With just two weeks to go until the expected iPhone 6S release date, the Apple rumor mill is kicking into overdrive. Here's everything we know so far:
iPhone 6S release date: When can we expect it?
Apple might be keeping silent on the iPhone 6S release date for the time being, but that doesn't mean we don't have a pretty good idea as to when to expect the next-gen handset.
Given that Apple is a creature of habit, the company's annual product cycles have become rather predictable, so keep the first couple of weeks of September free if you're intent on following the iPhone 6S release.
This isn't based solely on tradition and conjecture either. Supply chain sources have been getting a bit gobby in recent weeks, all pointing in the same direction. Coincidence? We think not.
Various insiders have all hinted that the iPhone 6S will be formally unveiled during a dedicated launch event September 9. You won't be waiting long to get your grubby mitts on the device either, as the phone is set to hit retailers' shelves less than two weeks later on September 18.
In between these dates, those extra eager to secure their next-gen handset will be able to preorder the device, with advanced orders reportedly set to be taken from Friday, September 11 — a week prior to launch.
Although Apple has yet to formally issue invites to a September 9 event, with the amount of swell behind the claims, we'd be hugely surprised not to see a new iPhone, or two, on that date.
iPhone 6S design: Small updates to make a big difference.
If you're keeping your fingers crossed for a reworked 6S design, we've got some good news. Well, sort of.
Those of you expecting a radically revamped handset are going to be disappointed. There's going to be no Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ echoing side-encompassing screens or LG G4-inspired curve here, just a few subtle changes that aren't overtly apparent.
In the wake of last year's Bendgate farce, which saw early iPhone 6 models buckling and bending under moderate amounts of pressure, the new iPhone is set to be handed a reinforced frame.
Dimensions are set to stay near enough the same — the mooted 0.17mm increase in height and 0.25mm rise in thickness will be near unnoticeable, while the revamped frame is said to drop down slightly on its predecessor's 129-gram weight.
Leaks from the production line suggest the phone's frame has been strengthened around the home button, a former area of weakness — good news for skinny jeans wearers who last year struggled with the iPhone's bendy ways.
While a dramatic redesign is off the cards, Apple is seemingly set to give us new color options; thanks, guys. A series of leaks have suggested that a pink iPhone 6S will line up alongside the traditional silver, gray, and gold offerings.
iPhone 6S specs: Toeing the line with incremental updates.
Aesthetics aside, given the phone's "S" suffixed title, it is expected that the iPhone 6S will be more of an incremental upgrade than an out-and-out revamping of what is already a stunningly good device.
In keeping with the annual evolution pattern that's followed the life of the iPhone line, the 6S will run a new A9 processor.
This follows on from last year's A8 chipset, and will offer power and performance boosts for the most demanding of users. As always, this will combine with a considerable amount of RAM to provide more grunt than most iPhone owners will ever require.
Another change reportedly heading to the upcoming iPhone is a switch in storage options. According to a flurry of reports, Apple will wave bye-bye to its slightly restrictive 16 GB entry-level handset, instead ushering in an era of 32 GB minimums. MicroSD expansion, however, will still be missing.
iPhone 6S screen: 2K? No way.
Screen size and quality is not expected to change this year. However, the technology behind the panel is all but confirmed to be heading for an Apple Watch-inspired update.
Avoiding the at times unnecessary numerical specs race, the iPhone 6S will see Apple stick with its 1334 x 750 pixel, 326ppi Retina HD display (1920 x 1080 pixel, 401ppi for the iPhone 6S Plus), while a pressure-sensitive Force Touch substraight will be added into the mix.
This, like on the company's Moto 360 and Samsung Gear S2 rival, will let users make hard or soft presses of the screen to perform different tasks.
According to iOS 9 source code and leaked documents, the primary use of this tech on the iPhone will be to access shortcuts.
Examples including skipping straight to turn-by-turn navigation within maps and holding a long press with Apple Music to add tracks to a playlist. If opened up to developers, these quick-access shortcuts could find thousands more uses.
iPhone 6S camera: This year's star of the show.
Imaging ability is seemingly set to be the major improvement on the iPhone 6S — a big statement considering the existing iPhone's already high camera standards.
Apple has long avoided the megapixel specs race, pleasingly aware that a higher megapixel count doesn't guarantee better picture quality. Now, though, having mastered the optics and software side of things, the megapixel number is going up.
Those loose-lipped supply chain sources have been at it again, speaking with Business Insider, claiming the iPhone 6S will jump from an 8-megapixel sensor to a new 12-megapixel camera. This will be enhanced by a new five-element lens structure to improve image clarity.
Although the exact ins-and-outs of the phone's selfie snapper are still unclear, expect to see the 6S FaceTime camera handed a sizeable update too.
iPhone 6S software: The arrival of iOS 9.
While speculation still surrounds much of the iPhone's inner workers, the handset's operating system will bring no surprises.
Confirmed back in June, Apple's upcoming iOS 9 release is set to power the new phone. Don't get all teary if you're not upgrading, most of the company's past smartphones and tablets will be offered the free update too.
Keeping pace with the upcoming Android Marshmallow release — it really is hard to separate Apple and Google at times — iOS 9 will introduce a host of new features, including a smarter caller ID system, omnipresent Notes access, a revamped Maps app with transit navigation, and an improved, grown-up Siri.
This is just the tip of the feature-laden iceberg too. Further additions include the arrival of a Flipboard-rivalling News app, enhanced multitasking skills, battery benefits, and security enhancements — that's quite a list.
iPhone 6S price: Start saving those pennies.
Like the phone's formal release plans, Apple, as you might expect, has yet to get gobby on iPhone 6S pricing. Again, however, the past can offer us a sign of the future, and a word of warning for those pinching the pennies, the iPhone 6S isn't going to be cheap.
Don't expect the new handset to be any cheaper. In fact, if, as expected Apple drops the 16GB offering in favor or 32GB of internals, the entry point into the iOS ecosystem could edge up slightly, ouch.
Expect finalized pricing to be announced alongside the phone September 9.
iPhone 6S rumors: Will a 6C be keeping it company?
According to the latest iPhone 6S rumors, we can expect to see more than one new handset too.
Like last year, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6S is widely expected to be joined on the launch stage by the larger, 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus. Screen size aside, the two devices are expected to feature identical specs sheets.
According to some, Apple could potentially do something completely unprecedented and debut a third handset at the same time. Reports of an inbound iPhone 6C have ebbed and flowed in recent weeks, with a cheaper, colorful, plastic-clad device tipped by some to be heading to market.
If accurate — which at this stage I can't guarantee — it would be the first time Apple has launched three new phones simultaneously. Given the mixed 6C messages currently circling, however, I'd take these claims with a considerable pinch of salt for now.
