Since the release of iPhone 5, rumours about its follower have filled the internet, analyzing how the next gen Apple smartphone could evolve. Apple's iPhone 5S or iPhone 6, depending on which name the Apple Inc. goes for, is arguably the most hotly anticipated smartphone of the year. With the release of super handsets as the Samsung's Galaxy S4, Sony Xperia Z and HTC One, competition has grown a lot stronger and it is only fair to say that the next iphone needs to reassert itself.

With its iconic iPhone series, Apple was considered the clear smartphone leader along with a combination of outstanding hardware and software to match. Now, since Android-based phones are also launched with the likes of the HTC One, Sony Xperia Z and Samsung Galaxy S4, all giving the smartphone king a run for its money.

iPhone 6 and the iPhone 5S are two different phones

It is still not clear whether the next iPhone is going to be the iPhone 5S or the iPhone 6. Looking into iPhone's history - from the 3G onwards, there's always been a half-step S model before the successor iPhone .Report suggests a new 5S will be launched in the middle part of the year and iPhone 6 towards the end of the year or very early in 2014. There could even be three size variants of the new iPhone as been suggested.

iPhone 6 release date

Since Apple has said it intends to launch its new products from autumn 2013, it should mean that iPhone 5S will be released in late September or early October and iPhone 6 release date is likely to be in the beginning of 2014.

Jeffries analyst Peter Misek, released a note to investors stating that he believed the iPhone 6 would be launched in June 2014. Misek reportedly said to the Financial Post that "the supply chain is primed for an iPhone 5S and pivoting to the iPhone 6 will take at least two or three quarters".

The iPhone 6 will run iOS 7

iOS 7 was announced at Apple World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Designed by Jony Ive , it's a thorough overhaul from the current version, specially in terms of the design, the interface and icons have all been completely redesigned with a 'flatter' appearance. It's certainly more Android-like. There are rounded icons, impressive colours and a stark font. There are new features, such as Control Center, in which you can access common settings from a swipe-up menu; a Today view in the Notification Center pull-down menu; AirDrop, which allows you to transfer files via Wi-Fi to other users; a Camera app, with new filters; and iTunes Radio. . Apple has indicated that iOS 7 will be released in autumn.

iPhone 6 screen

Apple has always been known for its benchmark screens and it wouldn't be surprising if the iPhone 6 has a larger display. However, the screen would need to be Retina, which means that the individual pixels cannot be seen when used at a regular viewing distance.

According to rumours the iPhone 6 will have a 4.8 inch screen, which means the phone will be similar in size to the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One. With this screen resolution, Apple can move to a Full HD (1,920×1,080 resolution) or even go further. Apple may also be deliberating the screen technology that it uses, with a Sharp IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) screen top of the list. This modern technology allows for screens that use little power and are considerably thinner. Rumours were rife when the Sharp IGZO technology was displayed at CES 2013.

iPHONE 6 STORAGE

When it comes to storage, 64GB has been the top model for the last two years. With the recent launch of a 128GB iPad 4 it is expected that the top model will also be in the same range of 128G.

iPHONE 6 PROCESSOR

Presently, the iPhone 5 has a dual-core Apple A6 processor, but a quad-core Apple A7, using ARM Cortex A15-based cores, sounds ostensible. But an updated model is expected in the iPhone 6.

According to the latest information Apple A7 processor is now being finished by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing company. It is also stated that the iPhone 6 processor will be produced by Intel and not Samsung. A new processor means an A7 chip, which will be used in the iPhone 5S first, before being used in the iPhone 6.

iPHONE 6 CAMERA

Cameras are the most important part of any smartphone, where people prefer their phone over a compact camera. With the other brands putting a lot of effort into the quality of their cameras, Apple's iPhone 5′s quality falls slightly behind Samsung Galaxy S4 or HTC One.

Reports have stated that the iPhone 5S will get a 12-megapixel sensor, that takes up less room without compromising image quality, up from the 8-megapixel version on the iPhone 5. iPhone 6 will get the same or even better sensor. Increasing the sensor resolution can bring problems with noise, as there's less light per pixel. So a lens with faster perforation will make sense. At present the iPhone 5 has an f2.4 lens, but an f2.2 or f2.0 lens mean better low-light photography.

iPhone 6 eye tracking

Since a larger screen requires more power, any technology that can increase battery life is considered good. For the iPhone 6 Apple it could be about the eye-tracking technology, where the phone is able to tell if you're looking at the screen or not. If you were to look away, the phone could pause a video playing and turn the screen off. Samsung also has similar technology in its Galaxy S4 smartphone, there is a chance that Apple will also implement its version.

NFC

One of the app left out from the iPhone 5 was NFC, but with the technology appearing in most new Android phones, it is expected in the iPhone 6 also. Consolidating Apple's Passbook App (for storing store cards, tickets and coupons) with NFC would make a lot of sense. Apple is also rumoured to be adding a fingerprint sensor to secure transactions, it makes sense for the company to also launch a payments app, so that the payment for items can be done through a smartphone.

iPhone 6 wireless charging

Reports state that Apple has filed a patent for efficient wireless charging, in which Apple's tech wouldn't charge just one device, but multiple ones.

iPHONE 6 SMART BEZEL

Apple may introduce new ways to interact with its phones in order to stay ahead of its competitors. This will use a subsidiary display system, which could be installed around the primary screen or even on the back of a device to provide new controls that can even light up when needed.

According to Patently Apple, "Apple intends to use the secondary display to introduce a new set of illuminated indicators that would be able to morph into various controls for work and play. Illuminated gaming and productivity controls could be built into the face-side of the bezel and/or selected back-side areas of iOS devices like the iPad."

iPHONE 6 PRICE

Apple usually releases its new models at the same price as its old ones, and with growing competition introducing a more expensive phone into the market is tough. If Apple drops the 16GB model, we'd expect the 32GB model to cost £529, the 64GB model £599 and the 128GB model £699.But if the company plans to sell the iPhone 5S,there could be some new pricing.

Image: Extremetech.com

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