Not a week has passed since the release of the iPhone 5S and 5C where something new about the iPhone 6 has not surfaced. Some users and onlookers seemed to be dissatisfied with the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 5S, complaining that both the phones were almost identical in specs. So, it is believed that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will apparently overhaul the design of iPhone 6 to retain its loyal customers and overcome increasing threats from phone makers like Samsung, Motorola and Nokia.
Also see iPhone 4S Allegedly Caused Thai Man’s Electrocution
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) fans and analysts are keen to know what the next generation phone will be like. Therefore, to help the users, discussed below are the latest rumors surrounding the iPhone 6 concerning price, release date, display, specifications and other expected features.
Rumors surrounding display
There has not been any official word from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) over the phone yet, but the rumor mills are already churning with speculation that the iPhone 6 will have a 3D screen. The iPhone 6 is supposed to be a big screen phone from Apple, which will position the company against large phones like Samsung Galaxy. Also, then the company could sell the iPhone 5 as a smaller version offering a host of choices to consumers.
Apart from a 3D display, the iPhone 6 is rumored to come with a 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch curved glass display. Also, the phone could be slimmer on the sideways plane so that users can operate it easily with one hand. Curved screens are known to be more sturdy and easier to use. These screens are also better for watching videos and playing games and provide better vision in excessive light.
The iPhone 6 will supposedly have Retina+IGZO display and a new form factor with no home button. There could also be Gesture control along with Touch ID fingerprint tech.
The iPhone 6 may have motion sensor
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) bought PrimeSense, an Israeli startup that designs sensors allowing customers to interact with certain products. Earlier, PrimeSense designed motion sensors for the Xbox Kinect. PrimeSense fetched a price of $350 million. With the acquisition, Apple gave strong signals that its new phone may include motion sensor technology.
Storage, processor
Regarding storage, users and market watchers are expecting Apple to equip the iPhone 6 with 128 GB storage capacity, like it did for the iPads.
Coming to the processor, this will not be a huge surprise compared to the above features. The new iPhone 6 would run on a quad core A8 or an evolved A7. This will give greater power to the phone and will enhance the battery life.
Eye tracking technology
With major phone makers like Samsung foraying into eye tracking technology, Apple is also expected to offer similar kinds of technology in its next iPhone.
According to CP Tech report, Apple has submitted a patent request for efficient wireless charging. It is highly speculated that the wireless charging from Apple will not be limited to charging just one device but can be used for charging multiple devices.
Indoor Mapping a much needed feature for Apple
The iPhone 6 could come with indoor mapping technology as the company has recently acquired WiFiSLAM, which is an expert in designing GPS-guided 3D-mapping of sprawling establishments like shopping malls. Apple really needs such technology in its kitty to give it an edge over Google. In 2012, Apple dismissed Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) maps from its iOS during iPhone 5 launch and offered its indigenous-built map. However, the decision backfired on Apple and disappointed iPhone users. To address the immediate crisis, Apple offered Google Maps and ousted senior executives as well as longtime Apple employee Scott Forstall for the fiasco.
Rumors around pricing
As far as the price is concerned, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will most likely offer the iPhone 6 at a premium over the iPhone 5s. The price of the iPhone 6 is expected to be at least $100 higher compared to the iPhone 5S. Some analysts are expecting the iPhone 6 32 GB model to be sold at £529, 64 GB model will be priced around £599 and 128 GB model is expected to cost £699.
Release time
It is expected that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will launch its much awaited iPhone 6 in mid-2014. Apple CEO Tim Cook said that new products from Apple will be launched in autumn. He said “Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software, and services that we can’t wait to introduce this fall and throughout 2014.” Among the host of products hinted at by Cook, the iPad Air and iPad mini retina have already launched. The next big thing from Apple in 2014 would be the iPhone 6.
Other expected unique features
According to some reports, the iPhone 6 will be available in three variants; iPhone 6 mini, iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 XL. Also, the phone may be supported by iOS 8, which would be an upgrade over its predecessors.
The iPhone maker entered into an agreement with GT Advanced Technologies to supply sapphire materials to Apple. The iPhone maker used sapphire in its latest phones, the iPhone 5S Touch ID fingerprint and also in the iPhone 5.
Last year, Apple entered into a deal with Sony to buy camera sensors, and this year it would probably feature 13 megapixel sensors in its phone that takes up less room without affecting the quality of the image. In May 2013, a patent was revealed showing an iPhone could remotely control other illuminating devices, which was much similar to professional photography studios.
The speculations upon the features of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s upcoming devices does not end here. According to Apple Insider, Apple will soon design phones that will be equipped with features such as adjusting the volume as soon as the phone moves away from user’s ear. The report says that Apple has filed the patent for “Adjustment of acoustic properties based on proximity detection.”
There have been a lot of speculations over the name of the new iPhone. The name for the next iPhone would pretty much depend upon the time when the phone is launched, according to the experts. Also, there are chances that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may add some subtitle as it did with iPad Air. As of now, no one is sure on the features or even the name that the next iPhone would have, but we can be sure of one thing: that Apple will come up with something different to remain a top player in this ever changing market.