Apple’s September 9 event was jam-packed with cool new products and features, but the headliner of the the event was the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus launch. Here’s everything you need to know about the new iPhones.
Updated on 10-30-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that the 3D Touch feature on the iPhone 6S can be used to weigh objects –sadly, it’s only for jailbroken devices for now. Also added a table of contents.
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3D Touch
Apple’s new 3D touch-enabled screen takes multitouch to the next level by adding a third dimension: pressure. It’s sort of like Force Touch on the Apple Watch, but with special features for the iPhone and different levels of pressure. Apple calls it “3D Touch.” A light press on the screen will bring up a preview of content, whether it be an image, a website, or an itinerary. If you keep pressing, you’ll enter the content you selected. It allows you to dip in and out of where you are without losing context. The background of the app you’re in blurs out a bit, so you can see a preview on top.
The feature can also apparently allow the iPhone to weigh objects. App developer Simon Gladman created an app that weighs plums called the Plum-O-Meter. It uses 3D Touch to weigh the plums and tell you which is heavier. The weighing function is not supported by Apple — Gladman had to jailbreak the device to make it work — however, it may be supported in the future.
According to Apple, you won’t have to jam down on the screen like you do on the Apple Watch; just a small bit of pressure can be registered on the screen, and the phone can tell the difference between mini taps and full taps. Capacitive sensors in the backlight portion of the display measure microscopic changes in distance between the glass and sensors. It also uses the accelerometer to determine pressure levels with more accuracy.
Apple showed off a demo of 3D Touch in action with Mail and iMessage apps. You can flick up from the bottom of the screen for actions like send, forward, etc. If the person you’re conversing with mentions a time, a flight plan, or other info, a light tap will bring up your calendar so you can check if you’re free, or show you the flight status.
3D Touch also works with apps on your home screen to bring up quick actions, so if you tap on the phone app, you’ll see your favorite contacts. You don’t have to actually enter the app to access features you use the most. If you tap on the camera, it’ll bring up “emergency selfie” mode. Of course, this mostly works with Apple apps, but some third-party apps will get the feature, including Dropbox, Facebook, WeChat, and Instagram.
Apple integrated 3D Touch into iOS 9 on several other levels, so it also works with multitasking. To get to multitasking mode, you no longer have to double tap the home button, but rather apply a little force on the edge of the screen to get into app carousel.
Price and release date
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus both launched in a handful of countries in September, but now Apple is continuing its rollout to other countries. As of October 9 and 10, the new iPhones are on sale in 40+ more countries, including many Eastern European countries, Scandinavia, some parts of Asia, and the Middle East.
Here’s the full list for October 9: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan. And for October 10: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates
In the United States, Apple will sell the iPhone 6S for $200 and the iPhone 6S Plus for $650 and up unlocked or for $300, with two-year contracts. For carriers with installment plans instead of contracts, typical installments will start at $27 per month for iPhone 6S and $31 per month for the iPhone 6S Plus. Apple also has a new iPhone upgrade program, which nets you a new iPhone every year – for a variable monthly fee. You can check out our comparison of all the offers here and see our breakdown of the Apple upgrade plan here.
We’ll keep you updated on availability, as more countries receive the phone.
A 12-megapixel camera with 4K video
The iPhone 6S’s camera finally got a huge upgrade with a 12-megapixel iSight camera and a two-tone flash. The increase in pixels improves the detail in photos, but Apple claims that image quality won’t be degraded thanks to new technology like “deep trench isolation,” which separates the photo diodes to maintain accurate colors and limit noise. The sensor has 50 percent more pixels as well as 50 percent more focus pixels to make auto focus faster.
The company showed off a number of incredible images taken with the iPhone 6S, and assured the crowd that none were retouched. A new panorama shot shows off how much bigger the panoramas can be, too. The iPhone 6S can now shoot 4K video, too — though you won’t be able to appreciate all the extra pixels viewing videos on the phone’s sub-4K screen.
Apple showed some love to the selfie cam, too with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and a “true tone” flash. It lights up the phone’s main display to produce an accurate “flash” that matches the colors the camera sees. That way, the flash doesn’t wash out your face in the selfie.
A new feature called Live Photos essentially acts like the moving pictures in Harry Potter: You touch the photo and the picture moves. The live photos can even have sounds. The camera extends the capture mode for just a few seconds so you can see them move. You can use these live photos as wallpaper on your Apple Watch, and Facebook will also support the feature.
Design stays the same
Apple chose to keep the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus’ physical design the same, but now offers a rose gold aluminum finish in addition to the silver, space gray, and gold versions. The new iPhones are made out of the new 7000 series aluminum that was used on the Apple Watch.
Faster A9 processor, Hey Siri, and more
Apple’s iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are powered by the A9 64-bit processor, which boasts a new transistor architecture for better energy efficiency. Apple says it’s 70 percent faster than the A8 at CPU tasks, and 90 percent faster at graphics tasks than the A8. An onboard M9 co-processor is always on to track steps and other fitness metrics. The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus support LTE Advanced, so it should be twice as fast, and Apple supports 23 frequency bands. Wi-Fi is allegedly twice as fast, too.
As expected, the Hey Siri feature lets you speak directly to your iPhone without it being plugged in. Just say, “Hey Siri,” and you’re in. The iPhone 6S has a new Touch ID sensor that is “faster than ever,” which should improve the Apple Pay experience greatly.
Next page: All the previous rumors about the new iPhones
Archived old rumors about what we thought the iPhone 6S would be
It seems like just yesterday Apple unveiled the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Now, the industry has shifted focus from the iPhone 6 models to the inevitable sequels/upgrades. If history is any indication, the consumers will soon follow. We expect the masses to clamor for the latest from Cupertino. We’ll keep you abreast below of all the news about Apple’s next iPhone.
Updated on 09-03-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added rumor of 5-megapixel front-facing camera on the iPhone 6S.
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A 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel camera setup
It seems that Apple may finally bump up the resolution of its main and front-facing cameras. Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, who is usually on-point with his predictions, said that Apple may upgrade its front-facing camera, too. Kuo believes that a 5-megapixel shooter will grace the front of the iPhone 6S. It would be a huge upgrade for iPhone users, who currently have a lousy 1.2-megapixel camera for selfies. Most Android phones now launch with 5-megapixel front-facing cameras, and some go even higher to 8- or 13-megapixels.
9to5Mac says Apple may even add 4K video recording, though it’s unclear if the iPhone 6S will get that feature this time around.
Chinese publication Sogi claims that it has discovered a leaked document from Foxconn, which details the camera’s specs. The document mentions a 12-megapixel rear camera with 4K video recording support and a new 240FPS slow motion recording mode. A 5-megapixel front-facing camera is also rumored for the iPhone 6S. Of course, Sogi isn’t exactly a well-known publication, so it’s best to take this report with a grain of salt, even if it seems to match some of the earlier reports.
A report from Chinese site Feng agrees with most reports that the iPhone 6S will have a sharper, 12-megapixel camera sensor, which could possibly come from Sony. The camera may also feature a RGBW color sensor for improved photos in low light conditions. The report hints that Apple has been testing the sensor for some time, and originally intended to add it to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus last year.
Earlier on, the IHS Technology Research Director in China, Kevin Wang, stated in a Weibo post that the iPhone 6S will have a 12-megapixel camera, but that the pixels will be smaller in size. His report is in agreement with other sources who say the iPhone’s camera will get more pixels.
Additionally, in a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hinted that the iPhone 6S will sport a 12-megapixel camera sensor. Apple has stuck with an 8-megapixel sensor for years, preferring to enhance its camera instead of jack up the pixel count. The note did not say whether the front-facing camera would also get a boost.
Early on, Apple commentator John Gruber said the next iPhone will feature a special “two-lens system where the back camera uses two lenses and somehow takes it up into DSLR quality imagery.” Since then, G4Games published a similar report, claiming the iPhone 6S will sport a dual lens camera and optical zoom. The aperture may also be altered to let in even more light.
HTC already experimented with a similar camera setup on the One M8. The Ultrapixel camera lens lets in more light than your average lens to improve the image quality, and a second sensor is present for additional information like depth of field. The two images are then sewn together and edited to accentuate specific elements.
It’s unclear if Apple’s new technology would work in the same way or employ different techniques to increase the quality of images taken with the iPhone 6S. So far, no smartphone camera has been able to replace the DSLR, but Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus is generally regarded as one of the best smartphone cameras out there. The company also has several patents for camera-related technology.
The most obvious advantage to dividing the lens in two would be slimming down the camera module to fit flush against the back of the incredibly thin phone. Currently, the camera module on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sticks out, a problem that many users have noted with annoyance. At this point, there’s no saying whether the two-camera solution described by Gruber will debut on the iPhone 6S, the iPhone 7, or at all.
In fact, Yuanta Securities Investment Consulting Co analyst Jeff Pu told the Taipei Times that the iPhone 6S will have the same, 8-megapixel camera sensor as the iPhone 6. Luckily, even if this report proves true, Apple’s latest iPhones are generally considered to take some of the best shots around.
Pricing leaks
According to Dutch site Techtastic, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus pricing will be about the same as last year’s iPhones. Based on the site’s sources, it seems that Apple will continue to sell iPhones with 16, 64, and 128GB of storage. Here’s the rumored price breakdown:
| iPhone 6S | iPhone 6S Plus | |
| 16GB | €700 ($650) | €800 ($750) |
| 64GB | €800 ($750) | €900 ($850) |
| 128GB | €900 ($850) | €1,000 ($950) |
Seeing as these European prices match last year’s prices, it seems likely that the American price will not change, either. Techtastic also estimates that the new iPhones will go on sale on September 25. Of course, since Apple staggers release dates around the world, it’s possible the U.S. sale date could be the previous Friday, September 18. These are just rumors, so we’ll keep you posted on the final prices once Apple announces them.
Apple confirms September 9 launch date
On August 27, Apple confirmed that it will hold an event on September 9 at 10 a.m. PST in San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Obviously, it’s widely expected that the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will launch at the event, though Apple could introduce some other products as well. The only teaser on the invite is the tagline, “Hey Siri, give us a hint!” The Siri reference could be referring to iOS 9’s new Proactive predictive feature, HomeKit controls, or both.
Previous rumors mostly agreed that a September 9 launch date was planned. Multiple sources referred to a September 9 event, and now 9to5Mac has found some evidence that supports the launch date and hints at a possible in-store sale date for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. The publication’s sources state that BestBuy and Apple have agreed to sell Apple Care warranties at the retail store on September 14.
Although it could be a coincidence, it’s more likely BestBuy would introduce Apple Care plans in stores to coincide with the launch of new iPhones. Also, Apple traditionally starts selling its new iPhones in stores about a week after the launch date, so the timing makes sense. Of course, nothing is written in stone yet.
Buzzfeed News hinted a September 9 launch date for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus is possible. The news comes from sources familiar with Apple’s plans, and is plausible, though Apple has yet to confirm a launch date. The publication also stated that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and new Apple TV could launch at the event.
In early July, the Micgadget blog reported the iPhone 6S will launch on September 11 and appear in stores September 18. The blog stated that Foxconn sources verified the dates, but it’s highly unlikely Apple would choose the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks for its iPhone 6S launch date. The source isn’t terribly reliable, either, and supply chain sources may not know launch date details this early on.
In June, we received our first indication of when the iPhone 6S would arrive in stores and online for purchase. A Vodafone memo obtained by Mobile News states the “new iPhone” will go up for preorder on September 18 and come to stores on September 25. Although a September launch would follow Apple’s precedent of fall iPhone launches, it’s still wise to take this rumor with the customary grain of salt.
Some of the earliest iPhone 6S rumors speculated the updated handset could debut as early as spring 2015. A spring launch obviously didn’t happen. Before this, a report from Economic Daily claimed Apple was ahead of schedule on iPhone 6S component production, and hinted it may have the phone ready earlier than expected. An — unlikely — August launch, instead of the traditional September date, was mentioned.
Earlier, the Economic Daily News‘ supply chain sources stated that the iPhone 6S would arrive in the fall at the earliest. Apple typically incrementally updates its most recent iPhones with new processors and occasionally, a few new features, one year on from release. Apple only just gave Samsung the go-ahead to start work on the A9 processor, according to a report from Korea’s ET News, and it’s only just caught up with 6 Plus production. Therefore, it’s highly unlikely that the iPhone 6S will arrive so soon after the iPhone 6.
Leaked video
In late August, MacRumors got its hands on a a video of an alleged iPhone 6S going through the booting process. The device in the video looks just like the iPhone 6, but that’s to be expected since this is a S update and not a brand-new iPhone generation. Of course, the similarities in the appearance of the iPhone 6 and the rumored 6S shown in the video make it difficult to ascertain whether the video is real or not.
The person in the video does open up the back of the device to show the components too. Some, like the camera module, are missing, which implies that the device is not a finished product. MacRumors also got access to a handful of pictures of the logic board.
Unfortunately, the pictures don’t show the A9 branding on the processor, which appears to have been built using a 28nm process, MacRumors notes. A new Qualcomm radio frequency receiver chip, which will pair with a new LTE modem for better cell service, is also visible. The photos don’t confirm the amount of RAM onboard, though, nor the presence of Force Touch.
Force Touch may work on the iPhone 6S and the Plus
It’s long been rumored that the next iPhone will sport the same Force Touch functionality as the Apple Watch, but now The Wall Street Journal’s sources are also saying the feature will be added to the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
Even though several sources had all-but confirmed Force Touch for the next iPhones, very little was known about how the feature would be used on the phones. In August, 9to5Mac revealed several possible uses for Force Touch based on reports by individuals who had supposedly used the feature.
- When using Maps, Force Touch on the destination to start turn-by-turn directions. This will speed up the process and eliminate two steps.
- In the Music app, using Force Touch on a listed track would bring up a menu with the options to add the song to a playlist or save it for offline listening.
- Force Touch on some app icons to bring up special functions. For example, pressing the phone icon brings up voicemail. The News icon would bring you to your favorites or the “For you” tabs.
- Some of the same Force Touch uses from the new MacBook will work on iPhone, including a press to look up a word, a link press to see a preview of the webpage, and more.
The sources say that Force Touch is nice and consistent across the iPhone. Although the applications of Force Touch don’t sound revolutionary, they will serve as speedy little shortcuts across iOS.
In late June, the feature was all-but confirmed by Bloomberg, which is typically a reliable source when it comes to news. Anonymous sources familiar with Apple supply chain partners plans stated that iPhones with pressure-sensitive screens are already in the initial stages of production. Manufacturing for the new iPhones with Force Touch will reportedly get started in earnest next month.
An earlier report from G4Games hinted that the iPhone 6S will have a 3D pressure sensor built in to enable a new Force Touch action. Now, sources have told 9to5Mac that the iPhone 6S will add the new feature and optimize it for the iPhone. ForceTouch is said to come along with iOS 9 on the iPhone 6S, and it will be open to developers for use in their apps. Force Touch will reportedly offer more functions for power users, including a new way to “control space across the system,” and eliminate the need for long-press interactions like rearranging app icons across home screens.
Analyst Kuo also believes that both the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus will have the Force Touch feature. However, another report from G4Games indicates Apple may only add Force Touch to the larger iPhone 6S Plus, and the standard, 4.7-inch model won’t have the new tech.
For those of you who didn’t analyze every word of the Apple Watch presentation, Force Touch is the new Apple Watch feature that distinguishes between short taps and long, harder presses. It’s possible that Apple has come up with a few new ways to interact with the iPhone using Force Touch. If that’s the case, it would be strange to exclude the very popular 4.7-inch iPhone from the experiment. The most recent reports seem to hint that the feature will work on both models.
The return of a 4-inch iPhone?
A few different reports hinted Apple may release a smaller, 4-inch iPhone along with the rebooted iPhone 6S and 6S Plus in 2015. While most agree that such a move seems unlikely, reports continue to spread. While most sources seem to have given up hope for the iPhone 6C this year, noted leaker Evan Blass (@Evleaks) tweeted that the iPhone 6C will arrive “concurrently” with the 6S and 6S Plus, which are expected to debut this September. He did not name his source and admitted that plans can change.
An August report from DigiTimes cited supply chain sources who claim that Apple will launch the iPhone 6C in the second quarter of 2016, instead. The publication’s sources say that Apple plans to use 14/16nm FinFET chips from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung, which will not be ready for 2015. Originally, Apple planned to use TSMC’s 20nm process, but the FinFET processors proved to be the best bet because they would allow the iPhone 6C to have better specs and battery life.
DigiTimes‘ sources stated that the iPhone 6C will be a follow-up to the iPhone 5C, so it will cost less than the premium iPhones. However, the 4-inch form factor was not confirmed in the report.
In late July, analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company — who was the first to hint of the return of the 4-inch iPhone — stated that plans for the 4-inch iPhone 6C have since been scrapped. Earlier on in January through March, Arcuri saw signs of a smaller iPhone in production line plans, but in recent months, the iPhone 6C seems to have disappeared.
“I think one of the reasons is because the iPhone 6 has sold so well,” Arcuri said, reports Business Insider. “And they said, ‘Look, why would we want to cannibalize? If we came out with an iPhone 6C, we would essentially cannibalize a price-reduced iPhone 6.'”
Of course, it’s entirely possible that Arcuri is wrong, or that Apple may launch a smaller iPhone 6C in the future, even if it doesn’t include one in the new lineup this year. A recent leaked image of what appears to be a smaller 1,715mAh battery that could have been for the iPhone 6C recently appeared on Nowhereelse.fr, a site with a good track record with Apple products.
In July, Jefferies analyst Ange Wu wrote in advice to clients that Foxconn — a major Apple supplier — had won the contract to build at least half of the total number of iPhone 6C bodies for Apple, and that they would be made of metal. The original iPhone 5C came only in plastic, and so far, leaked images supposedly of the iPhone 6C have also shown a device that has a plastic body.
The report also hints at the iPhone 6C’s release in 2016, which fits in with an early June story from Chinese site UDN that stated manufacturer AU Optronics had been asked to produce 4-inch iPhone screens for a device that may arrive in the first quarter of 2016. The rumor doesn’t seem to have a lot of weight behind it, though, and rejects the idea that the smaller iPhone will arrive this fall with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. However, the Jefferies statement seems to back it up.
Recently, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also dismissed the idea of the return of the 4-inch iPhone in 2015. He earlier stated in a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider that Apple won’t launch the 4-inch iPhone 6C until 2016. The company’s reasoning seems to be that the iPhone 5S is still enjoying strong sales among customers, and Apple is reluctant to throw in another device to compete with those sales. He also believes that when the 6C does launch, it will support Apple Pay.
Leading on from this, when Apple itself launched a new Lightning dock for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, it was accompanied by an image of a brightly colored phone docked into it. The iPhone 5C is Apple’s most colorful phone, but this device held a secret. Looking closely at the Home button revealed a chrome surround and an absence of a square icon, giving the impression it’s a Touch ID sensor — a feature not found on the iPhone 5C.
Could this be the iPhone 6C, accidentally leaked by Apple itself? It’s possible, but it could also be a poorly constructed press render, in which we’re seeing something that doesn’t really exist. However, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is an essential part of Apple Pay, and the mobile payments system isn’t compatible with Apple phones without it. If an iPhone 6C is coming, it’ll almost certainly have Touch ID. The picture has since been removed from Apple’s site.
Before this, the first pictures of what appears to be the colorful plastic housing of the iPhone 6C leaked, and in a very similar color to the model used in Apple’s dock promo photo. The pictures were spotted by Future Supplier, a relatively unknown publication, so take a look at the pictures with a healthy dose of skepticism.
DigiTimes, which occasionally gets Apple supply chain news correct, reported that Apple will launch a 4-inch iPhone 6C along with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. The smaller iPhone is said to be powered by the A8 processor, have NFC, and sport the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Presumably, that means the iPhone 6C could use Apple Pay.
First, analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company voiced the rumor. Although he hasn’t always been right with his Apple predictions, Arcuri occasionally hits the nail on the head.
In a note to investors leaked to AppleInsider, Arcuri suggested Apple may launch an “iPhone 6S Mini” with a 4-inch screen. The device would supposedly sport similar specs to the iPhone 5S, but include a few low-cost components. This may make the device more budget friendly, making it sound like a revamped iPhone 5C. Arcuri claims the smaller iPhone will have the same, curved edge design as the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Shortly after Arcuri’s note surfaced, MyDrivers picked up a note from U.S. investment firm Zacks Equity Research, which states that Apple hopes to sell 10 million 4-inch iPhone 6S handsets in 2015. According to the firm, Apple feels “forced” to comply with customers’ desires and continue selling 4-inch iPhones. The smallest iPhone 6S is also expected to cost less than the two larger phones, making it more appealing to those who want a mid-range phone.
However, supply chain sources told the Chinese media that they haven’t heard any news of a 4-inch form factor.
Components leak, as production of record-number iPhones starts
It seems that Apple is ramping up production for the Phone 6S and 6S Plus, based on a few reports. Although things have been going relatively smoothly for Apple, noted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that production for the iPhone 6S may be delayed by 1-2 weeks. Luckily, the delay shouldn’t affect Apple’s launch plans, Kuo said, thanks to overtime work and the devotion of more supply chains to the upcoming iPhone.
Several leaked pictures of components were spotted by Nowhereelse.fr in late July. The leak includes pictures of the single flex cable for the volume rocker, mute switch, power button, and LED flash, as well as the Lightning connector and headphone jack, camera rings, and the home button.
In early June, sources familiar with Apple’s plans told The Wall Street Journal that Apple placed orders for as many as 85 to 90 million iPhone 6S units, which are expected to ship by the end of 2015. In contrast just 70-80 million iPhone 6 orders were placed initially, a misjudgment of demand that resulted in delayed shipments to customers. The reported increase in iPhone production could have been made in response to the high demand Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus saw in 2014.
Foxconn is reportedly recruiting more workers, and Apple may even take on help from more factories, including Wistron Corp. Large-scale production has already begun, the sources say.
Same design, but a fourth color is coming
Apple doesn’t typically shake up iPhone design too much with S releases, and most agree that this year’s changes will be minimal. Now, we’ve seen the first leaked images of the casing of both the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus.
The 6S Plus photos leaked in mid July on a site called Future Supplier. The photos show a casing that looks much like the current iPhone 6 Plus’ aluminum body, but the site notes a few changes, such as the speaker and the quality of the aluminum, which it claims is sturdier. According to 9to5Mac, it’s the same 7000 series aluminum used in the Apple Watch Sport — Apple says the alloy’s 60 percent stronger than standard mixes.
The first pictures of what appears to be the aluminum casing for the iPhone 6S leaked on the last day of June. The images show little to no changes in the iPhone 6S’s design, either.
It’s been a few years since Apple added the champagne gold color option to its iPhone lineup, and now The Wall Street Journal’s sources say the next iPhone will come in four color options, but would not say which color would be added to the lineup.
Earlier on, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple will add a new color this year. The iPhone 6S will come in rose gold too, Kuo claims, bringing the color options up to four. It’s unknown whether the new option will be real gold like the Apple Watch Edition — with a price tag to match — or simply mimic the color of the precious metal, reports AppleInsider.
Some reports do hint at a slightly thicker body for the iPhone 6S, but the difference is a mere 0.2mm, according to a leaked schematic from Engadget Japan. The increased thickness could be due to the new aluminum that was previously rumored to cover the iPhone 6S or the Force Touch taptic engine. Otherwise, the schematic shows a pretty similar-looking design to today’s iPhone 6.
Remember the #Bendgate scandal that plagued the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus for months after the phone’s release? So does Apple, and apparently, the company want to ensure that it never happens again. As such, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus may be made out of the same extra-strength aluminum alloy that Apple used on its Watch, Taiwan Daily Economic News reports.
The series 7000 alloy includes specific amounts of zinc and magnesium to make the aluminum 60 percent stronger, while also ensuring that the device stays super light. Given how much Apple emphasized the impressive qualities of the new alloy during its Apple Watch event, it seems likely that the new aluminum will end up on more devices in the near future.
A Full HD resolution for the iPhone 6S and 2K for the 6S Plus
The iPhone 6 currently has a 1,334 × 750 pixel resolution and the iPhone 6 Plus has a Full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Now, a report from Asian site Feng says that the iPhone 6S will sport a Full HD resolution, while the iPhone 6S Plus will jump up to a 2K resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.
It’s not a huge difference, but the bump up in resolution would match the iPhone 6S Plus with competitors like the LG G4 and Samsung Galaxy S6. The iPhone 6S, meanwhile, would be on par with the HTC One M9, in terms of resolution. Of course, the higher resolution screens could drain the battery faster, so Apple will need to compensate in that area.
iOS 9 will spruce up the iPhone 6S
In late may, sources told 9to5Mac that iOS 9 will bring a slew of cool new features to iPhones and iPads, including the upcoming iPhone 6S. Among the new features are Force Touch, a revamped keyboard, iMessage improvements, and Apple Pay for Canadian users. We have a rumor roundup on iOS 9, and we’ll bring you all the news from Apple’s developer conference, which is to occur in June 8-12.
The 6S may have the A9 chip and 2GB RAM
Despite their previous quarrels, Apple and Samsung will reportedly work together on the A9 processor, which will arrive on the iPhone 6S. Samsung reportedly started production on the A9 processor in mid-December, based on reports from Korea’s ET News. The chip will be manufactured using 14nm FinFET technology, which should use 35 percent less energy and offer 20 percent more power. The A9 chip may also be 15 percent smaller than 20nm processors, thanks to the 14nm technology, and that means more space for battery packs and other components.
Additionally, the Taiwanese media hints that Apple may finally boost the RAM on the iPhone 6S. The next-generation iPhone may pack as much as 2GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which doubles the devices’ bandwidth, but consumes very little power. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo later stoked the fire with a report that the iPhone 6S will be powered by 2GB of RAM. In late June, Chinese site Sogi claimed that the phone will have 2GB of RAM, too. An August report from 9to5Mac also mentioned the 2GB RAM spec and the A9 processor.
Apple will take Touch ID up a notch
Apple Pay has revitalized the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the iPhone’s home button. Now, high-profile Apple predictions guru Ming-Chi Kuo, who works as a KGI Securities analyst, says the iPhone 6S will sport a far superior fingerprint scanner. He’s repeated the claim multiple times.
Apple’s latest Touch ID module will reportedly “offer a better and safer Apple Pay user experience by reducing reading errors.” Kuo also predicts that the new sensor will head into production in the second quarter of 2015. He warned against unrealistic expectations for Touch ID’s placement on the next iPhone, adding that it will remain embedded in the home button.
“Though Apple has filed patents for the integration of Touch ID and touch panel, this isn’t likely to bear fruit near term as complex algorithms and sapphire cover lens are also required,” Kuo cautioned in a note to investors spotted by Apple Insider. “We therefore don’t see any impact on supply chain momentum.”
Kuo has a pretty solid record of predicting Apple’s moves accurately, so a new and improved Touch ID sensor is a very real possibility.
We’ll keep updating this post with more iPhone 6S news, so stay tuned.
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Next page: Our full update log
Previous Updates:
Updated on 10-09-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added a list of the new countries in which the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will go on sale as of October 9 and 10.
Updated on 09-02-2015 by Kyle Wiggers: Added rumor about stronger aluminum in the iPhone 6.
Updated on 08-27-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added Apple’s official announcement of a September 9 event.
Updated on 08-25-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added a leaked video which allegedly shows the iPhone 6S booting up, as well as leaked pictures of the logic board, which appear to confirm several rumored specs.
Updated on 08-17-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added rumors about Apple extending its Apple Care warranty to customers who buy iPhones at BestBuy on September 14, which may indicate the day that Apple starts selling the iPhone 6S in stores.
Updated on 08-11-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added news about Force Touch functions, 2GB of RAM, 4K video recording, and reports that the iPhone 6C will launch with the 6S and 6S Plus. Go to the Force Touch, Processor and RAM, iPhone 6C, and Upgraded cameras sections for more
Updated on 08-10-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added news that iPhone 6S may launch on September 9.
Updated on 08-07-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added news that iPhone 6S production may be delayed by 1-2 weeks, but the projected launch date plans aren’t likely to change.
Updated on 08-04-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added news that the iPhone 6C may launch in 2016, based on supply chain sources familiar with Apple’s processor needs.
Updated on 07-30-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added leaked pics of several iPhone 6S components, including the single flex cable for the volume rocker, mute switch, power button, and LED flash, as well as the Lightning connector and headphone jack, camera rings, and the home button.
Updated on 07-27-2015 by Malarie Gokey: We’ve added a new report that the 4-inch iPhone 6C has been scrapped, and a picture of what may be the iPhone 6C’s battery pack.
Updated on 07-21-2015 by Joshua Smith: We’ve added a video rounding up some of the biggest rumors about the iPhone 6S! Check it out.
Updated on 07-17-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added leaked photos of alleged iPhone 6S Plus casing.
Updated on 07-08-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added report from The Wall Street Journal that hints at record iPhone production numbers, Force Touch, and a new color option.
Updated on 07-06-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added rumor of an unlikely September 11 launch date and September 18 release date in stores. Also added in leaked schematic of what could be the iPhone 6S, which hints at a 0.2mm increase in thickness.
Updated on 07-02-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added in leaked document from Foxconn that details the camera’s specs, which include a 12-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and more. Also added leaked photos of iPhone 6S casing and new rumors of 2GB of RAM.
Updated on 07-01-2015 by Andy Boxall: Added in analyst predictions the iPhone 6C will have a metal chassis.
Updated on 06-29-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added report from Bloomberg that iPhones with the same Force Touch feature found on the Apple Watch are now in production.
Updated on 06-08-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news of a possible September 18 preorder date for the iPhone 6S and a September 25 in-store availability date for the device.
Updated on 06-03-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news of the iPhone 6S getting a Full HD resolution, the 6S Plus getting a 2K resolution, and the 4-inch iPhone arriving this year.
Updated on 05-26-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news of the iPhone 6S possibly getting a RGBW, 12-megapixel camera sensor and more news on Force Touch and iOS 9.
Updated on 05-22-2015 by Andy Boxall: Added leaked image that may show an iPhone 5C with a Touch ID sensor, that could be evidence of an iPhone 6C model.
Updated on 05-18-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that the iPhone 6S may launch earlier than expected in August.
Updated on 05-15-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that the iPhone 6S may have a 12-megapixel camera.
Updated on 04-22-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that the 4-inch iPhone 6C may not arrive until 2016.
Updated on 04-17-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that the same special aluminum alloy used to make the Apple Watch may be used to make the iPhone 6S.
Updated on 04-02-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that Force Touch may be included on the iPhone 6S Plus
Updated on 03-30-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added first leaked pictures of what may be the housing of a 4-inch iPhone 6C.
Updated on 03-26-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added new rumors that Apple may release a 4-inch iPhone.
Updated on 02-10-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that Apple may improve Touch ID.
Updated on 02-09-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that Apple may keep the 8-megapixel camera.
Updated on 1-15-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news that Apple may boost the RAM in the iPhone 6S.
Updated on 1-13-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added news of a 3D pressure sensor, dual camera lens, and 4-inch size for the iPhone 6S.
Updated on 1-02-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added yet another rumor that Apple will sell an iPhone 6S Mini with a 4-inch screen.
Updated on 12-23-2014 by Malarie Gokey: Added a rumor that Apple will sell an iPhone 6S Mini with a 4-inch screen.
Updated on 12-12-2014 by Malarie Gokey: Added a new report from Korea, saying Samsung has started producing the A9 processor.
Updated on 12-11-2014 by Malarie Gokey: Added a new report from China on the iPhone 6S’s production schedule and possible release date.
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