BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

iPhone 6S Design Leaks, Expect Angry Responses

This article is more than 8 years old.

What will the next iPhone look like? Now we know…

The ever reliable 9to5Mac has grabbed a great exclusive by attaining the chassis for the upcoming iPhone 6S (factory leaks meant it also happened with the iPhone 6 last year) and its massive library of shots offer a mixture of disappointment and intrigue.

The Disappointment

Perhaps predictably the most underwhelming aspect of the leak is that externally the new iPhone 6S looks exactly like the old iPhone 6.

This will inevitably cause much grumbling and gnashing of teeth: No front facing stereo speakers, no USB 3.1 Type C connector (always unlikely), no change to the back for a dual lens camera and no switch of button positions (a few, strangely, wanted the lock button returned to the top).

It is also has the exact same dimensions (so no new cases needed) and this confirms Apple will be sticking with the 4.7-inch - and presumably 5.5-inch - screen sizes. The polarising antenna lines also still remain.

Read more - iPhone 6S Biggest Feature Confirmed By Bloomberg

Given all the similarities in design, I would argue it is therefore virtually nailed on that this new model will follow convention and be called the iPhone 6S not - as some have speculated - the iPhone 7. With a number change tends to come a hardware redesign.

And yet, in my opinion, this iPhone 6S chassis is still highly intriguing…

The Excitement

Here’s the good news: while the iPhone 6S may look identical to its predecessor externally, internally it is all change.

iPhone 6S chassis mount points are all different - Image credit 9to5Mac

The big thing to note is the mounting points for the logic board and components are completely different to the iPhone 6. Where this just a minor upgrade Apple could slip a tweaked chipset, memory and battery all into the same arrangement but that is not possible.

The major reason for this is likely to be the extra space needed for the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus’ widely expected move to 2GB RAM, which will put it on a par with the current iPad Air 2. Both new models are also expected to be bumped to 12MP cameras, which may require a larger module.

Edit: a good point has also been made that the expected arrival of Force Touch will also have an impact. Force Touch is primarily integrated into the display, but there will inevitably be knock-on effects for the rest of the design as well.  

Read more - iPhone 6S Release Date Leaked Via Major Carrier

But will there be space for the upgraded feature most people want…

Can Apple squeeze in a bigger battery?

In the wake of an upgraded camera and increased RAM this is the big question. iPhone 6S Plus owners won’t care about this as battery life is already excellent, but a little more stamina for the iPhone 6S would be very welcome indeed.

More To Come

Interestingly 9to5Mac says its chassis exclusive is just the start and there will be further revelations about the internal components themselves over the next week “which will reveal new features and enhancements”.

In an iPhone ‘S year’ this is where the real excitement lies…

Read more - Apple Releases iOS 8.4 with ‘Apple Music’, It’s The Big One

___