 6C
The other video is sort of a wish list for the iPhone 5C. It comes in a variety of colors like the 5C does, but in this case, the C stands for “curve.” We’ve heard rumors that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would incorporate a curved screen into the iPhone 6. CNET compares the curve in this iPhone 6C concept to that of the LG G Flex, although the back of the handset itself is flat. The curve is basically on the front of it.
Needless to say, these concepts are probably pretty far from reality. Apple has yet to break out of the mold it has set for its iPhone. Most people have a pretty short wish list when it comes to the iPhone 6. They just want to see a bigger screen on the handset. But we’ll have to wait and see what Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) delivers next year.
