Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s anticipated and thus-far hypothetical iPhone 6 has been in the news ever since the launch of iPhone 5s and 5c six months ago. Every now and then a report, rumor or piece of news makes its way to the web claiming certain features to be included in the next version or regarding the launch date or on the name. Gathered together in one place is all the rumor, speculation, and flat-out wild guessing you can stomach.
iPhone 6 or iPhone Air
There have been speculations surrounding the name of the upcoming iPhone from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL); some expect it to be iPhone 6 while other prefer iPhone Air. Going by naming convention that Apple follows, the next version would be called iPhone 6, which will succeed the iPhone 5S. However, Apple has been deviating from the trend lately by naming the recently launched iPad as iPad Air and the iPad mini. Many concepts design have also appeared with the name “iPhone Air.” The latest concept was from the graphic designer Sam Beckett, who included many of the features that Apple users like to see in their next phone.
Bigger the better
Concerning the hardware, there have been plenty of rumors suggesting that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would increase the screen size of the iPhone 6 to counter the growing threat from rivals. A few days back, Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves said that Apple could come up with a 4.7-inch iPhone, which will match the size of Samsung’s 2011 Galaxy S II. Analysts also indicated that a bigger iPhone could win back those users who left Apple due to the screen size.
Another set of rumors claims that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) might use sapphire glass for the screen in the iPhone 6. The same type of glass is used by Apple in camera lenses and fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5S. Apple could also put a solar cell in the screen making it a power source.
Improved mapping service
On the software front, there have been plenty of rumors including expected features in the upcoming iOS 8 operating system. A recent report from 9 to 5 Mac suggested that iOS will come up with much improved Apple Maps. The report says that, after a few acquisitions, the mapping service has seen some improvement. Maps will play an important role in ensuring the success of Apple’s recently launched operating system for cars, CarPlay. It is also expected that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could come up with a dedicated health app, code-named “Healthbook.”
On the release date of the iPhone 6, majority of analysts expect the new phone to be launched in September or October. Previously, also, Apple released the iPhone in September or October. Lately, there have been a few reports claiming that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may release the iPhone 6 in the summer.
There are no ends to rumors, and they will go on at least for a few more months until Apple eventually comes up with the iPhone 6 or iPhone Air, whatever it may be called.
