Apple is planning an iPhone 6. The iPhone is too successful to think the company will stop with the iPhone 5S we expect this year. There’s even word that Steve Jobs left instructions for the iPhone 6 before he passed away, making it possibly the last iPhone he played a role in.
While the iPhone 5S is a short-term prize, the latest iPhone 6 rumors point to a phone that will be well worth the wait for iPhone users, even those looking longingly at the larger screens of the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4.
When we talk about the iPhone 6, we are talking specifically about the iPhone for 2014. Even if Apple surprises us and announces a device called the iPhone 6 later this year, these rumors are about an iPhone that is at least one more model out. The iPhone 5S is going name for the next iPhone. This is based on Apple’s naming system of releasing a smaller upgrade every other year with an S name.
One iPhone 6 concept from Arthur Reis, showing a waterproof iPhone 6 with no home button and a stronger finish
iPhone 6 rumors give hope for a radically different iPhone, much the same way that rumors of a Jony Ive iOS 7 makeover offer the promise of exciting new software later this year. Here are the biggest iPhone 6 rumors to date, described in more detail below.
- iPhone 6 release in 2014
- A larger display, possibly 4.8-inches
- A Retina+ HD display
- Fingerprint reader for enhanced security
- No home button, gesture controls
- Faster processor
- NFC
- Wireless charging
- Fewer Samsung parts
Nothing about the iPhone 6 is set in stone, but with what we know about Apple’s past actions, input rom analysts, leaks and Apple’s business practices, we are able to piece together a picture of what to expect from the iPhone 6.
iPhone 6 Release Date
Despite early talk of an iPhone 6 release date for late 2013, we expect the iPhone 6 in 2014 based on Apple’s actions, timing of the iPhone 5S and word from analysts.
During the most recent Apple Earnings call Tim Cook told investors and media that Apple is planning exciting products for the fall, one of which we expect is the iPhone 5S, an iPhone that looks much like the iPhone 5, but with new features.
While it is odd to see such a specific date this far out, one analyst is claiming the iPhone 6 release date is set for June 2014. Peter Misek of Jeffries tells investors, “iPhone 6 will not launch until CY14″, pointing to June specifically later in the note.
Glen Yeung, analyst with CitiGroup Capital also chimes in, stating that the iPhone 6 is more likely for 2014, and adding input that the iPhone 6 will feature a larger display.
At this point, even with talk of the iPhone 6 release in June, expect these analyst predictions to shift by as much as 3 months depending when the iPhone 5S release takes place and supply chain issues in 2014.
iPhone 6 Design & Display Rumors
The iPhone 6 will likely feature an entirely new design. Apple typically re-uses an existing design for the “S” model and then delivers something completely new for the full number release. We saw this with the iPhone 5 last year, which arrived with a new aluminum back and a larger display.
According to statements from the San Francisco District Attorney, George Gascón, the Steve Jobs reportedly influenced the iPhone 6.
The most interesting news we have about the iPhone 6 design comes from late 2012, when Misek shared news of iPhone 6 prototypes in use, telling Business Insider that there are, “several iPhone 6 prototypes appear to be floating around.”
One of these rumored iPhone 6 prototypes included a 4.8-inch display, the same size as the Samsung Galaxy S3. This larger display also sported a Sharp IGZO display with Retina+ resolution. Misek isn’t clear on what that is, but there are rumors Sharp and Apple are working together on IGZO display technology.
If Apple plans to increase the screen size and resolution in 2014 it would be a shock to see anything lower than 1080P. During the Earnings Call Tim Cook left the door open for a larger display in the iPhone 6, calling out tradeoffs in the current screen technology. This partnership could address those issues, especially considering Sharp IGZO displays are said to be more power efficient.
Filed Under : iphone 6 blog, iphone 6 concept, iphone 6 design,
iphone 6 release date and price.
