However, due to manufacturing difficulties, Apple has yet to set a firm date for the iPhone 6 launch. The sources also added that although the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is all but guaranteed to launch at the event, the 5.5-inch version may not be included in the keynote.
As previously reported by numerous news outlets, rumors hint that the larger iPhone 6 model is facing manufacturing delays due to problems with the battery and other components. The sources did not confirm these rumors, but said that the smaller, 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is further along in internal tests and overall production.
As is Apple’s custom, the iPhone 6 will debut alongside the finished build for iOS 8. If things go according to plan, BGR’s sources claim that iOS 8 Beta 5 will seed to developers on August 4, while the iOS 8 Beta 6 will arrive later on August 15. After the final beta version is released, Apple will finalize the build and release the Gold Master version a few weeks later. By then, September will have started and the iPhone 6 launch will be just a few weeks away, assuming all goes according to plan.
Apple’s iOS 8 is expected to include many big updates to the HealthKit preview we saw at WWDC 2014, a better messaging app, and much more upon its initial release. Sources told 9to5Mac that other big updates to apple’s mobile OS like Maps and split-screen multitasking for iPad will arrive in iOS 8.1 or iOS 9 due to internal arguments and a lack of resources.
Apple is also expected to hold a second launch event in October, where it may reveal the long-awaited iWatch or some other wearable. Of course, if the larger iPhone 6 is delayed, it could appear at the event, too. Other reports state that improvements to OS X Yosemite and a 12-inch retina MacBook may debut before the year’s end, as well.
In the meantime, check out our iPhone 6 rumor round up and our iWatch post here.
