The speculation around iPhone 6 is getting strongerwith the launch set for September 9, 2014.
In New York, a duo paid $2,500 to be first in line outside the local Apple store to buy the phone. To be named either iPhone 6A or iPhone6 Air, it is expected to be priced higher than the existing iPhone5. Boom Newssnooped around a whole bunch of websites and technology channelsand here is what we could pick as the must-knows before you buy or..not.
Price
According to Huffington Post (PLEASE PUT THE LINK HERE), the new iPhone could be priced almost $100 (Rs 6,000) more than the current model. The website further reports that the new iPhone is expected to come in two bigger sizes- 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch(up from the current 4-inch screen). The extra size is bound to cost morebut the 5.5 inch model is where the price increase is most likely.
The most likely reason for Apple to foray in to bigscreens is perhaps to give stiff completion to its archrivalSamsung. The South Korean company, since late 2012, has taken over as the leader in smartphones and has widened the gap between the two players.Also, speculations about a thinner model and therefore a thinner-but-bigger size battery are also doing the rounds. So, bigger screen + bigger battery + thinner size = More $$$$.
Interestingly, an American accessory company Brikk has already started taking pre-orders for what the company calls “luxurious iPhone 6.” Brikk's new collection includes 14 models that are extravagant versions of the upcoming phonefeaturing a unique range of exquisite fabrications.
The iPhone 6 will be disassembled by the Brikk team in a state-of-the-art laboratory located in Los Angeles before the "Lux" process beginswith buyers offered the option of coating the device in 24-carat gold, 24-carat pink gold or pure platinum.
The bling-obsessed can also add a carat of white diamond. Prices range from $4,495 ( Rs 2,75,000 approx) for the plated models to $8,395 ( Rs 5,12,000 approx) for the plated diamond logo models. Each lux iPhone 6 by Brikk will comewith a diamond-embedded certificate of authenticity and an exclusive one-year warranty.
Design
Some rumours claim that the next-gen iPhone may get a ‘curved’ display just like Samsung’s Galaxy S3. According to firstpost.com (PLEASE PUT THE LINK HERE), the iPhone 6 will feature a more rounded body and will be slimmer than the existing phone.Reports also suggest that iPhone 6 could come with an iPad-like design.
Leaked pictures also hintat rounded edges and the smooth brushed aluminium back of the iPhone. The leaked images also show iPad-like volume buttons and completely redesigned speaker holes at the bottom. The slightly curved display glass has been included to accommodate the rounded edges, which means the display may not be convex on the top.
Better Protection
Apple has already chosen to use sapphire crystal to protect the fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5s. Several reports have been suggesting the use of sapphire protection for iPhone 6. It is highly speculated that the next-gen iPhone will have a sapphire crystal display protection to ward off scratches and nicks.
Apple has applied for a patent for off-screen gestures using pressure sensitivity, where a sapphire crystal display makes most sense. Late last year, there were reports that GT Advanced Technologies had inked a deal with Apple for sapphire crystal.
Operating System
Like all previous versions, iPhone 6 will ship with a new iOS. At the worldwide developers’conferencein June this year, Apple had highlighted some of the key features accompanying the new operating system.
It is said to come with new enhanced voice-assistant Siri, new messaging app, iCloud photo library, iCloud Drive, intuitive QuickType keyboard, family-sharing options and a healthkit app apart from other features.
Introducing Mobile Wallet
The buzz is getting stronger that Apple is expected to introduce a new mobile wallet payment system, which will enable users to make payments for physical goods from the device. According to a Bloomberg report (PLEASE LINK THE REPORT HERE), the company has tied-up with Visa, MasterCard and American Express to add this feature in its upcoming model.
The new model might also include an NFC chip, which, in tandem with the fingerprint sensor, will allow the owner to securely make mobile payments in a store with the simple touch of a finger. If it is true, this will be the first time that Apple will embed NFC technology in their phones.
Watch Out Samsung
And finally, after September 9, if the new iPhone meets even half the expectations surrounding this launch, Samsungwill have to brace for some tough competition. Until the next launch then.