Apple's patented solar technology could be seen in the iPhone 6, according to analysts. According to media reports Apple is now looking to hire an engineer with experience in solar technology.Here are the rumours and speculation about the new device.

Apple had in Feb 2013 received patents for its innovation in using solar panels in portable devices, like the iPhone 6. The technology was an integrated touch sensor with a solar panel. This technology allows Apple to "stack-up" touch sensors on top of solar cell layers.

The electrodes on the integrated panel can be used for both collecting solar energy and for sensing on a touch sensor array. The integration, according to the patent, will save surface area on the device. Can we expect this on the iPhone 6?

Analysts had dismissed the notion that we will see the technology any time soon. But the release date for the iPhone 6 is expected to be in 2014. This gives Apple one full year to test the feasibility of the technology.

Fans expecting big innovations with the iPhone 5S were disappointed. The finger print scanner on the 5S called as "Touch ID" has got a mixed response from fans. Apple, analysts say, will need to bring dramatic innovation in the iPhone 6 to maintain its innovation tag.

There are reports of Apple looking to hire an engineer with expertise in "thin film deposition technology" and experience in solar industry. Analysts now speculate that the next big wave of innovation could be solar in the iPhone 6.

A notable expectation from the iPhone 6 is that it has to feature NFC. Fans were disappointed with the 5S for not having this feature. Analysts feel that the Touch ID coupled with the NFC could provide a strong security measure especially to make secure payments.

In terms of hardware a quad core processor with A7 chip is expected in the iPhone 6. A 2 GB RAM along with the iOS 7 operating system will enhance the performance of the smartphone.

The camera is another area Apple fans have big expectations from the iPhone 6. The Galaxy S4 from Samsung has a 13 MP camera and the Moto X has a 10 MP camera. The iPhone 5S which was launched after these two phones has an 8 MP camera.

The iPhone 6 will need to compete with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5. Click here to read about rumours about the Galaxy S5.

Rumours abound that Apple is working on a bigger screen smartphone. There is market segment that looks for a bigger screen. Will the iPhone 6 finally let Apple fans enjoy their favourite phone on a larger screen? Will it bring in a revolutionary solar technology?