With Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) set to unveil the iPhone 6 at its September 9 event, rumors are hotting up regarding what we can expect to see from this critical Apple release. Although Apple remains tightlipped on the release of the next generation of its flagship smartphone, analysts already consider it inevitable that this will surface at the event two weeks from now in Cupertino, California.
Apple has already issued a highly cryptic invitation to members of the press ahead of its September 9 event. And while this has left the world media groping for some possible insight into what to expect, what we can say for certain is that the iPhone 6 will finally be unveiled, and we will find out exactly what Apple has been cooking up in private.
However, the latest leaks related to the iPhone 6 will be of great interest to Apple fans, giving that MacRumors has acquired images of an alleged rear shell and front glass of the iPhone 6. The items pictured are thought to be builds that are close to the final model, giving a strong indication of what the iPhone 6 may look like when it is presumably unveiled on September 9.
In terms of appearance, the glass-based look which Apple has apparently given the iPhone 6 is not a massive departure from previous devices, even if rumors relating to Sapphire Glass turn out to be correct. However, we can now confirm that the screen of the iPhone 6 is significantly larger than previous iPhones, and additionally a few design changes have been made.
The bezel in the iPhone 6 seems to be smaller, while the home button occupies the majority of the vertical space at the bottom center of the handset. The leak paints a picture of a particularly slim and sleek iPhone, and one that fans of the device will be itching to get their hands on as soon as possible.
iPhone 6 – Medical ID
Aside from the appearance of the device, Apple is also rumored to be including numerous new features within the portfolio of functions available in the iPhone 6. The first of these is the new HealthKit application, which according to reports will act as a hub for medical data. Apple is even rumored to be including the ability to put medical ID on the lockscreen, in order to assist paramedics and other medical professionals.
Interact with notifications
Reportedly, iOS 8 will significantly improve notification functionality, making this element of the iPhone 6 a much more powerful and useful feature. Users will be able to reply to text messages, confirm calendar events, trash emails and respond to reminders with the iPhone 6.
Messaging improvements
iMessage has not always been a hugely praised component of the iPhone, but Apple intends to include new messaging options in the iPhone 6 to compensate for previous perceived failings. It will be possible for users to merely tap and hold the microphone button in order to record audio, with the simple and convenient swipe then sending it to contacts.
Mac / iPad Call functionality
Telephone calls made to your iPhone will now be displayed collaboratively on your iPad and Mac when they are attached to the same Wi-Fi network. Apple is strongly pushing its ‘Continuity’ concept, presumably to encourage consumers to buy several of its devices.
Real-time text-to-work
This isn’t technically a brand new feature, but reports suggest that this will be seriously stepped up in the iPhone 6.
Monitor children’s app purchases
One area where Apple has been criticized is with relation to the ease with which children can run up massive bills by purchasing apps from the Apple App Store. There have been numerous media reports to this effect, and the concept was even made a central part of an episode of The Simpsons.
In order to address this, Apple is going out of his way to ensure that iOS 8 will make both iPhones and iPads considerably more family friendly. The centrepiece of this strategy is a new feature which is entitled ‘Family Sharing’. With this particular feature, parents will be able to optimie the iPhone 6 to ensure that purchases made by junior members of the family in both iTunes and the Apple App Store are monitored at all times.
Spotlight update
Additionally, Apple’s beefing up the spotlight feature in the iPhone 6, and making it possible to carry out such functions as searching from Wikipedia, news outlets, music and contacts from your homescreen.
