Gone are the days where you could get by using the same phone for 5+ years. There are new developments in mobile device technology happening every day, and if you don’t keep upgrading, you will be left behind. That’s why most wireless provider companies have switched to two year contracts instead of the standard three. They know that to most, a two year old phone is practically an antique, and people always want the newest, and trendiest technology in their pocket. The iPhone 5c and 5s were both released only a year ago, but on September 19th of this year, Apple will unveil its brand new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Pre-ordering starts on September 12th, so if you are due for an upgrade, here are some of the things you have to look forward to.
Appearance
The iPhone 6 is going to be bigger and also smaller than its predecessor. While the 5 boasted a 4 inch screen, the screen on the 6 will be 4.7 inches, while the 6 Plus will be 5.5 inches. At 6.9mm for the 6, and 7.1mm for the 6 Plus, both version will be slimmer than the 5s.
Hardware upgrades
Both versions of the iPhone 6 will feature an A8 chip, which is an upgrade from the previous iPhone 5’s A7. The new chip will deliver 25% faster CPU performance, and be 50% more energy efficient than its predecessor. That alone might make those panicked requests to borrow someone, anyone’s charger, when your phone is at 6% before an important call, a little less frequent. Apple says that the 6 will get 50 hours of battery life for audio, 11 hours for video and WiFi browsing, and 10 hours for LTE browsing, with all of those number increasing slightly on the 6 Plus. In addition, a more sophisticated M8 motion coprocessor is included which will be able to estimate distance and elevation changes with a new barometer.
Camera improvements
Considering the increasing popularity (read: obsession) with pictures and video apps like Instagram, Vine, and Snapchat, the quality of the camera on a phone is a huge selling point. The camera on both iPhone 6 versions have an 8-megapixel sensor, and a circular true tone flash. Another big plus is the “Focus Pixel” technology which will improve autofocusing and reduce the number of blurry pictures that go straight into the trash. A new feature in the camera app is the “Burst” option, which will make taking multiple selfies even more efficient. One is bound to turn out well, right? The video capabilities are also improved from the iPhone 5, making filming from your phone even easier than it already is.
Software improvements
While your current operating system allows you to view videos, and play games while holding your phone horizontally, the iPhone 6 will add the ability to view your home screen horizontally as well. This is one part of the new iOs 8 operating system that is being implemented on all new iPhones and iPads. A few other features include QuickType, which will evolve as your phone gets to know your texting style, a new health related app that will help you track your fitness goals, improvements to Siri’s questionable hearing, and a more efficient way to respond to texts while remaining in another app. That means no more putting Candy Crush on hold to let your friend know you are going to be late.
