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- Jul 29, 2006
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If you believe the extensive leaks and other "verified" rumors and photos floating around the interweb, the next iPhone will be officially unveiled by Apple on September 19 at an exclusive media event.
Many analysts point out a late September launch would be consistent with the past two iPhone launches. According to Taiwanese Economic Daily, Foxconn -- Apple's primary manufacturer – is hiring up to 100,000 people to ensure the timing works for a fall launch of one or two new iPhones (see below).
Numerous sites – such as 9to5Mac, Patently Apple, Apple Insider and TechSmartt – say the iPhone 6 (also dubbed "iPhone Air"), powered by iOS 8, will offer a number of hardware and software advancements over its predecessors.
While all unconfirmed by Apple, of course, here's a look into the latest speculative specs and features of the next iPhone.
Size matters
Citing various sources, sites like Chinese web portal Tencent and carriers including Germany's Deutsche Telekom claim a 4.7-inch iPhone will launch on September 19. This would be a much larger phone than the current 4-inch (diagonal) screen found in the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S.
Bloomberg last week also claimed Apple may launch the rumored 5.5-inch "phablet" version of the iPhone 6 along with the 4.7-inch version at the same time – though other sites predict there will still be a 2- or 3-month delay between the two models due to screen and battery issues with the larger iPhone 6.
Apple may be ditching the 16GB version as seen in past iPhones, with reports of only 32GB and 64GB capacities – to be available in China for 5,288 yuan, or $846, and 6,288 yuan, at $1008, respectively, says Tencent. While unconfirmed, Forbes says the larger phablet version might be the first iPhone to offer 128GB of storage, and may contain a better camera than the 4.7-inch model.
As you may have heard, the new iPhone will boast other evolutionary advancements, including a faster A8 processor, much thinner design and improved camera with updated optics and image stabilization.
Nice curves
The latest report from Japanese web site Nikkei suggests the iPhone 6 could have a curved glass display – not unlike the LG G Flex – and a glowing logo on the backside of the device, comparable to the logo on the back of MacBook laptops. A month ago, the Cult of Mac site also reported the iPhone 6 might have a glowing Apple logo.
The unnamed source tells Nikkei the latest leaked images show where the logo could be cut out on the back of the device during production.
Similar to curved TVs, a curved phone offers a more immersive picture while viewing video, plus it feels natural when held in a hand or up against one's face.
The same article confirms optical image stabilization technology to make photos less susceptible to blur caused by a moving subject or shaky hand.
Rugged materials
According to the IB Times, citing sources at Apple Insider and Patently Apple, Apple isn't skimping on the iPhone 6's materials.
Allegedly, Apple has invested "hundreds of millions of dollars" into Liquidmetal's metal alloys, and a sapphire glass coating, both of which will go into the next iPhone(s).
The Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant is said to exercise many of its patents to add extra durability to its smartphones, including the use of potassium and sodium ion treatments on the glass display and edges. On a related note, a kind of internal shock-absorber might be utilized to reduce the likelihood of screen damage if dropped.
iOS 8
Touting a laundry list of new features and improvements, Apple's next operating system, iOS 8, will include a revamped keyboard, deeper iCloud integration for photos, adding your voice to Messages, new shortcuts and media sharing options, and more.
The new iOS will also house a much-needed Apple Maps refresh – with greater accuracy, transit maps, new views to choose from and increased personalization.
Whether it will support Near Field Communication (NFC) or simply rely on the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, Apple's iWallet is said to jumpstart Apple's mobile commerce business.
In January, the US Patent & Trademark Office published an application from Apple that reveals a secure wallet system powered in part by iBeacon, a Bluetooth-based technology introduced in Apple stores late last year, to help bridge the gap between offline and online shopping (and help identify a user's location -- like GPS for the indoors, if you will).
Patently Apple also says the new iPhones might also have 3-D photo and video shooting capabilities – thanks to new sensors and software added to the rear-facing camera.
Companion tech
Finally, many are anticipating the unveiling of the long-rumored iWatch around the same time as the iPhone 6 (insiders say October).
Similar to Samsung's Gear 2 and Gear Fit, the wrist-mounted iWatch would serve as a companion piece to the new iPhone. Keep the iPhone 6 tucked away in a pocket or purse but glance at the wearable screen to see information ranging from text messages and incoming call info to sports scores and weather to GPS-based directions and photos.
Along with counting your steps and stairs -- via the integrated pedometer and altimeter, respectively -- the iWatch is also said to monitor your heart rate, and possibly blood pressure, perspiration, and more.
Yahoo Shopping readers, would you pick up a 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch iPhone? If size is one of the main reasons why you switched to Android, is an iPhone-based "phablet" enough to lure you back?
Source: http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/this-is-what-the-iphone-6-looks-like-204634006.html
========== Updates ============
Release date: iPhone 6 Coming Sept. 25, iPhone Air to Follow (Report)
