iPhone 6s: how will it change and what will it cost?

If you’ve been hanging out for the next iPhone, your time to buy is nearly here. We’ll soon know everything about the next Apple super phone, but in the meantime, let’s take stock of all the latest rumours.

First up, something we know for sure: Apple will release details about the iPhone in a Keynote event on September 9 in San Francisco (the morning of September 10 in Australia). The next model is expected to be the iPhone 6s, following in a pattern of releases since the iPhone 4s back in 2011.

What does this mean and what should we expect?

Same, same but different

The ’s’ in the title suggests that this is a year when we should temper our expectations. Apple has been working to a two-year release schedule for several years now, with the ’s’ year releases offering little change over the model from the year before.

Typically, the ’s’ models look and feel exactly the same as the year before. Apple could surprise us, but our money is on the iPhone 6s being the same size, and made from the same materials as the iPhone 6 you can already buy in phone stores.

It should be a little bit more powerful, which is always a plus, and there is rumours of an increase in RAM. Both upgrades would improve performance.

A better camera?

One of the more exciting rumours is that Apple intend to upgrade the already-excellent camera from 8-megapixels to 12-megapixels in the iPhone 6s. Apple recently acquired a smartphone camera company called LinX Imaging, so this could be the year we see a big jump in the quality of photos from phones.

More megapixels means larger photos, but it might also point to sharper images, too. We really wouldn’t be surprised if photography is a big part of the sales pitch from Apple this year — especially after its recent ‘Shot on iPhone’ advertising campaign.

Some suggest Apple is working on a new camera system featuring dual lenses, which would help the iPhone take photos with more in common to full-blown dSLR cameras. Multiple lenses are essential to the zooming mechanisms in real camera lenses, so Apple might be working on a way to introduce a better zoom to the smartphone. This final part of the camera rumours is a long shot, but would be very cool if it turns out to be real.

Force Touch

This sounds like something out of the new Star Wars movie, but sadly, is far less cool. Force Touch is the name Apple has given to a new type of touchscreen interaction which can sense different levels of pressure on the screen.

Essentially, this opens up new ways to interact with applications. For example, in your calendar a regular press on a date could bring up appointment details, while a firmer press could act as a shortcut straight into the appointment creation menu. Or, in Apple Maps a quick tap might bring up location details, while a firmer touch might shortcut you to turn-by-turn navigation to this address.

It isn’t new technology, Apple has already implemented Force Touch in the new Apple Watch, so it is likely we will see this feature in the next round of iPhones.

Similarly pricey

If you’re hoping that Apple will lower the price on the iPhone 6s, we suggest you prepare yourself for disappointment. Since the first iPhone, these handsets have only gotten more expensive with each new iteration.

If Apple follows its own pricing trends from the past few years, you should expect the new iPhone to have exactly the same outright price as the current iPhones. This means prices in Australia starting from $999 for the iPhone 6s and $1,149. If the outright prices remain the same, there is a good chance that the Aussie telcos will keep phone plan prices similar as well.

It’s also worth pointing out that as soon as new iPhone models are released, the price of the existing models drops quite significantly. If you don’t see value in the changes Apple makes, it is an excellent time to pick up one of the older models and save a bunch of money.

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Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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