Everything you need to know about the iPhone 6S
The iPhone 6S release date is already one of the most eagerly awaited days on the 2015 tech calendar, despite the existing iPhone 6 being less than three months old.
Although Apple introduced two all-new mobiles back in September – the iPhone 6 and the larger iPhone 6 Plus – the ever insatiable rumour mill is already focusing on what’s next – namely the iPhone 6S.
With Q3 shaping up as the likely time-frame for the iPhone 6S release date, reports have suggested the handset could feature everything from improved camera optics and an all-new design, to drop-protection tech and a potential design refresh.
Further features set to be bestowed on the mooted iPhone 6S include a Samsung-manufactured 64-bit A9 processor and shiny new software in the form of iOS 9.
We'll continue to update this page with all the latest iPhone 6S release date details, rumours and leaks as new details emerge. Bookmark it now to keep up to date with all things 6S.
Watch our video on what to expect from the iPhone 6S
iPhone 6S Release Date
The iPhone 6S release date is still a closely guarded secret within the walls of Apple’s Cupertino HQ. However, just because the manufacturer hasn’t yet issued the formal invites, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a strong idea as to when the handset will land.
Apple is a creature of habit. The company likes to stick to strict product cycles, and that means tradition can give us a strong indication as to what the future might bring.
While the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the HTC One M9 are expected to grace us with their presence around MWC 2015 in March, don’t expect the iPhone 6S to touch down until Q3.
September is firmly iPhone territory and we can’t see 2015 being any different.
With the iPhone 4S having seen Apple move from a June to a September product cycle, all subsequent iPhones have followed suit.
Throwing a potential spanner into the works, though, recent reports have claimed the iPhone 6S release date could be held as early as ‘spring 2015’.
As unlikely as this might sound, there does appear to be some sound reasoning behind the claims.
“Apple is looking at a condensed six-month release timetable going forward, in order to not only keep up with the more frequent releases from Samsung, but also to provide a boost to iPhone sales when the Apple Watch launches in the spring,” supposed Apple insiders have reported.
If we weren’t dubious enough over these claims, the insiders have cast their own serious doubt over biannual iPhone launches.
“Apple could easily change its mind,” the tipsters stated. Hmm.
At this point, we'd tentatively guess at the iPhone 6S being released on either September 18 or 25. We must stress, however, that this is nothing more than a prediction at this stage.
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iPhone 6S News
With Apple’s handsets traditionally shifting millions of units in their opening days on sale, components need to be produced early and stock piled in order to meet demand. That is what’s reportedly already happening with the iPhone 6S’s processor – the A9 chip.
According to latest reports, production of the new chipset has already begun, with Apple roping in Samsung to manufacturer the processors.
Despite the two companies' less than harmonious relationship, Samsung has reportedly been handed sole responsibility for producing the A8 replacement. What’s more, claimed supply chain insiders have revealed production of the A9 chip has already begun.
Set to be built around new 14nm FinFET technology, the A9 chip will be 15 per cent smaller than the 20nm A8.
More importantly, though – at least from the general consumer's point of view – it will also require an impressive 35 per cent less power, a feature which will further enhance the handset’s battery life.
Extending Apple’s push to produce more ‘made in America’ products, the A9 chip is said to be being pieced together at Samsung’s plant in Austin, Texas.
Clock speeds and performance of the chip are currently unclear.
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iPhone 6S Rumours
Concrete iPhone 6S features are still some way off, but the rumour mill is already churning out plenty of speculation over what we might see.
Based on the usually iterative improvements of an iPhone ‘S’ upgrade, don’t expect a dramatically different device.
Although the phone is expected to retain the same 4.7-inch, 6.9mm-thick form factor of the existing 6, it's been suggested that it'll benefit from a reinforced frame. This is in a bid to prevent a repeat of the ‘bendgate’ woes which plagued the launch of the iPhone 6.
Further iPhone 6S rumours currently doing the rounds have surrounded the phone’s new OS. Although iOS 9 is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 6S in September, following a WWDC unveiling in June, specifics of the software are currently unclear.
Perhaps one of the most common iPhone 6S rumours surrounding the device focuses on the handset's name. It's repeatedly been suggested that the handset could be known as something else entirely.
iPhone 6S – What will it be called?
While the iPhone 6S is the likely name of choice for Apple’s next flagship phone, there have been contrasting reports as to just how accurate this might be.
Ever since the iPhone 4, Apple’s biannual handsets have been adorned by an ‘S’ suffix. Like the 4S followed the 4 and the iPhone 5S replaced the iPhone 5, it seems likely that the 6 will be superseded by the 6S.
The Apple rumour mill, though, is often filled with opposing claims and this is a prime example of such confusion.
Although some have suggested the company’s next phone will be the iPhone 7, we find this hard to believe.
Perhaps a more likely option, however, is that Apple will drop its numerical naming convention altogether.
Thoughts of an iPhone 12 dropping on retailers in the coming years is so anti-Apple that things have to change at some point, and, most likely, some point soon.
The numbers are already getting to silly levels and it has been suggested – from more than one source on more than one occasion – that Apple will ditch the number-based system altogether.
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iPhone 6S Specs
The iPhone 6S specs sheet will need to impress. With the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 looking set to kick the smartphone space into overdrive in early 2015, Apple’s next handset will face stiffer competition than ever.
Fortunately, it appears that major improvements are inbound. At least in some areas.
As previously mentioned, the A9 chipset looks set to pair power improvements with impressive battery-saving credentials – two of the most important smartphone features to many consumers.
On top of this, Apple looks set to give the iPhone 6's 8-megapixel iSight camera a massive overhaul.
Sony recently announced its next-generation smartphone chip, a 20.7-megapixel Exmor sensor dubbed the IMX230. As well as heading to handset such as the Xperia Z4, it's been claimed Apple will adopt the technology into its next handset.
The first CMOS sensor designed specifically for smartphones, the sensor promises near DSLR-quality snaps direct from your phone. A 192-point autofocus system's also been thrown in for good measure.
If that camera offering doesn't tickle your fancy, a leaked Apple patent has revealed the company is looking into bringing an interchangeable-lens camera system to its future phones.
While we can't see this futuristic addition making it in time to hit the iPhone 6S, it has given a tantalising look at the next decade of smartphone development.
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iPhone 6S Price
An official iPhone 6S price is still a long way from being confirmed. One thing we know for sure, however, is that the handset won’t be cheap. Apple is renowned for its premium price tags and the iPhone 6S won't stray from this highly lucrative model.
At launch the iPhone 6 set wannabe owners back £539 – and that’s just for the ‘entry-level’ 16GB offering.
For those after the larger storage options – 64GB and 128GB – the iPhone 6 costs £619 and £699 respectively.
We'd anticipate that the iPhone 6S prices will echo those of the existing 6. Although the phone’s camera and processor are expected to be improved, a price hike is unlikely to be bestowed on this modest handset update.
Share your thoughts on what you'd like to see included on the iPhone 6S though the comments section below.