Latest iPhone 6 release date, specs and price rumors
Catch up on everything you need to know about Apple's upcoming iPhone 6
Apple's iPhone 6 isn't official yet, but that hasn't slowed the mobile rumor mill at all. If anything, those gossip gears are turning faster than ever with speculation of pricing, features and potential release dates. Here's what we've heard so far.
iPhone 6 features
Apple's iPhone 6 will likely remain true to the key features iOS owners have come to love (and are heavily addicted to). But aside from the usuals, we could see some notable new hardware features. First, there's a ton of talk that the homescreen button could be wider. If does indeed take on a new oblong shape, it would be touch-capacitive, allowing users to switch back and forth between applications with a simple swipe.
If the iPhone 6 ends up sporting a cheaper price tag (see below), it would probably nix the aluminum casing to save on costs. Instead, we'd likely see some kind of smooth plastic material in its place (not unlike that of cheaper Android-based smartphones). On top of that, we could see several different color options this time around. Traditionally, Apple offers its signature white and black models. However, recent rumors suggest that the iPhone 6 could bring out a regular rainbow of choices.
But wait, the laundry list of possible iPhone 6 choices doesn't stop with colors. Apple is expected to offer different sizes, too. Buyers could have the choice of a modest 4-inch version and something around 3.5, as well. We also recently heard crazy talk about an "iPhablet," to compete with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy Note -- but we're gonna leave that one to rest for the moment, as it just sounds a big far fetched (especially when we heard it would be called the iPhone Math).
An iPhone 6 concept by artists Arthur Reis has suggested the iPhone 6 will feature a totally new design, which, at 6.1mm thick, measures 20 percent thinner than the current iPhone. Other features are said to include an iSight Pro camera with 12MP and f/1.8 aperture. And then there's the newly designed Home button, which uses a touch-sensitive panel along the bottom of the screen.
The Apple iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will reportedly not use Samsung to make the processor, according to a new report.
The rumor comes via International Business Times and it said that Apple will be using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TMSC) to provide the brains behind its future smartphones.
Apple's iPhone 6 could feature a wrap-around display, recent rumors suggest. Newly discovered patent applications from the Cupertino, Calif. company indicate that it is exploring new battery technologyand manufacturing techniques to build the biggest iPhone we've seen yet. The screen is said to measure roughly 4.8 inches.
The concept pictures, by SimplyZesty, feature a whole new home screen interface, plus a notifications bar, similar to that on Android.
A plastic iPhone 6 render has appeared online in a full video.Check it out below.
And here's that full story:
Check out all the renders and concepts that have appeared online so far here:
A crazy concept picture of the iPhone 6 has appeared online, showing off a projector keyboard and integrated stand. Video creator Sonitdac takes Apple's rumored iPhone 6 to a whole new level with a projected Mac keyboard and desktop. Check it out in the video below:
iPhone 6 pricing
Pricing for Apple's iPhone 6 could end up being the biggest differing factor from its predecessors. Several reports (read: rumors) suggest that Apple will make the iPhone 6 its cheapest handset yet. Industry watchers believe that Apple's upcoming iPhone could be as much as $300 cheaper than Samsung's S4.
While it may sound unlikely that Apple would ever slap such a low price tag on a brand new product (especially one so coveted), it's not totally unfounded. The iOS maker recently lost the firm grip it once had on smartphone sales, losing out on buyers who clearly opted for more budget-friendly Android-based devices (like those from Samsung's Galaxy lineup).
iPhone 6 release date
The iPhone 6 release date is perhaps the most debatable aspect for the moment. We've heard strong opinions on two wildly different times. Some are certain the iPhone 6 will launch this spring, while others are dead sure we won't see it until fall. There's also been talk of a possible summer release date.
There's no telling for certain which camp is correct, but given that we're already into February here, we can probably rule out spring. Then again, Apple has been more liberal with launching its mobile products since the iPad 4 launch, and then the 128GB iPad 4 follow up. So it is a possibility, but a slim one. Summer and fall are both far likelier options for an iPhone 6 release.
Based on rumors coming from parts supply chains,the iPhone 5S/iPhone 6 could end up back with a fall launch since reports say production would begin around July.
Rumors say iPad mini 2 units are going to be delayed, but all the while iPhone 6 production is set to get under way.
The iPhone 6 will launch instead of the iPhone 5S, according to some recently uncovered evidence.
A photo, which was sent to British site Stuff, appears to show an entry on Vodafone’s EPOS system detailing a 4G iPhone 6, implying that the carrier is expecting stock of the device in the very near future, or at the very least, that stock has been ordered and promised.
This is also supported by another source, too. According to Australian publication International Business Times, Apple has decided to completely forego the iPhone 5S, and will release its updated iPhone 6 this summer, with the suggestion that the device will drop around July.
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