Apple is anticipated to launch the iPhone 6 with two different screen sizes this year. If media reports and analysts are to be believed, it will take the high-end smartphone market by storm. Remember, Apple is not in the market share game. Had the company been desperate for market share, it would have opened iOS to other vendors. Or it would have launched hundreds of different models of smartphones at every price point, just like Samsung. Cupertino is all about user experience and the cool factor. And the iPhone 6 will reaffirm its position in the technology world.
iPhone 6 technical specifications
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in a research note yesterday that the iPhone 6 will be launched in September. The 4.7-inch version will ship immediately, and but the bigger ‘phablet’ 5.5-inch version will ship later. Kuo has an exceptional track record of revealing accurate information about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s product lineup.
The biggest change in the iPhone 6 will be that in the sleep/wake button. Kuo says the button will be moved from the top of the device to the side. That will help users in one-handed operation on larger devices. He said the 4.7-inch model will have 1334×750 Retina display with 326ppi. The bigger version will have a resolution of 1920×1080 with 401 ppi.
KGI Securities notes that both models of the iPhone 6 will have an upgraded A8 chip, 1GB LPDDR3 RAM, TouchID, NFC integration, and a narrower bezel by 10%-20%. The new phones will be 6.5-7.0mm thick, compared to 7.6mm thickness of the iPhone 5S. Kuo said the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will still be fit for one-handed operation, thanks to narrower bezels.
However, the 5.5-inch device won’t be operable with one hand. But then a large number of users prioritize visual experience over one-handed operation. This big screen iPhone 6 will cater to this segment. Kuo says the bigger iPhone 6 could eat into the sales of the iPad Mini as well as tablets and phablets from rivals. KGI Securities said the 5.5-inch model will have a larger battery with 50%-70% more watt-hours than the iPhone 5S. A big display would consume more battery, so the increased battery capacity will ensure that users don’t have to recharge their devices every few hours.
The upcoming iPhone 6 will have an 8MP main camera with the same f2.2 aperture. However, it will have the Optical Image Stabilization technology to improve picture quality without increasing pixel density. It will allow users to take better pictures even in low-light conditions.
What about the sapphire glass?
Late last year, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) invested $578 million to produce sapphire glass. That sparked speculations that the tech giant may ditch Corning gorilla glass in favor of sapphire glass in the iPhone 6. Sapphire crystal is more durable, and is considered to be tougher than concrete. The iPhone maker has partnered with GT Advanced Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:GTAT) to ramp up sapphire production in Arizona, which strongly suggests that the new devices will boast sapphire displays.
However, Ming-Chi Kuo says that the sapphire glass is likely to be included only in the high-end 64GB, 5.5-inch iPhone 6 in the beginning. That’s because the company is facing supply constraints. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) plans to bring TouchID sensor to the screen in the future devices. So, it will need sapphire glass for accuracy.
iPhone 6 to offer faster WiFi
Rumor has it that the iPhone 6 will have faster WiFi. The Cupertino-based company’s partner Broadcom has successfully developed a new WiFi chip that is rumored to make its way to the iPhone 6. Broadcom says the new chip doubles the video and music download speeds, increases upload speeds, and enhances battery life.
iOS 8 to be your personal fitness adviser
The new iPhone will have an upgraded iOS 8, which is speculated to be announced at WWDC in June. The upgraded operating system will bring a new health & fitness monitoring app dubbed Healthbook. The app will have a similar user interface as the Passbook app. It will collect your fitness data from the iWatch and various applications. The Healthbook app will track and store your fitness data such as nutrition, weight, miles walked, calories burned, respiratory rate, heart rate, hydration level, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and sleep quality.
The tech giant was recently awarded a patent for blood pressure tracking technology. Moreover, it will also remind you when it’s time to take your pills. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) executives have held meetings with the USFDA officials to discuss health applications. What’s more, the company has recruited many fitness experts over the past few months.
Kuo says Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will discontinue the iPhone 4S and 4 (it’s still selling in some countries) after the arrival of the iPhone 6. The 5S and 5C will cater to the mid- and low-end segments.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares ticked up 0.18% to $531.30 in pre-market trading Thursday.
