Apple’s newest smartphone offering, the iPhone 6, will be announced officially tomorrow. The tech giant has sent invites to over 2,500 people to attend its media event at the Flint Center in Cupertino, beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time (1:00 p.m. ET) on September 9. It is one of Apple’s biggest launch events. You can watch the live streaming of the event right here.
You’ve heard plenty of rumors. Speculation is rife that the iPhone 6 will bring significant improvements compared to its predecessors to raise the bar. We have compiled a list of features and specs that may make you want to go buy the product. In fact, Apple fans have already lined up before Apple Stores to get their hands on the iPhone 6 when it hits the stores.
Larger display with sapphire glass
Intense competition from large-screen Android phones compelled Apple to increase the screen size of its smartphones. The iPhone 5S has a 4-inch screen while most bestselling Android devices are at least 4.5-inch or bigger. The iPhone 6 will be available in two screen sizes. The 4.7-inch version will challenge the Android devices under 5-inch screen size. The bigger 5.5-inch variant will go after the so-called ‘phablets’ manufactured by Asian Android vendors.
According to luxury iPhone customizer Feld & Volk, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will come with 1424 x 878-pixel resolution. The 5.5-inch version will have a resolution of 1704 x 960. Another set of rumors suggests that the iPhone 6 will have more durable, scratch-proof sapphire display. It will address one of the most common consumer complaints about the iPhones: broken screens.
iPhone 6 to have an entirely new design
The iPhone has retained its basic design since the iPhone 4, except the iPhone 5C that has a cheaper plastic body. However, numerous leaked snapshots and rumors indicate that the iPhone 6 will have a new design. It will be slimmer than any of its predecessors. Apple has moved the power button to the right side of the phone. The volume buttons have also been redesigned.
TouchID sensor
Apple introduced the fingerprint sensor with the iPhone 5S. It’s a great technology, but its function was limited to unlocking the device and making purchases from the App Store. Apple will reportedly enhance the TouchID sensor that offers better fingerprint recognition. The improved fingerprint sensor is expected to perform additional functions such as authentication for third-party apps and authenticating mobile payments.
Enhanced cameras
The iPhone 5S has just 8MP camera, but it’s one of the best camera smartphones out there. With technological advancements, the iPhone 6 is expected to sport a better camera. There have been multiple rumors about the snapper. Some reports claim that the new phone will have a 10-megapixel camera, while others claim a 13MP main shooter. Since the forthcoming iOS 8 will offer manual camera controls, we expect the iPhone 6 to feature a 13MP main snapper with Optical Image Stabilization. The device is also expected to have a better front camera for selfies.
Better hardware
Apple upgrades hardware of its new phones with every new model. Keeping with the company’s tradition, the iPhone 6 is expected to see some significant improvements. The new phone will likely have an upgraded 64-bit A8 processor along with a new motion co-processor. It will have a 2GB RAM and storage options of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. What’s more, both variants of the iPhone 6 will have a bigger battery. The existing iPhone 5S comes with a 1560mAh battery. The new 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will sport an 1810mAh battery, and the 5.5-inch model will come with a battery capacity of 2915mAh.
Enhanced wireless connectivity
Apple will finally bring the “near-field communication” technology to the iPhone 6. NFC technology allows two devices to talk to each other. It can be used to pair devices and make payments at the supported counters. What’s more, it will also have the latest WiFi 802.11ac wireless connectivity, which has an improved coverage area and faster transfer speed.
How much will iPhone 6 cost?
There have been several rumors that the iPhone 6 could be cheaper than the iPhone 5S. That contradicts Apple’s behavior of charging a premium for its devices. And the company is unlikely to shed its “premium” image anytime soon. Despite all the competition from Samsung, Xiaomi, Micromax and other Android vendors, Apple remains a highly profitable company. While others are competing on price, the Cupertino company has positioned itself as a “luxury” consumer electronics company. Think of Rolex vs. the $10 watch brand. Apple’s unique business model of tying its hardware with its own software gives it some distinct advantages.
Apple usually prices its phones at $199 on contract. Nomura Securities analysts predict that the off-contract price of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will be $100 higher than the 4.7-inch model. Analysts said the 4.7-inch model is expected to be priced at $650 off-contract. On the other hand, Sydney Morning Herald predicts that the iPhone 6 will sell for AUD 1,000 (USD 934) in Australia.
