What To Expect From Apple's New iPhone 6

The next iPhone is almost certainly going to bring a larger display to Apple’s signature device, and most rumors agree that it will offer up both a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch option. This will be a marked difference from the existing iPhone, given that Apple has remained committed to a 4-inch diagonal since introducing it on the iPhone 5 two years ago, at which point even that was a big step up from the 3.5-inch screen on all previous iPhone devices.

In addition to a larger screen, expect Apple to introduce a new case design, one that features softer edges when compared to the current look. Leaks and mock-ups based on supposed components from suppliers suggest it’ll have a lot in common with the design language Apple first introduced with the iPad mini, which then made its way into last year’s iPad Air. Most expect a thinner chassis as well, along with the new rounded corners.

Touch ID will almost certainly reprise its role as Apple’s fancy fingerprint unlocked, especially given Apple’s decision to open up access to the tool to third-party developers and apps. It could feature prominently in Apple’s mobile payments plans, too, as an additional authentication layer. NFC, too, is something Apple is said to finally be embracing, also owing to how it can help its mobile payments efforts, and potentially for easier pairing between the new iPhone and its brand new mystery wearable.

New materials used in the iPhone’s construction should include a strong sapphire-based composite of some kind that offers additional projection against scratching and breaking. Apple has a large-scale partnership with GT Advanced Technologies, a manufacturer that specializes in sapphire production, and indications are that we’ll see this bear fruit, though some reports claim that this new tech might only be used in higher-end models of the iPhone, with standard reinforced glass used on less expensive versions.

Finally, expect the usual spate of internal hardware improvements, including a more capable camera, better network connectivity (802.11ac Wi-Fi and LTE-Advanced are reasonable expectations), a boosted processor (A8 generation of Apple’s in-house system-on-a-chip) and more.