Apple's iPhone 6 will hit the market in the latter part of the year. According to reports, the upcoming flagship phone will launch either in June or September. Likewise, the device will come in two variants: a smartphone and a phablet. The smartphone will be around 4.5 inches, while the phablet will be around 5 inches. Other reported features include liquidmetal components, studio flash and eye tracking. Can the iPhone 6 compete with Samsung's Galaxy S5? Can Apple deliver?

The Wall Street Journal considers the two iPhone variants as Apple's foray into the multiple variant market---a market Samsung has been very successful in. This time, the iPhone will be available in two sizes. Unlike the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c, the iPhone 6 will not have a counterpart. Apple will drop the plastic exterior and stick with metal or aluminium finish to emphasise its high-end focus.

"Both new models are expected to feature metal casings similar to what is used on the current iPhone 5S," The Wall Street Journal indicates.

"With Apple expected to scrap the plastic exterior used in the iPhone 5C," the site added.

According to the Korea Herald, as reported The Week, an industry source claimed Apple will go with a full-width frameless screen for one of the models. Unlike the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6 will reportedly have sensors embedded in the screen. This means the screen can scan fingerprints instead of a separate module. According to the source of the Korea Herald, "Scanning fingerprints on the entire screen, which was much talked about recently, will be available in the latter half of this year as there are still technological hurdles to overcome."

The following provides a round-up of features reported for the iPhone 6:

  • Liquidmetal shell and liquidmetal components---As Apple works on creating a thinner and slimmer handset, analysts believe this is only possible through liquidmetal. This refers to a more durable material than aluminium.
  • A curved screen---Bloomberg previously predicted that Apple's next wave of smartphones will feature a curved display. Curved displays are reportedly stronger and more comfortable to use.
  • Eye-tracking---The iPhone 5s has the fingerprint scanner already. Analysts believe Apple will include another sensor feature to differentiate the device from the market.
  • NFC---Time previously reported Tim Cook confirming Apple's interest over mobile payment system. This will be possible by tapping the Near Field Communication or NFC technology.
  • Studio flash---Apple reportedly has been working on allowing iPhone users to control the flashes of the smartphone. This means people can adjust the level of flash depending on the angle or setting.

So far, reports point to June or September as the official announcement of the iPhone 6. Samsung will release the Samsung Galaxy S5 ahead this Feb 24.