Everything you need to know about the iPhone 6S
The iPhone 6 might still be the market's top selling smartphone, but the ever insatiable rumour mill has already turned to what's next next - namely the impending arrival of the iPhone 6S.Already one of the most eagerly awaited devices on the 2015 tech calendar, the iPhone 6S will act as a direct follow-on to the September released iPhone and larger iPhone 6 Plus. However, with the Cupertino-based company yet to offer up any official word on its future phone, much speculation has been heaped at what Apple's next handset will bring.
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 additional colour schemes.
Following the recent arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9, it has also been predicted that Apple will make a number of profound changes to keep pace with its closest rivals.
A reworked, waterproof finish has been tipped to make an appearance while a Galaxy S6 Edge echoing side-encompassing screen has also been mooted. Further features expected 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.
While some iPhone 6S rumours are likely to come to fruition, others are still shrouded in much ambiguity and scepticism.
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 the big unknown and a closely guarded secret within the walls of Apple’s Cupertino HQ. 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, however.
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 Sony Xperia Z4 and the LG G4 have floating launch schedules based on years of smartphone indecision, Apple is far more regimented in its approach. As such, a Q3 iPhone 6S release date can be expected.
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.
Interestingly, the iPhone 6S might not have the launch stage all to itself. Reports have claimed a sub-sized iPhone 6S Mini could take a bow alongside its flagship sibling.
Tipped as a replacement to the iPhone 5C, the reportedly 4-inch iPhone 6S Mini would see Apple revert to its former phone size and shun the market's move to oversized devices. Having been tipped by industry analyst Timothy Arcuri, the introduction of a smaller phone is still far from official.
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 predict that the iPhone 6S will be released on either September 18 or 25. We must stress, however, that this is nothing more than a prediction at this stage. We will continue to update this post with more concrete iPhone 6S release date details as, and when, we have them.
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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's 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.
There have been some contrastic reports, however. TSMC, the company used to piece together the A8 chip was been roped in to handle A9 production according to some claimed insiders.
Either way, 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.
Beneath the surface, the A9 chip will reportedly be paired with 2GB of LPDDR4 RAM.
Teased by Taiwanese supply chain sources, it has been suggested that having retained 1GB of RAM in its smartphones since the introduction of the iPhone 5, Apple will finally make the jump to improved memory.
This might sound like it still pales in comparison to leading Android handsets, many of which now feature 3GB or 4GB of RAM, but Apple suffers less performance issues based on reduced RAM thanks to iOS efficiencies.
Read More: LG G4 Release Date, News, Rumours, Specs and Price
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.
Other design changes tipped to make an appearance include the introduction of a fourth, somewhat unlikely, colour scheme. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is prepping a pink toned iPhone 6S to join the company's existing silver, space grey and gold handset options.
On top of this, Apple could treat us to a less visual design change - namely the introduction of waterproof capabilities.
Recently leaked patents have shown the Apple Watch maker is looking at ways and means of making its future flagship phones more tolerant of liquids. They have shown how the company will waterproof the phone's internals, with an additional water repellent coating to keep spills and splashes from penetrating the surface.
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 kicking the smartphone space into overdrive recently, 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.
Force Touch is another feature expected to make an appearance. Debuting on the Apple Watch and newly introduced MacBook, the iPhone 6S's screen could be next to add the tech which is capable of registering degrees of pressure and movement.
What benefits this will offer the smartphone user are still open for debate. However, the tech will reportedly be joined by other improved sensors, with TouchID expected to be given and acccuracy boost to compete with the Qualcomm introduced Sense ID 3D fingerprint scanner.
This ultra-sonic, 3D mapping tech is set to be introduced on a selection of Android handsets later this year.
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.
Again, highlighting the unconfirmed nature of many iPhone 6S rumours, contrastic reports have seen analysts tip the upcoming phone to retain the same 8-megapixel shooter as its predecessor.
If a straight 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.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 Release Date, Rumours, News, Specs and Price
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.