Apple’s new iPhone 6 could be released in less than 10 days. All evidence suggests a September 9 event is in place.
There have been multiple leaks about what Apple could pack into its latest device, the authenticity of which will only be known when Tim Cook takes the stage at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California - the same venue where Steve Jobs introduced the Mac almost three decades ago.
Reports have been referring to not just the iPhone 6, but also a bigger sized iPhone Air or iPhone 6L, although some latest reports suggest the larger version could be pushed for a later release due to supply chain constraints.
Similarly the iWatch – a project which has been rumoured about for more than two years now.
It now appears that Apple could finally unveil its new iWatch on the same day as the iPhone 6. The wearable device is said to be equipped with about 10 different sensors, thereby making it the most advanced wearable device in the market today.
Here are the top five features of the iPhone 6… as speculated on by tech websites and blogs claiming to be in the know.
Size
The most important change Apple could introduce in its 2014 edition of the iPhone is the size. While Apple has been resisting calls for a bigger sized iPhone, it finally went back to the drawing board and we could well see an iPhone growing out of the 4-inch mould.
Multiple rumours have pointed out that the iPhone 6 will be a 4.7-inch device and it is not just the screen size that has seen an overhaul.
The iPhone 6 will be much slimmer and is said to be just 6.9mm thick. The iPhone 5S had a depth of 7.6mm and weighed about 112 grammes.
This concept video was published way back in February this year.
Design
Apple has not just increased the size, but also made some interesting changes in terms of design. The device is more curved compared with any other previous iPhone. The bezel more curved than the iPhone 5S. The edges are rounder and the front panel seamlessly integrates with the round edges.
Apple has also redesigned the speaker grills located at the bottom end of the device. Unlike the previous model, which had two rows of tiny round holes, the iPhone 6 could come with a single row with a slightly larger circumference.
More recent leaks of SIM trays reveal that the new device could come with the same three traditional colour options - Grey, Silver and Gold.
Display
With a larger screen comes better display. According to rumours, the 4.7 inch device will have a triple retina screen resolution, resulting in sharper and crisper images.
A report by tech blog 9to5mac quoting developer James Thomson, says iOS 8 automatically chooses to load images at a triple retina resolution unlike a double retina resolution by the iOS 7 device.
The blog had earlier reported that Apple was testing a new screen resolution for the upcoming iPhone which automatically enhanced any content to a 3X scale.
“The behaviour is inconsistent, as iOS 8 beta 5 does not always load these 3x assets. However, it reliably chooses the 3x image on 2x devices using the ‘initWithContentsOfFile’ method.
“Testing with other sizes, such as 4x or even 8x, does nothing. The routine specifically chooses 3x image assets. This suggests this behaviour is not simply a bug, but is representative of upcoming iPhone features,” the blog said.
Yet another source points out that the iPhone 6 will have a screen resolution of 1334 x 750 (326 ppi).
Specs
Like the design elements, there are changes in the iPhone 6 in terms of specs as well.
Apple has upgraded the device both in terms of hardware and software elements. In terms of hardware we are looking at 20nm processor, A8 Chipset and 128 GB internal storage, although Apple might still come up with a 16 GB version.
However, the A8 will only have 1GB of RAM and a more powerful processor. The device will also be upgraded with several new sensors including new atmospheric sensors, which could be used to give information on weather. The device will be support the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard enabling three times greater download speed compared to the iPhone 5.
The device is also expected to come with NFC enabled. A recent image leak of the logic board suggests the same.
Camera and Battery
It is expected that Apple will enhance the sensor on the iPhone to 13MP compared to 8MP on the iPhone 5S.
You could also see optical image stabilisation in the new device. In terms of battery, rumours have suggested that Apple might opt for either a 1,810 mAh battery or a 2915 mAh battery. Reports also suggest that the latter could be probably used with the 5.5 inch device.