The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are only a few months old, but reports are now flying in about Apple’s next-generation iPhones
The Apple iPhone. Everyone knows what it is, the brand is huge and for many the very word "iPhone" is synonymous with smartphone. It was the first touchscreen phone design to truly capture the public imagination and introduce the world to the wonders of what a truckload of apps can do for your daily life. For a long time now, the iPhone has been a pretty dominant force in the mobile market to say the very least.
To say that it utterly rules the space, however, would be disingenuous. There are other forces at play and they have only become stronger and more prominent over time. Apple's rivals, such as Samsung, LG, HTC, and Sony, have really stepped up their game, offering increasingly appealing flagship products. Many of these have in fact been good enough to tempt former Apple fans away from the joys of iOS and into the wild open territory of Google's Android platform.
Still, even in the face of stiff competition, the iPhone attracts a lot of attention, with millions of eager fans rabidly anticipating each and every launch taking place pretty much every September like clockwork. The frenzy is assisted of course by an increasingly detailed and mostly accurate rumour mill, propped up by a complex network of analysts, contacts and sources inside the Asian supply and manufacturing network that produces pretty much every major smart device.
The competition really has reached fever pitch over the late 2014-to-mid-2015 launch schedule. Apple saw public demand for a re-designed iPhone flagship with faster performance, better camera capabilities, but most crucially of all; a larger display panel. Not only did it meet the demand for an enlarged flagship with the iPhone 6, but it also finally decided to cater to the increasingly popular phablet market with the iPhone 6 Plus - these are two of the biggest smartphones Apple has ever produced following years of sticking to a size that has now become associated with the "Mini" or "Compact" sector of the market.
Then Samsung, HTC, and most recently LG, have all hit back with their own revamped flagship devices. HTC aimed a bit too low and has offered something too similar to last year's model to capture consumer enthusiasm. Samsung and LG, on the other hand, really did come out swinging with some extremely capable hardware and a couple of fantastic new-look designs.
NO MORE BENDGATE!?
Everybody remembers the stories about iPhone 6 Plus units bending. Hell, it even got its own nickname in the form of “bendgate”… However, new reports are now claiming that in order to combat this ever happening again Apple will use super strong metals for its next generation iPhones.
Catcher Technologies CEO chairman Allen Horng, during a media briefing after the company’s shareholders’ meeting, hinted that newer, stronger materials would be used to create the chassis of Apple’s next iPhones.
“Horng said that in the first five months of the year,” notes BGR, “Catcher’s sales were up 64.05% from last year, but revenue this quarter will be flat compared to the second quarter. Furthermore, he added that sales in the fourth quarter will pick up significantly due to major orders from big smartphone clients. In other words, Catcher’s revenue and outlook closely mirror Apple’s iPhone sales cycle.”
If there's one thing you can say about the mobile market it's that it never really stands still. Now we're in June, halfway through the year, and closer to the launch of the next iPhone in September than the previous launch (which still seems very fresh) the same time last year.
Like all other major manufacturers, Apple operates on a tight schedule. There's always a successor model in the works, and the next iPhone, be it iPhone 6s or iPhone 7, will have certainly been under development for a while now. The firm does sometimes switch things up a bit, but for now we've every reason to believe it'll stick to the same pattern and launch another set of iPhones in September 2015.
We've also now seen Apple host its WWDC 2015 conference where the new build of iOS; iOS 9, has been showcased, along with a bunch of new features. The time between now and September is a chance for developers to create new content, find bugs and offer feedback, so that Apple can get iOS 9 well and truly polished for the next iPhone's arrival.
Did Apple Just LEAK The iPhone 6c!?
Naturally the rumour mill has already churned into action and there's a lot of information flying around about what we can expect to see this Autumn. It'll be interesting to see what Apple does next though, historically after big landmark launches the next generation is incremental (think iPhone 5 to iPhone 5S - the "S" series is always the lesser advancement).
iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 Release Date
Apple’s iPhone 6s and, we presume, iPhone 6s Plus will go on sale in the UK on September 25, according to a leaked email seen by Mobile News.
According to the source, the “new iPhone” as it is referred to in the memo will go on pre-order on September 18, with a release date pegged for September 25.
“Vodafone has told internal staff the next Apple iPhone handset will be released on September 25,” said the report. “In an email to staff seen by Mobile News, the operator outlined pre-launch information, including that the operator will begin taking pre-orders for the device from September 18.”
The name of the handset was not revealed, however. The handset was simply referred to as “the new iPhone”, meaning it could be either the iPhone 6s or, as some reports have suggested, the iPhone 7.
Upgrades are expected to include the “biggest camera jump ever”, according to blogger John Gruber, who describes a "weird two-lens system where the back camera uses two lenses and it somehow takes it up into DSLR quality imagery.”.
Wireless charging, or some kind of Apple-style wireless charging, is expected. Ditto for Force Touch Glass on the display. The handsets will apparently run on Apple’s new, Samsung-made A9 chipset will is shaping up to be a 14nm setup and should deliver some rather insane processing grunt, especially if combined with more RAM.
Sources close to Apple have confirmed the iPhone 6s/iPhone 7 will look pretty much identical to the iPhone 6, according to 9to5Mac’s Mark Gurman. One of the key differences Apple is apparently keen to push is the inclusion of Force Touch.
“To go with the new hardware, Apple has designed iOS 9 to be Force Touch-ready and is working to let developers integrate Force Touch into App Store apps. Force Touch on the iPhone will be used to clear up some control space across the system, and potentially replace some long press-and-hold button interactions,” noted Gurman’s report.
iPhone 6s/iPhone 7 users will be able to use Force Touch Maps to drop new pins inside Maps, inside media players for pressure-sensitive scrolling, and inside the Calendar application for adding new events, as well as across iOS 9 for quickly looking up word definitions.
EVERYTHING You Need To Know About iOS 8 & OS X Yosemite
As part of our iPhone coverage we’ve put together a bunch of user guides about iOS and OS X Yosemite and how they work together, as well as some of their respective unique features. Both updates feature a HELL of a lot of new features, tweaks and optimisations so finding your way around them can be a smidge daunting –– hence the user guides.
You can check them out in their entirety below. Also, we will be adding to each of them on a weekly basis in order to bring you fullest possible view of iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite.
Eminent Apple Analyst Predicts 11 Key Features of iPhone 6s/iPhone 7
The Ultimate Guide To The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus –– iOS 8 Explored and Detailed
The Ultimate Guide To OS X Yosemite –– EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Apple's HUGE New Update
With the next 12 months more or less secure for Apple, we turn to what's next in store for the biggest smartphone maker in the world. And of course, we already know, it'll be up to its usual tricks in September 2015. The company has established a habit of launching one or two handsets every year, and they're always planned well in advance, so we knew at least an iPhone 6S was coming and it's not too surprising the rumours have started already –– truth be told, if anything they're a little late, as we were already hearing about the iPhone 6 before the iPhone 5S even launched. What's interesting, however, is we're also hearing talk of an iPhone 7.
As it stands at present there are two schools of thought about Apple’s plans for its iPhone line in 2015: on the one hand there’s the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus and this would fit in with the company’s previous tick-tock style upgrade process, whereby BIG changes are saved for tick-cycles and smaller, incremental tweaks for tock-cycles. However, there are plenty of rumours about Apple ditching this approach entirely and moving straight to the iPhone 7. And the reason is pretty much what you’d expect: Apple is worried people are getting wise to its ways and is concerned too many users would wait for the iPhone 7 should the 6s launch in 2015, a potential scenario that could hurt growth for the year.
And this is NOT something Apple will want. Not after the successes of 2015.
So, without further ado, let's have a look at what the rumour mill says Apple has in store for us in 2015, shall we?
Apple Oracle Ming-Chi Kuo Spills The Beans
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has become something of a legend in the mobile tech industry. The man's extensive network of insider contacts within the Asian production and supply network means he has produced some of the most accurate predictions for pretty much every Apple device ever released. In other words, when he speaks, it pays to listen.
The latest truths to come from his lips have been reported by UDN and Tech News, and reveal that once again Apple will launch two iPhones in 2015. These are a 4.7in iPhone 6s and a 5.5in iPhone 6s Plus, with both entering volume production in the middle of August.
“For starters, the new iPhone 6s will come with Force Touch-ready displays, meaning that an extra layer of sensors have to be placed on the display so the devices can tell the difference between standard and firm touches,” reports BGR. “KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo says the new phones will be 0.2mm thicker than the iPhone 6 because of that Force Touch display, according to Japanese Apple fan blog Macotakara.”
Alleged features include a speedier Apple A9 processor with 2GB of LPDDR4 RAM, an upgraded 12MP camera module and a rose gold colour option. The phones will also feature Apple's Force Touch pressure-sensitive gesture control input just like the Apple Watch. Touch ID is also getting a revamped fingerprint scanner to make it even quicker.
On top of all this, it's claimed Apple will be putting a lot of effort into its build quality and manufacturing to prevent another Bendgate or similar. The iPhone 6s Plus will also have improved Sapphire Glass displays to make them even more robust.
"Apple typically rolls out a major upgrade to its iPhone lineup every other year, and then fills in the gap with a more incremental upgrade during the in-between years. So the iPhone 5 came out in 2012, followed by the iPhone 5S in 2013 and theiPhone 6 and 6 Plus in 2015. The "S" models usually enhance the processor and a few other components and add one or two new features but not much more. However, Apple continues to face tough competition from the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S series and Android phones in general, which often sport major upgrades on an annual basis. Apple's iPhone 6 and 6 Plus regained lost market share and customers by offering bigger screens. But if Apple wants to continue that trend, then the iPhone 6S needs to be more than just an incremental upgrade, which could happen, according to Kuo's crystal ball," reports CNET.
An iPhone 6c Too?
Well this is unexpected. For several months now we've been seeing a trickle of information about the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7, expected for launch towards the end of 2015, however, it now seems Apple may have a third handset in development –– a successor to the plastic iPhone 5c!
More recently, reports from the oft-unreliable DigiTimes are now claiming Apple will release three handsets in 2015 in the form of the iPhone 6s, the iPhone 6s Plus and –– this is where it gets interesting –– the iPhone 6c, which is rumoured to be a cheaper option with a 4in display aimed at picking up where the original iPhone 5c left off.
“Industry sources are reportedly referring to Apple's supposed next-generation 4-inch device as the iPhone 6C,” says Apple Insider, “a take on the low-end, polycarbonate-bodied iPhone 5c that debuted in 2013. As an entry-level product, the 6C is rumoured to run on current generation A8 system-on-chip silicon, while the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones will run an unannounced A9 chip.”
This is kind of understandable, though, as the iPhone 5c did prove very popular with a lot of users; you see the colourful handsets everywhere when walking around London. A lot this boils down to people liking the colour options, as it gives their iPhone something of an individual look –– you don’t see that many blue ones for instance, although pink and white seem to be very popular.
Following the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the iPhone 5c was not axed, as many presumed it would be, but was instead relegated to a replacement for the iPhone 5 as the base model in Apple's catalogue.
According to the rumour mill (DigiTimes), Apple is planning a 4in display size for its next plastic fantastic iPhone, together with NFC and TouchID, meaning it is getting the functionality of its more premium brethren.
“Industry sources are reportedly referring to Apple's supposed next-generation 4-inch device as the iPhone 6C,” says Apple Insider, “a take on the low-end, polycarbonate-bodied iPhone 5c that debuted in 2013. As an entry-level product, the 6C is rumoured to run on current generation A8 system-on-chip silicon, while the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones will run an unannounced A9 chip.”
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A handset said to be the iPhone 6c has apparently been accidentally leaked online by Apple. The handset in question looks A LOT like the iPhone 5c, as you can see above. The only real difference we can see is that THIS handset features TouchID, a feature sorely missing from the iPhone 5c.
The case for the iPhone 6c is strong, even if just from a financial perspective; Apple sold 24 million units of the iPhone 5c, a HUGE amount of devices considering this handset has been consistently labelled a failure –– can you imagine the HTC One M8 Mini selling in that volume!? Nope, neither can we.
iPhone 7 Display
Apple’s next iPhone will adopt a new type of display technology called Force Touch. Apple developed this display technology for its Apple Watch but is said to be keen on bringing it to future iPhones, starting with 2015’s models. Apple’s new MacBook uses the technology in its touchpad and can, according to Apple, differentiate between a light, soft and heavy touch - different levels of pressure can be assigned to different functions, so essentially this gives more options than the conventional tap and long press options. The advent of this type of technology inside the iPhone could completely change the way millions of people interact with the device on a daily basis.
According to information from Economic Daily News (Taiwan), Apple has plans for a "3D touch technology" utilising touch sensors from Avago Tech (a company Nintendo used for the Wii consoles).
The translation is a little fuzzy, but the report indicates that Apple owns a patent which can "simultaneously identify multiple fingerprint recognition technology panels," plus there's mention of "gesture control technology."
It's implied that Apple may be trying to do away with the Home key and transferring its functions into the display surround - just like the Apple Watch. The only thing this doesn't solve is the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, but Apple already has a patent in place for putting fingerprint scanners underneath the display glass.
As for other details about the new iPhones — we'll see two new models again, according to the Wall Street Journal — Apple won't change the display sizes, while the resolution will stay “similar” –– meaning 1080p panels, not QHD.
iPhone 7 Camera: Major Updates Planned
A report from Phone Arena, citing sources in Apple's supply chain, points to a series of key updates to Apple’s camera technology. The iPhone 6 setup was impressive, but what Apple has in store for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 looks to seriously up the ante, as you can see from the below extract.
"What will eventually be new, though, is a thoroughly redesigned camera module, with dual lens design, perhaps similar to the HTC One (M8) or Huawei's Honor 6 Plus units, a shot at a "zoom function," and sensor capable of soaking in more light. An optical zoom part is hard to believe, despite phones like the ZenFone Zoom that were just revealed at the CES expo, since it will require protruding lens. There are some periscope-style optical zoom designs, but the bodies of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are so thin, we doubt Apple can fit anything like that inside. On the other hand, there are lossless zoom options, and alternative approaches to optical zoom, though we don't know how close these are to mass production. We'll see whether this pans out at all."
There is cause for concern, however, as reports from Asia suggest Apple may keep the same 8MP sensor inside its upcoming new iPhone release. “Analyst Jeff Pu recently discussed the financial situation of Largan Precision Co. – Apple’s major camera lens supplier. Pu forecasts that, this year, Largan faces limited growth because the industry is transiting to higher-res cameras too slowly,” reports G For Games. “As for the iPhone 6S, Jeff Pu speculates that because the smartphone will not push a larger than 8 MP camera to the market, Largan Precision Co. will have a difficult time increasing its stock price in H2 2015.”
Apple has apparently bought Israeli imaging firm LinX, a company which builds small, phone-sized camera units that can deliver DLSR-like image quality. According to the WSJ, neither Apple nor LinX is confirming the buyout, though Apple did give its usual response that it sometimes acquire small companies and is not compelled to let the public know.
“It's not clear how and when Apple will incorporate LinX's technology into its devices,” reports MacRumors, “but it's possible we could see these types of camera improvements as soon as this year. Rumors have suggested Apple is looking into a major camera boost for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, with new technology that could produce SLR quality images, and LinX's multi-aperture lens systems could potentially accomplish that feat.”
iPhone 7 Specs: A9 Chipset & 2GB of RAM
Samsung semiconductor head Kim Ki-nam has now confirmed Samsung will be providing 14-nanometer processors to Apple for use inside its 2015 iPhones and iPads. Ki-nam confirmed this victory would have a HUGE affect on Samsung's bottom line in 2015. Samsung's technological progress with its 14-nanometer process, an area it has invested heavily in, swung the pendulum away from TSMC and back in of favour of Samsung.
“The balance of power has shifted back to Samsung,” reports RE/Code, “thanks to its advanced fabrication technology. That same advantage is said to be putting pressure on Qualcomm, which has been the biggest maker of chips in high-end phones. Owing in part to its own manufacturing edge, Samsung is expected to use its Exynos processors in forthcoming handsets instead of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810, which is made in TSMC’s factories.”
Samsung has invested a HUGE sum on money into its display and semiconductor businesses, a reported sum of $21.4 billion. All of this was done to ensure Samsung remains in growth and profitable for 2015/16 and beyond. Dr. Kinam Kim, president and general manager of the semiconductor business of Samsung, told press Samsung’s profits would improve dramatically in 2015 with the addition of Apple’s 14nm A9 chipset for its upcoming iPhone 7.
“Samsung LSI hasn’t directly confirmed Apple as its 14nm customer. But the company sounded confident about 14nm FinFET ramp in the second half of this year during its Q4 2014 earnings call,” said Strategy Analytics analyst Sravan Kundojjala. “Samsung LSI is looking to regain share in applications processors with the help of 14nm FinFET chips after seeing a steady share decline in its AP shipments over the past few years.”
A report via Apple Insider cites an anonymous “person familiar with Apple's future product plans, who has provided reliable information in the past.” The source alleges that Apple’s iPhone 6s will ship with 2GB of RAM onboard. Of course we’ve heard similar talk ahead of the last few iPhone launches and it hasn’t come to pass. As Apple Insider points out; the iPhone has stuck with 1GB of RAM since the iPhone 5 launched in 2012.
“System-in-Package (SiP) modules similar to what’s inside the Apple Watch will also be found in the iPhone 6s, with local suppliers supposed to start iPhone 6s SiP production this month,” reports BGR. “The internal S1 System-in-Package (SiP), which contains most of the components needed to make the Watch tick, is one of the most interesting things about Apple’s wearable device. The S1 includes a custom ARM processor, RAM, storage, NFC radio controller, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, touchscreen controllers and other components.”
But this isn’t all –– the package is also encased inside resin, meaning it is fully protected from water and the like. Analysts believe this level of integration could help Apple improve the iPhone 6s’ battery life over last year’s model without using a bigger battery cell. The iPhone 6 Plus already has an impressive battery life, so it’d be very interesting to see just how much this kind of development made to its overall performance.
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iPhone 7: BIG TouchID Updates Planned
Apple will radically update its TouchID mechanism aboard the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI Securities, projects that Touch ID module shipments will grow 12.4 percent this year to 262 million total, reports Apple Insider.
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The new module will apparently “offer a better and safer Apple Pay user experience by reducing reading errors.” Kuo reckons companies in Apple’s supply-chain will begin ramping up for production during Q2 2015 ahead of Apple’s usual late-Q3 launch and release pattern.
“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 added “We therefore don't see any impact on supply chain momentum.”
Source: www.knowyourmobile.com
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