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An overview of all the major iPhone 6 news and rumors from the early stage of the production to the present time
iPhone is the world’s most popular smartphone brand. It always generates a great enthusiasm among all the global consumers for not only its outstanding look but also for having innovative features.
Every year, the Apple enthusiasts wait with a huge excitement to grab a new model of iPhone. This year is also no different, as the iPhone 6, Apple’s next generation smartphone, is looking to take away the mind of its lovers by a storm.
Ahead of the September 9 launch of the iPhone 6, we are willing to take you back to the past, and remind you all the rumors that were surfacing throughout the internet, and finally return to the present through the “I4U Time Machine!”
Yes, its true! First time ever on the internet, I4U presents to you “iPhone 6: The Journey from Past to Present,” covering all the hot topics from the initial stage of the production to the current time.
So, let’s fasten our seat belts and start the massive journey!
iPhone 6 having Curved Displays and Advanced Touch Sensors
On 10th November, 2013, Bloomberg stated that the iPhone 6 would feature such a screen that could be bent downward at the edges, citing an unknown source. Moreover, the smartphone was said to include the touch sensors with advanced technologies, including the ability to differentiate between the heavy and light touches.
Apple Testing 4.9-Inch iPhone 6 Prototype
On 21st November, 2013, C Technology, a China based website, claimed that Apple had been examining a prototype of the 4.9-inch iPhone 6. Moreover, the next version of the iPhone 5C was also said to be tested out, which was rumored to have a larger screen size.
iPhone 6 Might be Released in Two Different Versions with Larger Sizes than the Previous Models
On December 30, 2013, Mac Rumors stated that the iPhone 6 would feature a larger display than the iPhone 5S and 5C. More specifically, the next generation smartphone was claimed to have a size around 4.7-inches to 5.7-inches. The device was also expected to be introduced in two different variants. The larger one was rumored to be equipped with the TSMC’s 20 nanometer A8 processor, and was strongly expected to be launched in either September or October 2014.
50% of iPhone 6 Reportedly Going to be Manufactured by Pegatron
On 9th January, 2014, the Liberty Times, a Taiwan based website, reported that one of Apple’s long time manufacturing partners, Pegatron, would be awarded with the contract of manufacturing half of the iPhone 6. The company was also said to be constructing a new plant to keep the pace with the huge demand.
Mac Rumors stated, “In order to meet the demand, Pegatron has started building a new plant at Kunshan, a satellite city near Shanghai where all its iPhones are assembled, the Liberty Times said without identifying its source.”
On the other hand, the remaining portion of the iPhone 6 construction work was expected to be performed by Foxconn.
Alleged iPhone 6 Frame Revealed in New Images
On 8th January, C Technology published new photos, showing an alleged frame for the iPhone 6. The frame was claimed to support a 4.7-inch smartphone, which was much larger than the sizes of the previous iPhones. The photos attracted a lot of analysts and were heavily being discussed by all the Apple enthusiasts. However, the specific part was not strongly regarded as the real one.
iPhone 6 Rear Camera Including the Same 8MP Sensor with Enhanced Image Stabilization Feature
On 9th January, the China Post reported that iPhone 6 would still feature the 8MP rear camera sensor similar to the iPhone 5S, citing Nomura Securities. The report rejected the rumor of the iPhone 6 being equipped with a rear camera sensor having higher MP range, which is around 12-16 MP.
Moreover, it was reported that the device would have an improved image stabilization function. However, the report caused a significant decrease to the share value of Largan Precision, a major camera lens module manufacturer.
TSMC Beginning iPhone 6 Fingerprint Scanner Production in Q2 2014
On 13th January, Digitimes reported that the fingerprint sensor of the iPhone 6 would be manufactured by TSMC. The company was claimed to begin the construction of the specific component from the second quarter of 2014.
Digitimes stated, “Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reportedly will begin producing fingerprint sensors for Apple’s next-generation iPhone at its 12-inch fab using a 65nm process in the second quarter of 2014, according to industry sources.”
Consequently, the report strengthened the possibility of the release of the iPhone 6 in this year significantly.
Apple Releasing 4.5-Inch and 5-Inch iPhone 6 in 2014
On 23rd January, the Wall Street Journal published a report, stating that the next model of the iPhone would be released with 4.5-inch and 5-inch variants in this year. Both of the handsets were said to be covered by metal casing rather than the plastic shell.
The Wall Street Journal stated, “Both new models are expected to feature metal casings similar to what is used on the current iPhone 5S, with Apple expected to scrap the plastic exterior used in the iPhone 5C, these people said.”
Apple Introducing iPhone 6 with 4.8-Inch Display and 802.11 ac Wi-Fi
On 22nd January, Apple Insider reported about an iPhone 6 prediction made by an analyst, called Timothy Arcuri from Cowen and Company. He claimed that the iPhone 6 would be released with a 4.8-inch screen. Moreover, he claimed that the specific smartphone would feature the 802.11 ac Wi-Fi facility, allowing the users to enjoy the internet with a significantly enhanced speed. The rumor seemed logical, as Apple’s major rivals, including Samsung and HTC, had already brought phones with larger sized screens, along with the 802.11 ac Wi-Fi support.
Tim Cook Dodges the Question about the Larger Screen of the iPhone 6
While meeting the China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua at the carrier’s headquarter in Beijng, Apple CEO Tim Cook was asked if the next version of the iPhone would have a larger display. The cunning chief executive did not give a definite answer, stating that Apple was not keen to discuss about its future endeavors. But he stated that it would be better to keep the key information secret, as we would be so much happier to see it. He claimed that iPhone 6 would be released with “great things.”
“You would be so much happier when you see it.”
Tim Cook, CEO, Apple Inc.
Trial Production of the iPhone 6 Sapphire Glass Initiated
On 24th January, Apple Daily, a Taiwan based website, claimed that Apple‘s manufacturing partner, Foxconn, had begun a trial production of sapphire glass for the iPhone 6.While the specific material was only used to protect the camera and the Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner of the iPhone 5S, Apple was rumored to expand its application in the next generation smartphone. More specifically, the report claimed that the Cupertino company had been planning to equip the iPhone 6 with the sapphire display cover, which would definitely enhanced its durability significantly.
Sketchy Report Revealed iPhone 6 Specification
On 3rd February, OLED-Display.net published a report, stating the prediction of the complete specification of the iPhone 6, which was made by the analysts of KDB Daewoo Security Research. They claimed that the iPhone 6 would have A8 (64-bit) chip, iOS 7.2, 2GB RAM, 4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.2MP front camera, 8MP rear camera, 1,800 mAh battery, and iBeacon. The analysts claimed that the iPhone 6 would be released in two different variants, one having 4.7-inch to 4.8-inch screen, while the other one would feature the 5.5-inch Retina display. The devices were said to be also released with different storage capacities of 16GB, 23GB, 64GB, and 128GB.
iPhone 6 having 10+MP Camera
On 4th February, IT168, a Chinese website, claimed that the iPhone 6 would feature such a camera that would exceed the range of 10MP. Moreover, the camera filter was also said to be replaced with the new resin lens filter, which was rumored to be produced by a Japanese company, called JSR. The report contradicts with a previous report published by the China Post, which stated that the iPhone 6 would be equipped with the 8MP camera.
Slim iPhone 6 Concept Design Revealed
On 7th February, Mac Rumors reported that Federico Ciccarese, an Italian designer, had revealed the concept design of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 with a view to comparing them with the current iPhone 5S. The design of the iPhone 6 included a slim design, and almost no bezel in the screen. It was said that the larger screens would allow the devices to handle more icons, similar to the iPad.
iPhone 6 Touch ID Following the Same Construction Procedure
On 10th February, Digitimes reported that the TSMC had been using the 8-inch fab to produce the Touch ID fingerprint scanner for the iPhone 6. Apple’s current flagship smartphone also follows the same method. The report opposes to the previous rumors stating that the 12-inch fab would be used in order to enhance the efficiency of the specific component in the next generation smartphone.
iPhone 6 Not Featuring Bezel Display
On 11th February, The Korea Herald claimed that the iPhone 6 would not be equipped with the Bezel display. Though no more detailed information was being provided, it was mentioned that Samsung’s Galaxy S5 would also incorporate the same thing.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Not Including Sapphire from the Initial Production
On 11th February, MyDrivers stated that the sapphire produced from the initial stage at the Arizona plant would not be applied in the iPhone 6. Instead, the iWatch was rumored to be the very first device to include the material from the specific facility. The reason behind this decision was the cost, as the application of sapphire would increase the retail price of the iPhone 6 significantly.
iPhone 6 Becoming Slimmer with the Application of Thinner and Lighter Backlight
On 11th February, 2014, LEDinside stated that Apple was trying to reduce the thickness of the iPhone 6 by using the technology of thinner and lighter backlight. Consequently, the thickness of the side-view LED backlights would be reduced from 0.6 mm to 0.4 mm. We, the I4U News, beleived that the thing might happen for the next generation smartphones. The report also stated that the iPhone 6 would be released in June 2014, which was doubted by most of the people.
iPhone 6 Releasing in September with Flat Sapphire Displays
On 12th February, 2014, the South China Morning Post claimed that Apple would introduce the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 in September. Both the smartphones were claimed to be equipped with the flat sapphire screens, rather than the curved ones. The devices were said to have a pixel density of 441 ppi, which is a significant increase from 326 PPI of the iPhone 5S and 5C.
New Images Revealed the iPhone 6 Prototype
In a report published on 12th February, 2014, Mac Rumors stated that it had got a number of photos of the iPhone 6 prototype, which had been shared by an unknown twitter user. Sonny Dickson, an Australian writer, informed that the photos were provided by a Chinese source. While the prototype of the iPhone 5S/5C featured a blank rear shell, the new one had the FCC text in it. No plastic or glass cutouts for antenna were being noticed. It was unclear whether the specific part was the original one or not.
iPhone 6 Featuring 4.7-Inch and 5.5-Inch Displays
On 15th January, research firm Display Search stated that the iPhone 6 might be released with the 5.5-inch display, which would have a resolution of 1920×1080 and a pixel density of 401PPI. Another smaller version of 4.7-inch display was also expected to be launched, which would include a resolution of 1600×900 and a pixel density of 386PPI. Both the smartphones were predicted to contain the LTPS TFT LCD technology. We, the I4U News, beleived that the sizes would be very logical for the next generation smartphones.
Apple Releasing 5.6-Inch Smartphone, Might Not be Included in the iPhone Brand
On 19th February, 2014, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News reported that Apple was planning to release not only the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 but also a 5.6-inch smartphone. Though it seemed that the larger smartphone was one of the variant of the iPhone 6, the report claimed that the device would not be called as the iPhone, which meant that Apple might be planning to introduce a new category. The 4.7-inch handset was expected to feature the gorilla glass, while the 5.6-inch device was said to be equipped with the sapphire screen.
A8 Chip Production for the iPhone 6 Begun by TSMC
On March 5, 2014, Mac Rumors reported that TSMC had initiated the manufacturing of the A8 chip for the iPhone 6 in February 2014. The processor was expected to include the quad-core 64-bit processor and quad-core graphics. We, the I4U News, beleived that Apple’s decision to start building the processor early had been a part of the plan of releasing the iPhone 6 in the third quarter of this year.
New Concept Video Revealed the 4.7-Inch “iPhone Air”
On March 9, 2014, designer Sam Beckett posted a video on The Verge Forum, showing a concept design of the Apple smartphone, calling it as the “iPhone Air.” It included a 4.7-inch display, a 1920×1080 resolution, and a pixel density of 468 ppi. The device was 8 percent larger and 9 percent thinner than the iPhone 5S. It was equipped with thinner size bezels and sapphire crystal display.
9-16 Percent of iPhone Saphhire Displays Expected to be Supplied by GT Advanced Technologies
On March 14, 2014, DigiTimes reported that GT Advanced Technologies would handle 9-16 percent of manufacturing sapphire screens for the iPhone 6. That means, the company would produce around 103 million-116 million sapphire displays. An additional 84 to 94 million screens were also said to be potentially manufactured. It indicated that Apple might be planning to produce 100 to 200 million 5-inch sapphire displays.
iPhone 6 Reportedly being Equipped with Temperature, Pressure and Humidity Sensors
On march 16, 2014, G for Games, published a report about the iPhone 6, stating that the smartphone would feature the temperature, pressure and humidity sensors, citing the ESM China news chief analyst Sun Chang Xu. However, he did not mention about the blood pressure sensor like he did in case of the iWatch. The report indicated that the application of the iPhone 6 would be beyond a typical smartphone.
Manufacturers Getting Ready to Construct the iPhone 6
On March 17, 2014, Mac Rumors claimed that Apple’s manufacturing partners were preparing to develop the iPhone 6 in the Q2 2014. Pegatron had already initiated a new factory and began engaging new personnel in its team with a view to keeping the pace with the huge demand. Hon Hai Precision was also reportedly getting ready to handle the manufacturing works.
Rumor of iPhone 6 having Optical Image Stabilization Option Revived
On 16th March, Motley Fool stated that the iPhone 6 would be equipped with the optical image stabilization feature. The logic behind the claim was Apple’s rumored deal with InvenSense, a gyroscope manufacturing company, which is capable of fabricating the specific option in the iPhone 6. Though the gyroscope is a crucial component for improving the image stabilization, Apple’s major rival Samsung did not apply the technology in the Galaxy S5 handset. The Cupertino company was rumored to take the full advantage of the particular matter.
New Photos Revealed the First iPhone 6 Dummy Unit
On March 24, 9to5Mac published the very first image of the iPhone 6 dummy unit, citing Japanese case maker Bling My Thing. The photos included such a black device that could be applied as a part of the mold for building the cases with respect to the body design. Instead of the oval hole for the flash of rear camera, the dummy unit included a round one. The images also revealed a number of design changes, including the shift of the proximity sensor window from beside the earpiece to the adjacent of the front camera, placing the earpiece/camera/sensor options higher on the front and positioning the front camera at the top corner of the device.
Apple Reportedly Releasing Only the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 in Fall 2014
In a report published by Barron’s on March 24, 2014, analyst Milunovich stated that the simultaneous release of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would be very unlikely to happen. However, he claimed the smaller version might see its debut in August or September. However, he claimed that the larger model would feature the same ppi, consequently assisting the developers to build apps comfortably.
Apple Releasing iPhone 6 in September
On March 27, Japanese newspaper Nikkei stated that the iPhone 6 would see its debut as early as September. It claimed that the next generation smartphone would be released with two different sizes; one would be 4.7-inch and the other one would be 5.5-inch. It also informed that Apple’s manufacturing partners had begun constructing the different parts, including the fingerprint sensors and liquid crystal driver chips. The fabrication of the LCD was said to be started in the April-June quarter in a number of plants, including Sharp’s Kameyama factory and Japan Display’s Mobara plant. Moreover, LG was also rumored to be involved with the production works.
We, the I4U News, believed that September was the most likely release time of the iPhone 6, as Apple had a record of introducing new smartphones in the particular month.
4.7-Inch and 5.7-Inch iPhone 6C Drawing Reportedly Revealed
On March 28, Japanese magazine MacFan published the drawings of the alleged 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch iPhone 6C. The smartphones were bezel-less and included rectangular volume buttons, and a rear camera with LED flash. No front camera was shown in the drawing. The smaller model had a dimension of 137x66mm and a thickness of 7mm. On the other hand, the larger variant had a dimension of 157x77mm and a thickness of 6.7mm. Despite most of the features were in line with the previously published designs, the drawings seemed very unlikely to be the real ones, as Apple expected to introduce the 5.5-inch iPhone 6, rather than the alleged 5.7-inch variant.
4.7-Inch and 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Production Starting in July and September Respectively
On April 9, 2014, Japanese website EMSOne reported that the mass production of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 would begin in July, while its larger 5.5-inch counterpart fabrication would start in September. It also claimed that both the smartphones would be launched on the fourth quarter of 2014. However, the smaller variant was expected to be released prior to the larger model.
Kuo Revealed his Prediction about the iPhone 6 Design Features
In a report published by Mac Rumors on 9 April, Ming-Chi Kuo, the famous analyst from the KGI Securities, predicted that the sleep/wake button of Apple’s next smartphone, the iPhone 6, would be shifted from the top to the side in order to ease the one-handed function. He also stated that the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would include the display resolutions of 1334×750 and 1920×1080 accordingly, while the smaller variant would sport the Retina screen. Moreover, he claimed that the iPhone 6 would be equipped with the new A8 chip, Touch ID fingerprint scanner, 1GB RAM, and a 10 to 20 percent slimmer bezel. While mentioning the device being 6.5-7.0 mm thin, Kuo revealed the most important prediction, which is the inclusion of the highly-anticipated NFC technology.
Chinese Case Manufacturer Indicated Larger iPhone 6 Display
On April 10, French website nowhereelse.fr published the images of the iPhone 6 case from a Chinese case manufacturer, called Elam, suggesting that the upcoming smartphones might have a ultra-thin form factor, which was in line with the previous reports. It featured a number of design changes from the iPhone 5S, including the rounder corners, single integrated volume switch, and separate rectangular volume buttons.
New Images Revealed the iPhone 6 Chassis and Production Molds
On 13 April, Chinese website Weibo published a new set of images, showing the alleged images of the chassis and manufacturing molds of the iPhone 6. The photos were claimed to be sourced from one of Apple’s major manufacturing partner, called Foxconn. Though it was unsure whether the images depicted the original parts or not, it corresponded with a number of earlier photos. However, on the next day, it was reported that the mold was capable of producing a 4.7-inch device, which seemed to be very likely the smaller variant of the iPhone 6.
Apple Planning to Increase the iPhone 6 Price by $100
In a report published on April 14 by Street Insider, Jeffrey analyst Peter Misek claimed that Apple was thinking to increase the price of the iPhone 6 by $100. Moreover, he informed that the company had already negotiated with a number of carriers. Though the carriers rejected the idea at the beginning stage, they were very likely to reach an agreement with the Cupertino company due to its incredibly high consumer interest.
New Photos Reportedly Revealed the Front Panel of the iPhone 6
On April 15, Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo published new images, which showed the alleged front panel of the iPhone 6, suggesting that the device would sport a larger screen. Its features were quite identical to the iPhone 5S, including front facing camera cutouts, ear speaker, home button and the ambient light sensor. More importantly, it included a slimmer bezel, which was in line with the previous reports.
Photos of the iPhone 6 Batteries Revealed
On April 15, nowhereelse.fr published another component of the iPhone 6. This time, it was the battery. Though it was unsure if the particular part is the real one, it was quite similar to the other batteries of Apple’s smartphones. However, it featured a slight construction change, including the integrated metallic section adjacent to the side, which suggested a different form factor.
iPhone 6 Dummies and Case Designs Revealed at Hong Kong Electronics Fair
On 15 April, Japanese site Mac Otakara published a number of images of the iPhone 6 mock-ups and case designs from Hong Kong Electronics Fair. The dummies featured a larger display, rectangular volume buttons, a round camera flash, and a sleep/wake volume button located at the right side. The mockups seemed legit, as they matched with the features of the previously published designs.
Photos Depict the New iPhone 6 Case with Cutouts
On April 16, nowherelse.fr published another images of the iPhone 6 case. It had a volume hole at the upper right side, a bit rounder corner similar to the iPhone 5C and the rectangular volume control buttons similar to the fifth generation iPod Touch. The case was thought to be the real one, as it corresponded with not only the prediction of the Ming-Chi Kuo but also other previous reports.
New iPhone 6 Rendering Revealed
On April 18, nowhereelse.fr published the images of the iPhone 6 rendering which was designed by Martin Hajek, based on previous rumors. It featured rounder corner, rectangular volume control buttons, and power button placed on the upper right side. Moreover, it offered a detailed view of the cutouts, camera hole, flash and the logo of the Cupertino company on the rear.
Battery Issues Reportedly Pushing Back the Release of the 5.5-Inch “iPhone Air”
On April 22, Taiwan’s Industrial and Commercial Times claimed that the release of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 had been delayed due to the manufacturing issues of the battery, as the suppliers were going through a difficult time to construct the specific part that measured only 2mm or less for the significantly thinner device. More interestingly, it called the particular device as the “iPhone Air.” However, the title hadn’t been finalized at that time.
iPhone 6S and 6C Concepts Revealed in the New Renderings
On April 23, nowhereelse.fr published additional renderings of the next versions of the iPhone. This time, it was the concept design of the iPhone 6S and 6C, which had been created by Martin Hajek. The iPhone 6S was depicted in gold and silver space colors, while the iPhone 6C was revealed with the blue color. The iPhone 6S featured rounder corner, rectangular volume control buttons, and power button placed on the upper right side. The iPhone 6C also included the same things, except the glossy plastic covering, rather than the one being constructed with the aluminum.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Sporting Curved Screen and Aluminum Rear Covering
On April 24, Mac Otakara reported that the iPhone 6 would include not only the curved displays but also the all aluminum rear shell, citing unnamed sources. It claimed that the smartphone would have rounder corner, which is a significant design change from the straight boundaries of the iPhone 4 and 5S. It also claimed that its aluminum bumper would be similar to the Japan’s Square Curvaceous Bumper. The antenna breaks were also noticed in the rear glass, suggesting that its construction would see a major change.
More Renderings of the Curved Screened iPhone 6 Revealed
In a report published on April 25 by nowhereelse.fr, graphic designer Martin Hajek revealed a new rendering of the iPhone 6. This time, the smartphone included a curved screen, along with the rounded corners. The design was based on Mac Otakara’s report published on the previous day.
Renderings Showed iPhone 6 Case with Thinner Shape and Antenna Cutouts
On April 25, UkrainianiPhone published a rendering of the iPhone 6 case from unnamed manufacturers. Based on the design leak in March, the rendering offered a detailed information about a number of features, including the antenna cutouts, which was similar to the iPhone 5S. It also indicated that the particular smartphone would have a thickness of 6mm, which corresponded to Kuo’s prediction of 6.5-7 mm thickness. Moreover, it suggested that the device would have a length of 138mm and a width of 67mm.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Including Electronic Image Stabilization
According to a report published by Weibo on April 29, ESM analyst Sun Chang Xu claimed that the iPhone 6 would feature the electronic image stabilization feature, rather than the previously rumored optical image stabilization. He also claimed that the users would be enabled to capture photos with higher qualities, as the rear camera of the device would have 1.7 µm pixel size, which is an enhancement from the 1.5 µm pixel size of the current iPhone 5S.
Physical Dummy of the 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Revealed
On April 29, Chinese site Feng published the images of the physical 5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockup, which was constructed based on the report of MacFan published on March. It had a protruding camera and a slimmer shape than its 4.7-inch counterpart. The handset was 20mm taller and 11mm wider.
High Quality Image of the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Dummy Revealed
On April 30, Italian website Macitynet revealed a high quality photo of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. It offered a detailed view of the different parts, including the rear camera and flash. Similar to the previous rumors, it included a repositioned power button. The dummy was allegedly constructed by a case manufacturer.
iPhone 6 Dummy Constructed with Respect to the Real Machine Schematics
On /4/1, new dummy of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 had been published by the Chinese website 86Digi, which was said to be built applying the real machine schematics. The alleged handset had a thickness of 8mm and included the rounded corner, the power button positioned on the top right side, the rectangular volume control button on the left, and the rounded LED flash and antenna breaks on the rear. More importantly, the report claimed that the iPhone 6 would be equipped with the three-stage aluminum design.
High Price of Sapphire Display Reducing iPhone 6 Fabrication
On /4/6, Weibo reported that the rising cost of the sapphire display would decrease the production of the iPhone 6, forcing Apple to manufacture only a limited number of the devices. The fabrication of the sapphire display was said to cost around $280 million, which is more than $44 increase from the 4-inch Retina screen of the iPhone 5S. Consequently, the selling price of the particular smartphone would be risen by 50%, ultimately depriving a large number of customers to purchase, as the cost range would be beyond their capabilities.
Pegatron Producing 15% of iPhone 6
On /4/6, Taiwan’s Industrial and Commercial Times reported that Pegatron had been reportedly engaged working on 15% of the iPhone 6 orders. Moreover, the company was claimed to deliver 50 million iPhones each year, which would include not only the iPhone 6 but also iPhone 5S and iPhone 4.
iPhone 6 Reportedly being Equipped with the NFC
In a report published on /4/7, BrightWire claimed that the iPhone 6 would be released with the highly anticipated NFC technology. It mentioned that Apple had reached an agreement with the China UnionPay to apply its payment system into the Passbook and other apps. The report was in line with the prediction of the famous KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who earlier stated about the inclusion of NFC in the next generation smartphone.
TSMC Allegedly Delivered First Set of Fingerprint Sensors
On /4/7, cecb2b.com stated that Apple’s manufacturing partner TSMC had provided the first group of fingerprint sensors. The components would be applied in not only the iPhone 6 but also other upcoming Apple devices, including iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3. The report strengthened the possibility of releasing iPhone 6 in 2014 significantly.
Apple Reportedly Releasing the 4.7-Inch and 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 in August and September
On /4/8, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News reported that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would be revealed in August, while the smaller 4.7-inch version would see its debut in September. It was also said that Apple would construct 80 million iPhone units in 2014. Foxconn was claimed to handle the assembly works, while the Largan Precision was rumored to develop the camera modules.
Alleged iPhone 6 Rendering from Foxconn Revealed
On /4/10, Chinese website Wei-Feng published the rendering of the iPhone 6, which was claimed to be created by one of Apple’s major manufacturing partners, called Foxconn. The alleged smartphone had a dimension of 138x67mm and included rounded corners, rectangular volume controls and power button positioned on the top right side. It also included the Apple logo cutout on the rear. The rendering seemed to be the original one, as most of its design features matched to the previous reports.
New Cases for the 4.7-Inch and 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Revealed
On /4/13, French site nowhereelse.fr shared the alleged cases for the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6. More interestingly, it called the larger variant as the “iPhone Air.” Its case had a dimesion of 157×811 mm. On the other hand, the case of the 4.7-inch had a dimension of 138x66mm. Both the cases had a thickness of 7mm. Like earlier designs, the cases sported the rounded corners, rectangular volume controls, power button positioned on the top right side and the Apple logo cutout on the rear. The renderings corresponded to MacFan’s previously published drawing.
iPhone 6 Said to have 1704×960 Display Resolution
On /4/14, 9to5Mac stated that both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would feature a display resolution of 1704×960. It is a significant increase from the 1136×640 resolution of the iPhone 5S. The smaller variant was said to have 416 ppi, while the larger version was rumored to include 356 ppi.
Apple Reportedly Engaging Innolux for Constructing the iPhone 6 Display Panel
On /4/19, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News claimed that Apple was planning to engage the third manufacturer for building iPhone 6, as it allegedly employed Innolux for the particular endeavor. The Taiwan based company was said to produce the display panels for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. In the previous, the same company supplied the display panels for the iPad 2 and the iPad 3.
The NFC Rumor of the iPhone 6 Revived
In a report published by Mac Rumors on 20th May, the analysts of the Morgan Stanley stated that the iPhone 6 was very likely to be equipped with the NFC technology. More specifically, the analysts claimed that the NFC would be applied as the core technology for Apple’s mobile payment services. On the other hand, NXP was said to provide the required wireless system.
iPhone 6 Case Aluminum Mold Revealed
On /4/22, MobileDirect.co published the image of a new iPhone mold. More interestingly, the mold was built with the aluminum. The mold was constructed with a view to making cases for the iPhone 6. As a result, it included holes for setting connections to the manufacturing machines.
New Images of the iPhone 6 Backlight Panel Revealed
On /4/23, Weibo published the images of the backlight of the next generation Apple smartphone. Despite it looked similar to the same component of the iPhone 5S and 5C, it sported a number of design changes, including the repositioned connector and different pins. However, it was unsure whether the alleged photos were the real ones or not.
Kuo Once Again Claimed about the Inclusion of the Touch ID
On /4/26, KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo once again claimed that the iPhone 6 would feature the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. He also stated that the same component would be applied in other devcies as well, including iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3. Moreover, he mentioned that the particular part would have a different module design in order to increase the efficiency of the tin, ultimately enhancing the durability significantly.
Foxconn Allegedly Beginning 4.7-Inch and 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Production in July and August
On 27 May, DigiTimes reported that Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn was very likely to start manufacturing the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 in July. On the other hand, the larger 5.5-inch version was said to enter into the production stage in August. Consequently, the possibility of seeing the release of both the versions of the iPhone 6 in this year was strengthened significantly.
Image of the Alleged iPhone 6 Back Cover Revealed
On /4/29, Macfixit Australia published the image of the iPhone 6 rear cover. A green film was included on the top. The silver holes near the camera was noticed, which strongly indicated that the iPhone 6 would be introduced in silver color. Similar to the previous mockups, it included rounded corners and antenna breaks near the top. It also featured the camera and flash cutouts, consequently strengthened its validity.
Apple Allegedly Requesting Chinese Officials to Prevent the Leaking of iPhone 6 Parts
On 30th May, Sonny Dickson informed that Apple has approached a request to the Chinese authorities with a view to stop other organizations from leaking the important components of the iPhone 6. It was said that more than 200 security officers were involved with the specific matter.
“There are about 200 security officers trying to catch those who dare to sell iPhone 6 accessories.”
Sonny Dickson, an Australian Apple enthusiast
5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Battery Issues Reportedly Solved
On June 2, Chinese site Laoyaoba reported that the battery issues of the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 had been solved. It claimed that Apple had engaged China based Sunwoda Electronics to provide 20 million batteries for the smartphone. The previous battery manufacturer, Dynapack, was allegedly facing issues to keep the pace with the supply demand, but would continue the work. Moreover, it was claimed that Apple would produce 80 million iPhone 6 units in 2014.
New Images Allegedly Revealed the iPhone 6 Rear Shell
On June 6, Nowherelese.fr published new images, which offered a detailed view of the iPhone 6 rear shell. Similar to the previous mock-ups, the alleged part was said to include a repositioned power button. In addition, it contained the widened volume button and the standard mute switch located on the left side. However, the most interesting part was the cutout Apple logo, which was said to be equipped with such lights that would be used to notify the users about different information effectively. Due to the high quality, the images were strongly believed as the genuine ones.
Taiwan’s Jimmy Lin Revealed the Images of the iPhone 6 Mock-ups
On June 11, Jimmy Lin, the superstar race car driver from Taiwan, posted the images of the alleged iPhone 6. He compared the next generation smartphone with the iPhone 5 and 5S. It contained a larger FaceTime camera hole and the non-purposeful yellow blank. Moreover, the device was turned off, which seemed a bit suspicious. However, the dummy looked to be the original one, as it was quite similar to the earlier mock-ups.
The Rumor of the $100 Price Increase of the 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Revived
On June 13, Market Watch reported that the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would be released with a $100 price premium. However, the rise of the price didn’t seem to create any negative influence, as Raymond James analyst Tavis McCourt claimed that the consumers were still interested to buy the next generation smartphone. He said, “Our June consumer survey points to continued growth in the willingness of iPhone users to pay $100 more for a bigger screened iPhone, with now a full one-third of survey respondents willing to pay a $100 premium.”
More Photos of the iPhone 6 Revealed
On June 14, Sonny Dickson published the new images of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6. Both the devices included the rounded case corners and larger form factors. The most interesting part was the rear shell, which contained the golden color.
The Rumor of iPhone 6 being Released with the Sapphire Displays Revived
In a report published on June 15 by Seeking Alpha, analyst Matt Margolis claimed that Apple’s manufacturing partner GT Advanced would be capable to produce adequate amount of sapphire glass from the Mesa plant for the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6, citing the latest supply checking. The statement gave the Apple lovers a new hope of getting the next generation smartphones with the high scratch-resistant glass.
Only the 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Reportedly Including the Sapphire Screen
On June 17, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News reported that Apple would equip only the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 with the sapphire display. It stated that one of Apple’s manufacturing partners, LG, had been facing issues to meet Apple’s demand of constructing the screen in such a way so that it consumed almost no energy in the stand-by mode. It hinted that the 4.7-inch variant would feature Corning’s Gorilla glass. The statement contradicts with the previous report stating that GT Advanced had enough supply to equip both the variants of the iPhone 6 with the sapphire display.
iPhone 6 Allegedly Including the Atmospheric Pressure Sensor
On June 18, 9to5Mac reported that iPhone 6 would be equipped with the atmospheric pressure sensor. It stated that the new API in iOS 8 contained the altitude data, like “isRelativeAltitudeAvailable,” which indicated that the smartphone would be able to detect the “relative altitude changes.”
The 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Display Component Revealed for the Very First Time
On June 21, 9to5Mac published the first leaked images of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 display parts. The photos depict the front and rear of the LCD backlight panel, which had a diagonal measurement of 14 cm to 5.5-inch. Despite the backlights were similar to the 4.7-inch counterpart, the data connector looked a bit different.
Foxconn Reportedly Engaging an Additional 100,000 Workers for Manufacturing the iPhone 6
On June 22, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News reported that one of Apple’s major manufacturing partners, Foxconn, would employ a record breaking 100,000 new workers for producing the iPhone 6. It strongly indicated about Apple’s plan to sell a huge number of its smartphones, consequently creating a huge pressure on the major rivals.
Apple Revealing both the 4.7-Inch and 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 at the Same Time
On June 24, Bloomberg stated that both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would see simultaneous release on September 2014. It contradicts with the previous reports claiming that the debut of the larger variant would be delayed due to the battery and screen manufacturing issues.
Apple Allegedly Denied to Use Catcher Technology’s Casings for the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6
On June 24, China’s Economic Daily News claimed that Apple had rejected to apply the casings manufactured by Catcher Technology in the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. The reason behind the denial was the issues in the plastic and metal components connecting region, which was created due to the anodizing method. The solution of the problem required an estimated period of 3-4 months. Consequently, Apple was forced to provide the particular task to the other suppliers.
Only the 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Including the Optical Image Stabilization
In a report published by Barron’s on June 24, John Vinh and Kevin Chen, the analysts from the Pacific Crest Securities, claimed that only the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would contain the highly anticipated optical image stabilization function. It suggested that the specific feature would be the main differential factor between the 4.7-inch and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6. On the same day, KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo also stated that the function would not be equipped with the 4.7-inch version, but only the 5.5-inch counterpart.
Apple Reportedly Releasing 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 in 32GB and 64GB Versions
On June 25, Chinese website Tencent claimed that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 would see its debut on Spetember 19. Moreover, it claimed that the device would be launched in 32GB and 64GB variants, which was expected to cost $846 and $1008 respectively.
The 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 would Only Include the 128GB Versions
On June 25, Chinese website Wei Feng claimed that 128GB model would be only available for the 5.5-inch iPhone 6. That means its 4.7-inch counterpart would not be released in any 128GB version. The specific storage capacity was claimed to be a major differentiating factor between both the smartphones.
Another Rear Shell for the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Revealed in a New Video
On June 26, Japanese website Mac Otakara revealed a new video, showing a rear shell which was reportedly built for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. Like the previous mock-ups, it included cutouts for the camera, flash and Apple logo. However, the component had a slimmer shape, which was in line with the previous reports, stating that the smartphone would be significantly thinner than its previous versions.
New Cables Reveal iPhone 6 Volume and Power Buttons
On July 1, Apple.club.tw published the images of the iPhone 6 cables, which offered a detailed view of the volume and power buttons. It included the Apple logo and part numbers, which strongly suggested that the components are the original ones.
Apple Reportedly Releasing the iPhone 6 on September 25
On July 3, G for Games reported that the iPhone 6 would see its debut on September 25, citing Chinese sources. It also mentioned that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would be known as the “iPhone Air.” Moreover, it stated that the 16GB iPhone Air would cost $965, while the starting price of the 32GB variant of 4.7-inch iPhone 6 would be $850.
4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Front Panel Revealed in a New Video
On July 3, Chinese site iFanr published a new video, showing an alleged front panel for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. In addition to having black color, the particular component included thinner bezels, rounded corners, and front-facing camera hole positioned on the left side, which were quite similar to the previous rumors.
Apple Allegedly Introducing the iPhone 6 in the Early September
On July 3, Mac Rumors reported that the next version of the iPhone 6 would be revealed in the first or the second week of September, citing reliable sources. It also claimed that the mass shipment from China would begin on August. Moreover, the report stated that the launch of the devices would happen during the same month.
iPhone 6 Rumored to have Batteries with a Slight Upgrade of Capacity
On July 7, G for Games stated that the iPhone 6 was very unlikely to see a major battery capacity upgrade. It claimed that the battery of the 4.7-inch version would have a capacity around 1,800-1,900, while the larger 5.5-inch variant would sport the 2,500 mAh battery. Though it is a slight improvement from the 1,560 mAh battery of the iPhone 5S, the iPhone 6 would lag far behind from its major competitors.
iPhone 6 Front Panel Took Part in Bending Test
On July 7, Sonny Dickson posted a new video, showing that an alleged iPhone 6 front panel being examined in a bending test. Despite passing the test, the specific component cannot be said to be constructed with a material having extreme bending capabilities. And though the video mentioned that the part has been made with sapphire, the fact was seemed very uncertain.
The Same iPhone 6 Front Panel Examined in the Scratch Resistant Test
On July 7, Marques Brownlee posted a new video on YouTube, showing the same iPhone 6 front panel and tested its scratch resistant capability. He hit it with the knife and keys, but failed to create any scratch. Moreover, he bent the part completely, but it successfully withstood the force. It strongly suggested that the front panel had been constructed with sapphire, as the particular material is known to have a very high scratch-resistant feature.
Alleged iPhone 6 Components Indicate Space Gray, Gold and Silver Color Options of the iPhone 6
On July 8, Letem Svetem Applem published the images of a number of iPhone 6 components, including SIM card tray and power and volume flex cables. The parts suggested that the next generation smartphone would be released in multiple colors, including Space Gray, Gold and Silver.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Including the New Dynamic Haptic Feedback System
On July 10, Laoyaoba claimed that the iPhone 6 would be equipped with the new dynamic haptic system. A tactile linear motor would be applied, which would enable the users to feel slight vibrations for the different pre-determined functions of different apps. However, the specific component would cost about two to three times more than the motor available on the iPhone 5S.
New Images Revealed the LCD Shielding and Home Button Bracket for the iPhone 6 Front Frame
On July 10, Apple.club.tw posted new images, depicting the iPhone 6 front frame LCD shielding and home button. The alleged parts looked to be the original ones not only because they seemed to have one of the most accurate sizes that fit with the iPhone 6 but also for its similarity to the previous mock-ups.
Specialist Claimed iPhone 6 Featuring the Sapphire Display
In a report published on July 11 by Mac Rumors, Professor Neil Alford, a member of the Materials department at London’s Imperial College, stated that the iPhone 6 would definitely be equipped with the sapphire screen. He claimed that the glass that took part in the scratch resistant test was very likely being constructed with sapphire.
“In my opinion the screen being shown off in the video could well be a sapphire screen. If you make thin enough, and it’s flaw free, you can bend it quite considerable because it has an enormous strength.”
Professor Neil Alford, Member of the Department of Materials, Imperial College, London
iPhone 6 Production Facing Issues, Debut of Larger Variant Might be Pushed Back to 2015
In a report published on July 13 by Mac Rumors, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that Apple had been facing a lot of difficulties manufacturing the iPhone 6. He said, “Production bottlenecks on 4.7-nch iPhone 6 center on the yield rate of in-cell touch panel and metal casing. As in-cell touch panel becomes larger in size, the edge of the panel /4/become insensitive to touch. Meanwhile, under new manufacturing process for the iPhone 6 metal casing, color unevenness is an issue.” More importantly, he claimed that the production of the larger 5.5-inch version is facing even more issues, which might delay its release until 2015.
Apple Engaged New Companies for Manufacturing the iPhone 6 Batteries
On July 15, G for Games reported that Apple had engaged Desai and Simplo as the main manufacturers of the iPhone 6 batteries. It claimed that Dynapack, the company which was rumored to be involved with the particular task, had been put aside due to its incapability of meeting the supply demand. The report suggested that the iPhone 6 battery production was very unlikely to face further issues.
New Images Revealed the Alleged iPhone 6 Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner
On July 16, French site Nowhereelse.fr published the images of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor of the iPhone 6. Though it looked quite similar to the part of the iPhone 5S, it included a slight design change, including the repositioned screw holes, suggesting that the iPhone 6 would be equipped with the metal housing.
New Images Revealed the Alleged 1,810 mAh Battery for the iPhone 6
On July 17, Nowhereelse.fr revealed the images of the purported iPhone 6 battery that had a capacity of 1,810 mAh. Despite the capacity corresponded to the previous reports, it would be a bit disappointing for the Apple lovers, as Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8) would leave the next generation smartphone far behind in terms of battery performance.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Including Sony’s 13MP Camera Sensor
On July 17, Chinese forum Digi-Wo claimed that the iPhone 6 would feature the 13MP Exmor IMX220 camera sensor, which had been manufactured by Sony. The sensor would enable the users to capture not only high quality photos but also record 1080p videos. It would be a major enhancement from the 8MP sensor of the iPhone 5S.
The Mass Production of the 4.7-Inch and 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Starting in July and August
On July 17, Mac Rumors reported that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 would enter into the mass production in July 2014. On the other hand, its larger 5.5-inch counterpart would get into the same stage in the following month. It strongly suggested that both the versions would see their debut within this year.
Alleged iPhone 6 Front Panel Took Part in a Harder Test
On July 18, Marques Brownlee posted the new video of the same alleged iPhone front panel. This time, it was examined in a more rigorous test. Brownlee scratched it with the two sandpapers. Though the component passed in the previous test, it failed to do so during this time. However, it showed a more scratch-resistant feature than the Gorilla glass of the iPhone 5S. It suggested that the iPhone 6 might not be equipped with the sapphire screen, but with a display that is harder than the Gorilla glass.
New Photos Revealed the Alleged iPhone 6 Rear Shell with Embedded Apple Logo
On July 21, µSwitch posted the images of a purported rear shell for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. The most significant part was the embedded Apple logo. However, it didn’t seem to have a lighting option for providing different notification to the users, as stated by the previous reports.
Apple Planning to Produce 70-80 Million Units of iPhone 6 by December 2014
On July 21, The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple had been thinking to order 70-80 million units of iPhone 6 to its manufacturing partners. Moreover, it claimed that Cupertino company had been asking the delivery of the devices within December 2014. The reason behind the strategy was said to avoid the acute supply shortage situation, which happened in case of the iPhone 5S.
More Images of iPhone 6 Lightning/Headphone Flex Cables and Rear Shell Published
On July 22, Apple.club.tw posted the new images of the iPhone 6 components, which offered a detailed view of the lightning/headphone flex cables and rear shell. The flex cables contained headphone jack on the left, followed by the microphone. The lightning port was positioned on the middle of the part. Despite the features were quite similar to the iPhone 5S, one design option seemed a bit different, which was the dual screw holes at the top for the headphone jack. Morover, the purported rear shell included the embedded Apple logo, which was in line with the previous rumors.
Apple Organizing Launch Event for the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 in Mid-September
On July 23, 9to5Mac reported that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 was expected to be revealed in a special event held on the mid-September. The iOS 8 was also said to be launched at the same time. However, the debut of the larger 5.5-inch was said to be uncertain, as its release was rumored to be delayed significantly due to the production issues.
Apple Planning to Avoid the Competition between the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6
On July 23, DigiTimes reported that Apple had been thinking to release the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 at different periods. The reason behind the approach was not allowing both the models to become each others competitors. The move seemed logical, as the particular matter happened in case of the current iPhone 5S and 5C, which deprived Apple to generate an expected amount of sales.
4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Entered into the Mass Production
On July 25, G for Games claimed that the mass production of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 had begun, citing Chinese sources. However, the 5.5-inch counterpart was reported not being able to get into the same stage at that time. Nonetheless, its mass production was expected to begin in September.
Logic Board for the iPhone 6 Revealed
On July 26, Nowhereelse.fr published the detailed images of the alleged iPhone 6 logic board. Its parts hinted that the next generation smartphone will feature the faster 802.11 ac Wi-Fi. More importantly, NFC seemed very likely to be included, which had been rumored to be applied in the iPhone for years.
5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Reportedly be Releasing in December 2014
On July 28, G for Games reported that the 5.5-inch iPhone would see its debut in this year’s December. It was believed that Apple had decided to launch the device in the last part of the year with a view to taking advantage of the holiday season, consequently generating a huge number of sales. In addition to the larger model of iPhone 6, the iWatch was also claimed to be released on the same month.
Apple Revealing iPhone 6 in October
On July 31, Mac Rumors reported that tech giant would introduce the iPhone 6 in October 2014, citing a source from an internal Apple Store meeting. Though the 4.7-inch model was strongly expected to be released on the particular month, the debut of the larger 5.5-inch version seemed very unlikely to happen at the same time, as manufacturing issues had reportedly delayed its launch until 2015.
5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Reportedly Including Stronger A8 Chip
In a report published on August 4 by Apple Insider, Timothy Arcuri, the analyst from Cowen and Co., claimed that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would not only exceed its 4.7-inch counterpart not only with respect to the screen size but also the performance of the processor. He also stated that the larger device would feature a different touch module from the 4.7-inch smartphone. The reason behind the prediction was the larger die of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 processor, which indicated that the chip would feature better graphics chip.
Apple Introducing the iPhone 6 in September 9
On August 5, Re/code reported that the iPhone 6 would be revealed in a special event on September 9. It claimed that not only the 4.7-inch version but also the 5.5-inch counterpart would be introduced at the same time. The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 was said to be available to the customers on September 19. However, the delivery of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 might be delayed significantly due to the manufacturing issues.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Including the 2,100 mAh Battery
In a report published by G for Games on August 6, ESM-China Electronics analyst Sung Chang Xu claimed that the iPhone 6 would feature the 2,100 mAh battery, citing the Chinese supply sources. The image of the battery was also published.
Rumor of 802.11 ac Wi-Fi and NFC Revived
On August 6, VentureBeat reported that the iPhone 6 would feature a faster 802.11 ac Wi-Fi and the highly anticipated NFC technology which would be built by NXP. Moreover, it was claimed that the next generation smartphone would sport the new 2.0 GHz chip, Qualcomm’s MDM9x35 modem, and enhanced Touch ID fingerprint sensor. However, it was said that the sapphire display would not be included.
New Photos Reveal the iPhone 6 Rear Shell with the Scratch Resistant Apple Logo
On August 7, luxury iPhone modifier Feld & Volk published an image of the purported iPhone 6 rear shell. It featured a slight design change, including the rebuilt volume button which would decrease the possibility of accidental volume changes significantly. However, the most interesting part was the Apple logo, which seemed to be constructed with a very high scratch-resistant material, like the Liquidmetal alloy.
New Images of the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Front Panel Revealed
On August 10, Taiwan based AppleClub published new images of the alleged front panel for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. Like the earlier mock-ups, it featured thinner bezel and rounded corners. It also included cutouts for the Touch ID, the front-facing camera and ambient light sensor.
New Photos Showed the iPhone 6 “True Tone” Flash
On 11 August, Nowhereelse.fr published the images of the new iPhone 6 components, including the True Tone flash for the iPhone 6, which was integrated on a flex cable. It will boost the photo quality of the upcoming smartphone significantly, as it is compatible with 1,000 different color temperatures and enhances white balance.
Another iPhone 6 Rear Shell Revealed
On August 12, Sonny Dickson published the images of an alleged iPhone 6 rear shell, which was provided by the luxury iPhone modifier Folk & Velk. It sported upper and lower bezels, almost-total metal design and cutout for the “True Tone” LED flash. In addition, it included rear camera cutout, suggesting that the iPhone 6 would feature the protruding lens.
iPhone 6 Got into the Final Quality Stage
On August 13, G for Games stated that the iPhone 6 had reached the final quality stage, citing the Chinese media. It claimed that the examination had been performed in Foxconn’s Zhengzou factory. After the completion of the particular test, the iPhone 6 would enter into the mass production stage.
Apple Prohibited the Application of Two Harmful Chemicals in the iPhone 6
On August 13, the Associated Press reported that the tech giant had banned the use of benzene and n-hexane, the two potentially dangerous chemicals, in the final stage of the iPhone 6 production. Benzene can cause leukemia, while n-hexane can pave a way for the nerve damage, which forced the Cupertino company to set a prohibition for the particular chemicals.
Images of the iPhone 6 Rear Camera Ring Revealed
On August 11, Nowhereelse.fr published the images of a number of iPhone 6 components, including the purported rear camera ring, which was supplied by Feld & Volk. Its design suggested that at least one of the iPhone 6 models would feature the particular component, which might be the larger 5.5-inch version.
New Photos Showed the Assembled iPhone 6 Logic Board
On August 14, Apple.club.tw published the images of a purported iPhone 6 logic board. It included the flex cable component connector, the nano-SIM slot, Toshiba’s flash storage chip and the Wi-Fi module which was being concealed under electromagnetic shielding.
High-End Variants of the iPhone 6 Reportedly Including Sapphire Screens
On August 14, the Wall Street Journal reported that the highly-anticipated sapphire display would only be equipped with the high-end models of the iPhone 6, which covered both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch variants. However, the price of the devices would see a significant increase due to the high production cost of the scratch resistant material.
The 2,915 mAh Battery for the 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Revealed
On August 15, Chinese site Apple Daily published the images of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 battery, which had a capacity of 2,915 mAh. It included the Apple part number 616-0675 as well as 4.35 voltage rating. Though it was unsure whether the component was the original one or not, it looked to fit well on a 5.5-inch smartphone.
Another Photo of the 1,810 mAh Battery for the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Published
On August 16, Nowhereelse.fr posted the images of a purported 1,810 mAh battery for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. It did not include the typical specification description but also the Apple logo, strongly suggesting that the part is the real one.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Containing 1GB RAM
On August 18, GeekBar, a Chinese Apple repair company, posted a leaked schematic of the iPhone 6, which was being provided by the Chinese supply sources. It showed that the device had been equipped with 1GB of RAM. It would put the smartphone behind the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One, which contain 2GB of RAM.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Incorporating Qualcomm’s Advanced LTE Modem
On August 19, GeekBar posted a new image of the iPhone 6, which showed Qualcomm’s MDM9625 LTE modem. The chip provides support for a maximum speed of 150 MBPS.
LG Allegedly Working as the Main iPhone 6 Display Provider
On August 19, Mac Rumors reported that LG had become the primary display supplier of the iPhone 6. The company had to defeat Samsung, Sharp and Japan Display to get the position. However, no detailed information was being provided.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Including 1472 x 828 and 1704 x 960 Resolutions
On August 19, Mac Rumors stated that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 would feature a resolution of 1472×960. On the other hand, its 5.5-inch counterpart was said to include a resolution of 1704 x 960. Both the devices were expected to include pixel densities of 355-360 ppi.
Protruding Camera Ring of the 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Revealed on the Alleged Schematic
On August 20, Apple.club.tw published the image of an alleged schematic for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, which showed a protruding camera ring on the back. Moreover, the device had a measurement of 0.67-0.77mm, suggesting that the next generation smartphone would have a very thin shape, which was in line with the previous rumors.
Another Photo Depicted the 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Rear Shell
On August 20, EvasiOnJailbreak.com published the image of an alleged rear shell for the 5.5-inch iPhone 6. It included a rounded True Tone flash, thick antenna breaks, and a cutout for Apple logo. More importantly, the screw holes were corresponding to the things that were displayed on the previously leaked images of the logic board. It strongly suggested that the particular part might be the real one.
iPhone 6 Reportedly Including 128GB Storage Option
On August 21, G for Games published the alleged schematics of the iPhone 6, which was being provided by GeekBar. It showed that the 128GB option would be available for the upcoming smartphone. It also indicated other storage capacities, including 16GB and 64GB, while the 32GB was unavailable. The NAND flash modules that had been depicted in the schematics were being manufactured by Toshiba and Hynix.
GT Advanced Allegedly Manufacturing 1.3-2.2 Million Sapphire Displays for the 5.5-Inch iPhone 6
On August 22, Digitimes Research reported that Apple’s manufacturing partner GT Advanced would produce only 1.3-2.2 million sapphire displays for the larger version of the iPhone 6. It suggested that the device would not see its debut until 2015.
Detailed Dimension of the iPhone 6 Revealed
On August 22, French site IGen.fr published the detailed information about the dimension of the iPhone 6, citing the sources of Foxconn. It stated that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would have a dimension of 158x78mm, a thickness of 7.1mm, a weight of 184.6 gm. However, the thickness would be increased to 7.7mm with the presence of the protruding camera. On the other hand, the 4.7-inch version would feature a dimension of 138×66 mm, a thickness of 6.9.mm, while the information of its weight was not being mentioned.
iPhone 6 Facing Production Issues Related to the Backlight
On August 22, Reuters reported that Apple’s manufacturing partners are struggling to produce sufficient amount of displays due to the production issues associated with the backlight. In order to solve the problem, the backlight was required to be modified, which might stop the manufacturing process for almost two months.
Apple Engaging Samsung to Produce RAM for the iPhone 6
On August 22, Digitmes claimed that Apple had employed Samsung as the iPhone 6 RAM manufacturer. The reason behind the move was the reluctance of SK Hynix and Elpida to work on the project, as they were reportedly became unhappy with the price Apple wanted to pay.
iPhone 6 Claimed to Include 1334 x 750 and 2208 x 1242 Retina Screens
On August 22, renowned journalist John Gruber stated that the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would feature 1334 x 750 and 2208 x 1242 Retina displays accordingly. The devices were said to have pixel densities of 326 ppi and 461 ppi respectively.
iPhone 6 Unlikely to Feature the Reversible USB-Lightning Cable
On August 24, Moca.co stated that the iPhone 6 would not be released with the reversible USB lightning cables, citing “Official Appointed Manufacturer of Apple.” In fact, the Cupertino company hadn’t placed “any order with them.” However, the redesigned power adapter was expected to be applied in the upcoming smartphone.
iPhone 6 Containing Barometric Pressure Sensor
On August 25, Geekbar posted a new iPhone 6 schematic on Weibo. It contained a “Phosphorous” component, which was looked to be the Bosch barometric pressure sensor, as stated by the Mac Rumors forum poster leecbaker. It would be used in a number of applications extensively, including weather forecasting, GPS, spirometry, altimetry, and lung functions monitoring.
Apple Releasing iPhone 6 on September 9
On August 27, Re/code stated that the iPhone 6 would be revealed on September 9. The iWatch was also said to see its debut on the same date.
New Images Showed SIM Card Trays, Embedded Apple Logo, and Redesigned Speaker for the iPhone 6
On August 28, Nowhereelse.fr published the photos of a number of alleged iPhone 6 components, including the SIM card trays, an Apple logo on the rear, and the revamped speaker. The SIM card tray and home button was available in space grey, gold and silver, indicating that the upcoming smartphone would retain the color of its predecessor. The embedded Apple logo was claimed to be incapable of withstanding the force of knife, suggesting that the particular part hadn’t been constructed with a scratch-resisting material. The speaker was noticed to have a larger shape, along with the rectangular vibrator motor, which is a change from the iPhone 5S.
The Inclusion of NFC Claimed Again
On August 28, WIRED stated that the iPhone 6 would feature its own mobile payment system. More specifically, it claimed that the NFC technology would be applied in this case. It was called as the “hallmark” option of the next generation smartphone.
Apple Confirmed the September 9 Event
On August 28, The Loop reported that Apple had sent media invitations for the special event scheduled to be held on September 9. While the company revealed no more detailed information, the iPhone 6 was strongly expected to be released on the particular date, along with the iWatch.
“Wish we could say more”
Tagline of Apple’s September 9 Event
NFC Chip to be Manufactured by NXP
On August 29, The Financial Times reported that the NFC technology would definitely be included in the iPhone 6. Moreover, it claimed that the chip would be manufactured by the Netherlands based NXP Semiconductors. The technology would allow the users to handle online payments securely through the iPhone 6.
Finished iPhone 6 Rear Shell Revealed with Colored Bands
On August 29, Nowhereelse.fr posted another image of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 rear shell. This time, the part was noticed to have colored rear bands. It sported design features similar to the previous reports, including the rounded corners and embedded Apple logo.
New iPhone 6 Logic Board Confirmed the Inclusion of NFC Chip from NXP
We have come to the last point of our journey, as Sonny Dickson posted the image of the complete 4.7-inch iPhone 6 logic board on August 29. It contained the highly-anticipated NFC chip from NXP. It also included the 16GB module from Toshiba, along with Qualcomm’s MDM9625 LTE modem. Moreover, its A8 processor was found to contain 1GB of RAM.
These are all the rumors and news that created a huge buzz among all the Apple enthusiasts. Keep in touch with I4U News to get all the latest information about the iPhone 6.
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