Apple (AAPL, Financial) generally launches its new iPhone in fall. Typically the company keeps away from sharing details regarding the upcoming device, but rumors give some idea regarding what to expect from the Cupertino’s upcoming flagship product.
It’s been around half a year that Apple released iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and already rumors about the next model are spreading far and wide. According to Apple Insider, the company is expected to launch three iPhones in the latter half of this year - iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and a smaller version dubbed as iPhone 6C. It’s difficult to ascertain what to expect from the highly anticipated device, but it’s always interesting to know what Apple is up to.
What does the rumor say?
The latest rumors originated from Digitimes, a Taiwanese industry site, which said that there would be three different iPhone versions this year. According to industry sources one of the models, iPhone 6C, would have a four inch display.
Apple designates a phone with “C” to indicate a budget version of an iPhone. The company introduced the low cost version with iPhone 5C, and is rumored to launch an iPhone 6C too. On the other hand, Apple designates its iPhone with “S” to suggest an upgraded variant of an existing model. The company doesn’t make radical hardware changes to the model. It’s generally as simple as improving the cameras. The first time Apple designated its iPhone with “S” was in 2011 – the iPhone 4S.
All the three versions would have LTPS panels. While Japan Display and LG Display would supply panels for all the three variants, Sharp would provide for iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone 6C only. The three smartphones would have Corning Gorilla Glass. However, iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will be powered by A9 chips, and iPhone 6C will have the older A8 chips.
The iPhone is also said to have fingerprint scanning capabilities, besides having NFC connectivity. Sources reported that the iPhone 6S series shall be assembled by Foxconn Electronics and Pegatron, while 6C would be made by Wistron.
Returning to four inch display
Apple had restricted its display to four inches until iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. However, the increasing popularity of bigger screens, particularly in growth markets such as China made the company launch iPhones with bigger screen size.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sported larger screens and were highly successful, selling more than 74.5 million units in the last quarter of 2014. But several Apple loyalists weren’t so happy to see the company move to bigger display sizes. So a four inch iPhone 6C with the latest hardware and technology should be able to satisfy these customers.
It’s not over yet
Apart from this, rumors have it that Apple might look to provide new camera technology by upgrading to a three-sensor based module embedded within the phone. The iPhone maker recently applied for patent rights for “Digital camera with light splitter”, and was granted the same. Another report says that Apple would apply two-lens technology in the camera that would be able to absorb more light and capture better quality pictures. The company is also said to be shifting from traditional digital zoom to optical zoom, thus enhancing picture quality by many folds.
Apple may also use Force Touch technology, which it’s already using in Apple Watch. This will help the touchscreen differentiate between light tap and long press, and allow users to use their iPhones in plenty of new ways.
Apple’s known to market its latest technology and upcoming products heavily in its special events. The company would do it for the upcoming iPhone before its release to differentiate the flagship product from its competitors. Though the waiting time is long, whispers about the upcoming iPhone would keep Apple lovers glued.
