The nearer we get to the launch of each new iPhone, the velocity and accuracy of rumors about it also increase. This doesn't mean all the claims are true, but here are some relatively credible details we heard in the last week or so.
Like an iPad mini
Macworld UK cites its own source who claims the new iPhone 6 "looks more like a small iPad mini than an iPhone 5S." This is because it features an edge-to-edge display, which should maximize available display space. This report also claims iPhone 6 will have rounded edges like the iPad mini. The result? You'll have a great display without any additional bulk.
Also read: All the Apple iPhone 6 rumors you need to know
Reveal Sept. 9, ships Sept. 19
This week we heard Apple will announce its new iPhone at a special event on Sept. 9. The device(s) will hit stores soon after that, on Sept. 19. There have been some claims that Apple may also introduce a 5.5-in. model, but this won't hit stores until October. Wait and see.
Recess
There's always a flurry of images claiming to depict iPhone components. One of this week's most popular sets tells us to expect recessed volume buttons and a scratch-resistant Apple logo. In conjunction with continued claims (and counter claims) of sapphire-based displays, these things should be rock-solid.
NFC?
NFC may have failed to achieve traction in some of its anticipated use scenarios, but it remains a fairly good solution for contactless payment systems. With this in mind, VentureBeat has claimed iPhone 6 will carry an NFC chip made by NXP. This is designed to support future payment services.
A8 chip
The 2.0 GHz A8 dual processor chip will be far more capable of graphics intensive tasks (the A7 processor is a 1.3GHz-per-core chip). These significantly faster phones are also expected to support Wi-Fi 802.11ac
Better LTE
A report claims the new device will offer much improved LTE support delivering a theoretical maximum transfer of 300 megabits per second. This will be particularly useful as carriers switch to voice over LTE, as they will be doing over the next 12-months or so.
TouchID
Apple has been working to improve TouchID. Not only is this likely to debut on next-generation iPads, but the next iteration of the tech should offer faster read times and be more accurate/reliable. That's no great surprise -- this feature will underpin new payment services.
Battery -- with added life
There are claims the new model will host a 2,100mAh battery, that's a significant improvement on the 1,560mAh battery inside the current model. Apple's control of both hardware and operating system enable its devices to use power efficiently. Just try to figure out which apps are power hogs (Facebook).
Lenses
I'm just putting this one out there. I love the Optrix PhotoProX lens system for iPhones, as it lets you use a range of additional lenses for better images. Apple has a patent for a similar system. This week we were told the lens on the iPhone 6 protrudes slightly from the body -- might Apple or others offer lens kits designed to fit securely around this?
Big storage
A report on Feng.com cited "sources in Apple's supply chain" who claimed the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will ship with 128GB of storage.
iPad mini
A 9to5Mac report points out that new iPad models are also imminent. I'm proposing these will include the new A8 processors and TouchID.
Also read:
- All the Apple iPhone 6 rumors you need to know
- How to get ready for iPhone 6 and iOS 8
- Get ready for iPhone 6–sell your handset today
- Apple steals your wallet with future iPhone
- 15 more iOS 8 features we learned this week
- Yet more iOS 8 secrets Apple isn't talking about
- WWDC: 18 iOS, Yosemite details you probably missed
- Apple sets iPhone 6 special event September 9, claims Recode
- Apple hires Swiss luxury precision for iWatch team
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