iPhone 6S: Rumors & Specs Roundup
With the next iPhone assumed to launch soon, it’s a good time to review the rumors about the device so that you know what to expect when it debuts. From the rumored specs, to new features, to some of the possible wildcards, let’s take a look at what the new iPhone models are likely to bring.
Keep in mind these are all rumors for now, until Apple launches the next iPhone, anything could change.
The Name: iPhone 6s & iPhone 6s Plus
Given that much of the device is expected to look just like an iPhone 6, it’s quite likely the next iPhone will be called iPhone 6s. This goes in line with the somewhat predictable naming scheme for the revisional iPhone models that Apple has used, and iPhone 6s would blend right in with iPhone 4s and iPhone 5s, each of which was a revision of the prior edition. Sure, Apple could switch things up and name it “iPhone 7” or something else, but that seems unlikely.
iPhone 6s Hardware Specs Rumors
So the next iPhone 6s is presumed to be a revision of the iPhone 6, with a similar naming scheme and general appearance. That means the big differences arrive in the internals, which is where the device is expected to get some major upgrades and serious power. Based on existing rumors, we can reasonably expect the iPhone 6s hardware to include the following:
- 2GB RAM – this would effectively double the RAM in current models, offering notable performance improvements with better application switching and caching
- A9 CPU – a faster processor is sure to arrive on the next iPhone model
- Faster LTE with greater power efficiency – expect faster internet speeds with longer battery life (9to5mac)
- Force Touch display – Force Touch is able to determine pressure placed on the surface and offer different interactions as a result of the press, it currently exists on Apple Watch and MacBook models, and is expected to arrive on the next iPhone with a variety of shortcuts and features which 9to5mac discusses here
- 12 megapixel camera – a huge camera upgrade that is able to take pictures at 12mp (vs 8mp currently), and shoot 4k video at 240fps is expected, according to MacRumors
- 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB sizes – expect the iPhone 6s models to be available in the same storage convention used in existing iPhone models, with Apple rumored to be skipping a 32GB size that should be the base model and instead opting for 16GB base storage size device, again. Given that the camera is expected to shoot such high quality imagery and footage, expect that 16GB device to fill up awfully quick if you use the photo and video features, meaning the 64GB and 128GB models could be quite popular
- iOS 9 – the next version of iOS is expected to arrive in the fall to the public, and it’s a safe bet that it will ship preinstalled on the iPhone 6s models
Rumored iPhone 6s Appearance & Size
The appearance of iPhone 6s is likely to match iPhone 6 almost exactly, with an aluminum chassis available in multiple colors and a different colored faceplate to match; slate/black, silver/white, gold/white, though there have been rumors about a new ‘rose gold’ color option too.
The evidence for appearance maintaining a strong similarity to existing iPhone 6 models is fairly strong, as 9to5mac has uncovered aluminum shells of the rumored device, seen here:
We can reasonably expect the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus to basically look the same as iPhone 6, available in two sizes, each with a 4.7″ and 5.5″ display, respectively.
If the “rose gold” color option does show up, the lineup for iPhone 6s may look something like this mockup from TechnoBuffalo:
Launch Date & Release Date
The iPhone 6s release date is expected to be September 9, or at least sometime during that week, and typically the device will be available to purchase a week or two after the initial launch with pre-orders online and in Apple Stores.
Accordingly, expect to be able to get your hands on an iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus sometime in late September.
iPhone 6c?
There have long been mixed rumors of a color plastic shelled iPhone 6c to replace the existing iPhone 5c models, but there is virtually no evidence to support these claims and rumors. Typically hardware enclosures leak out of the supply chain offering a good look at future devices, and thus far nothing has surfaced to support the so-called iPhone 6c. If the iPhone 6c does appear, it may share color options similar to that of the new 6th generation iPod touch, and it would probably share the same internal components of current iPhone 6 models. While it’s certainly possible that Apple has cracked down on hardware leaks and prevented any early looks at a “iPhone 6c”, it’s best to consider this one a less likely wildcard.
I disagree with all the naysayers! The 6s is a great phone and a huge improvement over the 6 in virtually every way. Better case aluminum (7000 series) which makes it close to indestructible. That and the glass is also very tough. More RAM used intelligently. A much improved camera, improved video. Faster CPU and 3D Touch. Faster LTE & Wi-Fi. Faster Touch ID, the list is long and the slightly larger case is making it easier to grip!
Apple is right! What’s changed? Everything! And it’s true! This is the phone the 6 should have been and now is!
When will they make the waterproof?
This is a great question, applying a coating to the internal components could theoretically make the iPhone water resistant at least, but there is no rumor of such a thing. I know a Samsung phone a while back had that water resistant feature, not sure if they maintained it in future releases.
Truly waterproof is tough, you’d need a good iPhone case for that, like the WaterShot housing http://amzn.to/1Nod6hF which you can take diving and snorkeling. Those are waterproof to something like 100′ depth.
Watershot is waterproof iPhone, sounds good. Does it take and make calls underwater too? Can you use Siri will diving? That would be interesting.
The ‘s’ updated iPhones are completely boring and very predictable, I have no interest in them and it’s hard to imagine anyone else being excited by some spec bumps. The current shell casing of iPhone 6 / 6s is incredibly ugly and it’s very slippery, not a good design, plus it has the protruding giant mole on the back, or I think they call it a camera, what’s that all about? This is the first iPhone model after the plastic G/GS that badly needs to be replaced quickly because it’s just flat out ugly, the prior models were much more attractive.
Jony Ive got lazy with the 6 models. Maybe he outsourced the design to an intern. Steve Jobs would not have approved the 6 / 6s design, that’s pretty obvious.
iPhone 6/6s/6+/6+s is and will be the ugliest iPhone ever made, it would be hard to top it off. Most generic Android phones look better than the 6 series at this point, and those are pretty dull looking too.
Right. The 6 is uglier than the first gen, or the 3. Please. So it has lines on it… it’s a phone therefore needs to make calls. But calling it the ugliest ever made is Internet hyperbole to try and make you sound like a rebel. It’s not working.
I find the “S” versions to be more interesting.
The 3Gs got a faster SoC, a 32 GB option, doubled RAM, better camera w/ video recording.
The 4s got the A5 SoC (dual core), 64 GB option, Siri, better camera.
The 5s got the A6 (64 Bit SoC), 64 Bit iOS, all 64 Bit first party software, Touch ID, better camera.
Every version is better than the prior version but I think the “S” versions made bigger jumps in performance than the versions that debuted the case style. It’s all documented in MacTracker.
And I agree, the 6/6+ are butt-ugly, but I don’t care since I always use a case.