With the next generation iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 Plus set to be released later this year, Apple is readying itself for the manufacturing of these devices. The iPhone is always a critical handset for Apple, as it has become a literally an iconic brand. But it could be particularly critical for the consumer electronics giant this year, as early indications regarding the Apple Watch are that Apple’s first smartwatch has somewhat underperformed.
iPhone 6S – Design
Early indications are that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus look extremely similar to their predecessors. This is in line with previous Apple procedure, which has always placed an emphasis on internal improvements in S generation updates. So we shouldn’t expect much physical change from the iPhone 6 of 2014, but there should be some significant specification upgrades.
The first thing to note is that we can definitely expect to see the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus in 2015. With Apple preparing a revolutionary iPhone 7 for 2016, this will be an important revenue stream for the corporation in the existing calendar year. While the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are therefore expected to be upgrades of the existing iPhone 6 platform, Apple still needs to instil some impressive features in these devices. So we could see some pretty exciting functionality included in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
Of all Apple analysts, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has established himself as the number one authority on the planet regarding the world’s largest consumer electronics company. Many of his predictions have already proved to be correct with regard to previous Apple products, so when he makes assertions about the iPhone 6s, it makes sense to sit up and pay attention. Kuo has already outlined half-a-dozen improvements that he believes Apple will make to its flagship smartphone when the iPhone 6s generation goes live.
Force Touch
The first of these is a technology that has been discussed significantly in the media over the last week. Force Touch was introduced with the Apple Watch, and Apple has already chosen to include this innovative system in its range of MacBook laptops.
Force Touch enables users of Apple devices to convey different inputs to the device depending on the severity of pressing. Additionally, different features can be accessed within the Apple Watch, or any other compatible device, by pressing down with varying degrees of pressure.
It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if Apple includes this in the iPhone 6s, and indeed Kuo suggests that plans are afoot to do precisely this. There is already speculation that competitors of Apple will imitate this technology in forthcoming mobile releases, so Apple will want to include it in the iPhone range as quickly as possible, in order to make it stand out from the crowd.
Camera improvements
A lot of attention has recently been directed towards the camera in the iPhone 6s, with some sources suggesting that Apple will implement a professional standard DSLR snapper when it is released, or possibly even a unique periscope design. According to Kuo, though, both of these suggestions are wide of the mark, and Apple has a slightly less ambitious idea in mind for its next generation camera.
But it should be pointed out that Apple doesn’t increase megapixel ratings very often, rather choosing to focus on improving components and software compatible with its iPhone range. The iPhone has traditionally possessed very good photographic capabilities, so the consumer electronics giant evidently doesn’t consider this to be essential.
However, Kuo suggests that Apple will upgrade the iPhone 6 to 12-megapixels. There are still murmurings that the picture quality achieved by the iPhone 6s will approach DSLR levels, but Apple fans probably shouldn’t expect this standard of performance. A significantly improved camera, with enhanced optical image stabilization and low-light shooting should be expected, though.
A9 processor
This seems like an absolute certainty. Apple loves to showcase new processors in the iPhone range, and it is thus confidently predicted by Apple analysts that the new A9 processor will be unveiled for the iPhone 6s. Apple has kept pretty quiet about this unit, but it is expected to use a 14nm process and feature new architecture. This should deliver significant performance improvements, and do so in a considerably more power efficient manner.
2GB of RAM
The iPhone series has been criticized for being rather frugal with the amount of RAM included, and this could incite Apple to double the memory included in the iPhone 6s. Both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are based on 1 GB of internal RAM, so this suggests that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will both utilize 2 GB. Coupled the faster RAM chips that are now being included in mobile phones, this should have a massive impact on the slickness of this year’s iPhones.
New wave aluminium
Apple also intends to upgrade the durability of the iPhone series, after the by now infamous ‘Bendgate’ generated some negative headlines for the corporation. Thus, it is being reported that both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will be constructed from stronger 7000 series aluminum.
This would increase the sturdiness of the two devices, and would be logistically convenient for Apple considering that this material is already utilized in the construction of the Apple Watch.
Battery life
Finally, the battery life of Apple devices is often criticized, and unfortunately for the consumer electronics giant, the Phone 6 was no exception to this rule. So Apple has been working on some innovative ways to improve the battery life of the iPhone 6s, without having to cope with the headache of increasing the actual battery.
A combination of improvements in the new A9 processor, coupled with improvements to the iOS 9 operating system, allied to efficient components and a new power saving mode, will ensure that the iPhone 6s lasts longer on one charge. This will certainly be a popular element of the new iPhone 6s.
