The buzz around Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6S and 6S Plus is growing by the day. The Cupertino-based tech giant will take the wraps off the new phones on September 9. Recent leaks suggest that the iPhone 6S will be similar to its predecessor in terms of design, though there will be some internal changes. The most important changes will be support for Force Touch and use of a high-grade aluminum to prevent the bending.
Series 7000 alloy costs 5x more than Series 6000
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will use Series 7000 aluminum alloy used in the Apple Watch. Though it will make the devices stronger, the additional rigidity comes with a price. According to Forbes, the Series 7000 alloy costs five times more than the Series 6000 used in the iPhone 6. Moreover, the new alloy is more susceptible to rust, so it would require a thicker anodization process. It could further increase the cost for Apple.
It means Apple will have to increase the price of the iPhone 6S or see its profit margins erode. On the other hand, Force Touch allows users to control the device more efficiently because it can differentiate between a gentle tap and a hard press. However, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently said in a research note that Force Touch has failed to boost sales of Apple Watch and the new MacBooks. It clearly indicates that users are not very excited about the technology.
Little reason to upgrade to the iPhone 6S
If the Force Touch doesn’t turn out to be a killer feature, users will have little reason to upgrade. Of course, the iPhone 6S is expected to get a 12-megapixel camera. But the current iPhone 6 and 6 Plus already have one of the best smartphone cameras out there. Little incentive to upgrade is a major reason Pacific Crest Securities analyst Andy Hargreaves expects iPhone sales to drop 8% in FY2016.
Apple historically cuts the price of its older models when it refreshes its iPhone line. So, consumers can easily expect to see a price drop and excellent deals on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus when the iPhone 6S comes out next month. Would you go for an iPhone 6 at reduced prices or a more expensive iPhone 6S that offers only minor upgrades?
