The iPhone 6 event at the Flint Center in Cupertino is now just hours away, and here, we take a look at what might appear, what will appear, and what we almost certainly should not expect from the keynote. Billed as one of the biggest announcements in Apple’s history, there’s much to look forward to, and here, we gather up the evidence in an attempt to paint a picture of what’s in store.
4.7-inch iPhone 6
The iPhone 6 has been touted as one of the most eagerly-anticipated releases from Apple since the first iPhone landed in 2007 and with good reason; it’s been given a design overhaul similar to the iPad Air, and as well as a bumped A8 processor, improved camera and Touch ID, there’s also the added real estate offered by the enlarged display.
Our pile of iPhone 6-related leaks suggest that it will also feature a repositioned power button, which will now sit on the side of the device in order to help users cope with the increase in size, and although it’s uncertain as to whether one of the current storage options will be thrown out, it’s looking like the new flagship will offer a 128GB configuration for power users.
The color options will apparently remain the same, with leaks pointing to Space Gray, Gold and White variants, but given the array of other alterations, this isn’t too disheartening.
The front of the display is expected to be laden in sapphire glass, a clearer, more robust material that should hopefully reduce the probability of scratches.
As for sizing, the device is expected to measure in at just 7mm thick, which is incredible given the aforementioned A8, improvements to other hardware as well as the small matter of NFC, which will be used to push Apple’s mobile payment endeavors.
5.5-inch iPhone Plus / iPhone 6L
Along with the 4.7-inch model, which itself offers a substantial size increase over the current iPhone 5s, Apple is expected to unleash the beast in the form of the 5.5-inch option, so-called the ‘iPhone Plus’.
The naming itself is largely irrelevant, because for those who’ve long wanted Apple to compete with the likes of Samsung and its Galaxy Note, this device will be a godsend.
It has been noted on several occasions that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6L / Plus will offer stronger internal features compared with the 4.7-inch edition, but aside from a larger battery and a possibly better processor, the only significant difference we’ve heard about is the iPad-like landscape mode.
Aside from this, expect the larger iPhone 6 to follow the lead of the 4.7-inch variant, with the same colors, major features and general performance.
iOS 8
iOS 8 was first announced back at WWDC, and offers a bunch of new features over last year’s iOS 7. As well as HealthKit and HomeKit, third-party keyboards will allow users to customize the typing experience, and given how cumbersome the stock iOS keyboard has been over the past seven years, this is perhaps the most welcome change.
We expect Apple to announce the GM build for developers tomorrow with a public release a week later.
iWatch
Apple’s inaugural smartwatch – the iWatch – will almost certainly be packed with a myriad of sensors as it integrates with the new HealthKit infrastructure, and from what we’ve heard, will also be coated in sapphire glass.
As per some very recent schematics, it’ll be a squarish device with rounded off corners, and will arrive in 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch sizing options to suit the styles of women and men.
Reliable reports have touted 8GB of storage, 512MB of RAM and a gold color option, and although it’s not due to hit the market until next year, we can’t wait to see it.
Which product are you most looking forward to from the announcement? Whichever gadget is taking your fancy, stay tuned to our coverage here at Redmond Pie for a full round-up of the day’s big stories!
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