Tue, 14 May 2013 iPhone 6 release date, rumours and leaked images

Welcome to our iPhone 6 release date, rumours and leaked images article, here we plan to do everything that the title suggests. We are going to bring you everything we know about the new iPhone 6 release date so you can know exactly when the new iPhone 6 is coming out. Updated 14 May 2013

Also we are going to bring you a few of the juiciest spec rumours that are flying round the web's most trusted iPhone websites too. Finally, we've got some iPhone images that we'd like to show you. So sit back and relax: we've got the new iPhone 6 covered.

As this is Apple, the iPhone 6 is not officially announced yet. But Apple is not as secure as it'd like to be, and there are many juicy iPhone 6 rumours floating around, and some of the iPhone leaks in the past have turned out to be fairly accurate.

(Like this iPhone front panel we saw before the last iPhone launch)

Having said that, a lot of iPhone 6 rumours turn out to be Chinese whispers or plain attempts to test people's gullibility.

New iPhone 6 release date

There are two main theories regarding the iPhone 6 launch date. One is that it'll come six months after the iPhone 5, the second is that it'll come 12 months after the iPhone 5. It is thought that Apple's next iPhone, and the following model too, were designed under the leadership of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs before he died in October 2011.

iPhone 6 will arrive in Spring 2013

The latest rumours claim a Spring launch for the iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S. iPhone 6 spring launch is reason for iPhone 5 production slow down, analyst. The idea that Apple will change to a six month cycle is based on claims by ex Apple CEO JOhn Sculley. Apple may bring out iPhone 6 in the spring, report. Also, as we wrote after the launch of iPhone 5, Apple can't wait a whole year between launches now that the competition has hotted up: Apple may bring out iPhone 6 in the spring, report.

SEE: Six signs that Apple will launch an iPhone 6 in spring

iPhone 6 will arrive in June 2013

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has correctly predicted Apple product launches in the past, thinks that Apple's iPhone 6 will be unveiled in June, alongside a low-cost plastic and fibreglass iPhone.

SEE: What to expect from June's WWDC

AND: Analysts continue to forecast a 2013 launch for low-cost iPhone, summer arrival for iPhone 6

iPhone 6 will arrive in late summer

Reports and leaked components in May hinted that Apple's next iPhone may arrive in late summer.

Apple is said to have given Sharp the contract to produce the LCD panels for the next iPhone, and a report from a Japanese newspaper says production will begin in June ahead of an August launch.

iPhone 6 will arrive in October 2013

The second theory is that Apple will stick to its late-season launch and the iPhone 6 release date will be October 2013. This is what we'd currently bet on, although the amount of iPhone 6 rumours and iPhone 6 image leaks in the run-up to June may change the situation. 

The six-month cycle for iOS products makes sense because it means Apple can always be using the latest chipsets and technology. But it's based on the rapid deployment on the iPad 4, just six months after the iPad 3: it's a bit of an assumption that Apple is planning to do this to every product from now on. Research shows that most people buy a new iPhone ever two years, so releasing a new model every six months doesn't mean Apple will sell more, or even make more iPhones, just design more. Apple is rumoured to be selling up to 53 million iPhones in the December quarter alone.

In March, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said that the new iPhone has been delayed from its June or July launch to a September launch due to supplier issues with new colour cases (see iPhone 6 to have eight colour options rumour below).

We think that an autumn launch for the new iPhone is the most likely, especially since CEO Tim Cook hinted in April that the company is working on "amazing" new products for an autumn launch.

Apple's iPhone 6 and iOS 7 have been spotted in app usage logs by developers, suggesting that the release date will be earlier in 2013 rather than later. The iPhone 5 is identified in app usage logs as 'iPhone 5,1' and 'iPhone 5,2' depending on which 4G LTE it uses, so the new 'iPhone 6,1' identifier is believed to be Apple's next generation model.

iPhone 5 orders cut in preparation for 'evolutionary technology leap' for iPhone 6

In January, reports suggested that Apple had halved its component orders for the iPhone 5 due to low demand of the device, leading Apple's share price to fall below $500 per share. But Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry believes that the reason for the cuts is because Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 6 with an 'evolutionary technology leap' that requires new components.

SEE: Apple slowing iPhone 5 production in perparation for iPhone 6 launch - analyst

AND: Apple cuts back iPhone 5 chip, panel orders as start of iPhone 6 production nears - reports

In April, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said that he believes Apple is working on "new products that will surprise and shock us all."

iPhone 6 rumours

There are a lot of iPhone 6 rumours around, but because it is so close from the launch of the iPhone 5 it is hard to distinguish what is a specific iPhone 6 rumour, from general Apple iPhone rumours. Some rumours that were attached to the iPhone 5 are now being incorporated into the iPhone 6. SEE: iPhone 6 rumour rollup for 2013's first week

SEE ALSO: iPhone 6 rumour rollup for the week: Foxconn hiring spree, delays, phablets and camera upgrades

AND: iPhone 6 rumour rollup: What's in a name?

AND: iPhone 6 rumour rollup: Being built in Apple factories, release date this summer

AND: iPhone 6 rumour rollup: Tim Cook's comments, WiFi location tracking, camera, SIM tray

iPhone 6 to have multiple colour options and screen sizes

Apple's iPhone 6 could be available in three different sizes, with up to eight different colour options, an analyst has predicted.

Topeka Capital analyst Brian White said that Apple wants to introduce new colours and sizes in order to give its customers more choice with the same high quality, in order to further expand its market share in the smartphone world.

A previous report from Jefferies analyst Peter Misek also suggested that Apple would be introducing the iPhone 6 in six to eight colours, with what he calls a 'Retina+ display, NFC, and 128GB of storage.

An Apple job listing spotted in March has also added evidence to the theory that Apple will launch the iPhone 6 in multiple colours. Apple is searching for an Anodizing Engineer to join the Manufacturing Design team to help create the next-generation Apple products.

In April, a photograph of a SIM tray that allegedly belongs to the iPhone 6 was leaked online, also hinting that there could be more colour opptions for the next iPhone.

See also: New iPhone: three colours, two sizes and a low-cost model

The iPhone 6 will have a Smart Home Button that is oblong-shaped and touch-capacitive

This one's been around since forever (well, early 2011 at least). One iPhone 6 rumour suggests that Jony Ive (or Sir Jonathan Ive as he's now formally known) is ready to introduce a wider oblong home button that will be touch-capacitive. The iPhone 6 Home Button will not just push to return to the Home Screen, but you'll be able to swipe your finger left and right over it (we presume to move left and right between Apps, like the four-finger Multi-Touch gesture that you find on the iPad).

This iPhone 6 rumour has some basis in fact, and we believe Apple has at least been experimenting with this idea (we have been reporting on it for a while).

The iPhone 6 will launch alongside an 'iPhone Math' with 4.8in display

Apple could be working on three new iPhones for launch this year, including the iPhone 6, an iPhone with a 12-megapixel camera, and a bigger, 4.8in iPhone which the latest rumours are calling the 'iPhone math'.

While we're rather dubious about the name, it is possible that Apple is thinking about launching an iPhone with a bigger display in order to compete with rival 'phablet' devices such as Samsung's Galaxy Note.

SEE: Why Apple should sidestep the 'phablet'

iPhone 6 will have NFC

A patent published by the US Patent & Trademark Office suggested that Near Field Communication (NFC) technology could arrive with the next-generation iPhone. The patent describes an iWallet transaction system that could work with the technology.

The US Patent and Trademark published another new Apple NFC technology patent application in May, covering a range of features including a new focus on methods and systems for establishing an NFC session with an electronic device.

SEE: Google Wallet chief's resignation another bad sign for NFC

AND: PayPal says it's time to ditch passwords and PINs, and Apple may lead the way with iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 will have a built-in fingerprint sensor

Trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities has predicted that Apple's next iPhone will have largely the same chassis as the iPhone 5, with the only difference to the body of the device expected to be a fingerprint sensor that is built-in to the home button.

The rumoured iPhone 6 fingerprint sensor could spell trouble for competitors though, says Kuo, who believes that rivals will have more difficulty than Apple when it comes to introducing a fingerprint sensor to their Android and Windows Phone devices, because many have more than one button below the display. This means fingerprint scanners in iPhone rivals would be less intutitive for the user, and could cause frustration, Kuo added.

In March, it was reported that Taiwanese chip maker Chipbond could be providing Apple with components for its next-generation iPhone, including parts that would be used to introduce a fingerprint sensor and near field communications (NFC) features to the upcoming iPhone.

Unfortuntately, this fingerprint sensor could cause some delays for Apple's next iPhone, says Kuo, who thinks that the device may arrive later than expected due to development issues surrounding the new technology.

SEE: Apple job advert gives clues about iPhone 6 fingerprint sensor

iPhone 6 will have camera improvements

Four Apple patent filings published in April hint that Apple is working to improve the quality of the camera it uses in its iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices.

Earlier in April, a report suggested that Apple's next iPhone will boast a 12-megapixel camera with improved low-light shooting and a HDR setting.

The iPhone 6 will be an iPhone 5S

One iPhone 6 rumour is that it will be an iPhone 5S and actually be a pretty small update. Visually it will be identical to the iPhone 5, with its larger 4in display, Lightning port and thinner case.

Since the iPhone 3G, Apple has consistently launched a model one year, then the same model but upgraded next year with the 'S' for 'Speed' moniker. So it seems a good bet that the iPhone 6 will be an iPhone 5S with the same case.

Some analysts, like Paul Brown at Strategy Analytics seems to think so: "On the back of a lack of recent innovation from Apple and negative press, we are starting see growth in the number of previously highly-loyal customers who are considering whether or not they will purchase a new iPhone for their next device." 

This does seem to overlook the fact that Apple will almost certainly introduce new iOS 6 features in the iPhone 6 along with faster internal components, even if it does have the same external case.

SEE: iPhone naming convention 'sends a weak message' - former Apple consultant

SEE: iPhone 5S and 'iPhablet' could help Apple shares recover, say analysts

Will the iPhone 6 use sonar for face detection and 3D modelling?

Analysis of recent Apple patent activity has got our minds whirring. It seems Apple plans to build audio detection into the screens of some of its future devices, which may include the iPhone 6, and has also patented a system for using sonar for proximity detection.

SEE ALSO: Future iPhones may smell, taste, and touch (as well as see and hear)

An Apple patent has hinted at an advanced camera that uses depth perception technology to capture better photographs could be on its way with the next iPhone too.

SEE: iPhone 6 rumour rollup: digital pens, 3D augmented reality and a 'killer feature'

iPhone 6 rumour: Smart Bezel

Apple has taken out several patents on a Smart Bezel (the plastic front surrounding the screen). In other words the Bezel will be able to display information as well as the screen. We've reported on the iPhone 6 Smart Bezel a few times, and Patently Apple, the source of many an Apple rumour has this article on the latest Apple patent on a Smart Bezel.

In Apple's own words: "The primary display could be used to convey visual content to a user, and the secondary display could be used to guide a user providing inputs to the device. For example, the secondary display could be selectively illuminated to provide one or more indicators that represent where or how a user can provide inputs to the device."
What kind of level of information the Smart Bezel could display is up for debate. It certainly wouldn't be a 'screen extension', more like flashing buttons and symbols. This could guide users to tap parts of the screen, or indiciate new messages and suchlike.

The iPhone 6 will have an A6X processor

Apple traditionally updates the iPhone with a new internal procoessor. The iPhone currently has a A6 processor, while the latest iPad has an A6X. That seems like a fair candidate for the next generation of iPhone CPU. The A6X is a dual-core CPU with a quad-core GPU. Veruss the A6 which is a dual-core CPU with three graphics cores.

Giving an additional graphics core to the iPhone might not make much difference to performance, however (it's required on the iPad to power the Retina Display).

iPhone 6 will have A7 quad-core processor

The iPhone is typically ahead of the curve when it comes to performance. And Apple could skip the dual-core A6X and go straight to the A7, which would possibly be quad-core CPU and quad-core graphics.

Of course, given Apple's track record this would only happen if the A7 processor did not impinge on heat dissapation, battery life, or device bulk (all of which Apple is fanatical about).

But let's assume it can. What would the iPhone do with all this power? Aside from more powerful games, it could be used to power more iOS features, although everybody seems to struggle with ideas for what.

Although these guys over at Hot Hardware seem to think an iPhone 6 with quad-core A7 processor a bad idea, suggesting that virtually all phone software outside of Nvidia Tegra games, is designed for two-cores. So what's the point?

Check out the image further down the page for further evidence to support this theory.

iPhone 6 TD-LTE for China Mobile

Apple is rumoured to be either integrating TD-LTE technology, or working on a separate iPhone model for China Mobile. China's biggest mobile phone network doesn't support the current mobile technology in the iPhone, and getting the iPhone onto China Mobile would enable Apple to get vastly bigger global market-share for the iPhone.  

iPhone 6 'could have flexible screen'

Apple's iPhone 6 may have a bendy, flexible display and body, if recent tech innovations and patent activity are any indicator.

Apple's patents indicate that the company is exploring legal safeguards for a flexible design, but it looks like Samsung has pipped it to the post, showing off its flexible smartphone displays during the 2013 CES in Las Vegas in January.

An Apple patent filing and job listing in April also hinted at a flexible future for the iPhone.

SEE: Flexible-display smartphones just a 'novelty'... for now

AND: Patents reveal Apple is exploring curved and 'non-rectangular' batteries for future devices

iPhone 6 will have tougher Gorilla Glass 3 display

Corning has developed a new version of its Gorilla Glass for smartphones and tablets that it says will result in 40 per cent fewer scratches and appear in devices later this year, probably including Apple's iPhone 6, as well as the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2.

See: Glass smartphones coming this year, says Taiwanese firm

Apple will ditch Gorilla Glass in favour of sapphire crystal for iPhone 6

Apple could be considering a shift from Corning's Gorilla Glass to sapphire crystal for its future phones, a crack and scratch-proof material that Apple already uses for its iSight camera. Sapphire crystal's strength is beaten only by diamonds aon the scale of transparent materials.

iPhone 6 to have new 'touch-on' display following iPhone 5 in-cell problems

Apple may have introduced a new 'in-cell' display with its iPhone 5 as recently as December, but new reports suggest that problems with the technology have led Apple to consider using a new 'touch-on' display in the next generation iPhone.

iPhone 6 could use TSMC to boost performance and reduce power consumption

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is developing a 16nm process that Apple may adopt for future iPad and iPhone chips. The process could boost performance and reduce power consumption in the iPhone 6 and other Apple products.

SEE: iPhone 6 rumour rolliup for the week ending 1 February

iPhone 6 to have 5G WiFi chip

News that Samsung's Galaxy S4 may support 802.11ac, also known as '5G WiFi', has led to speculation that Apple's iPhone 6 could support the standard as well.

iPhone 6 could read your mind

In February, an Apple patent application was published, describing a system that would allow an iPhone to automatically switch modes by anticipating your needs. Read more here.

iPhone 6 could have wireless charging capabilities

Apple could be planning to introduce wireless charging to its iPhone 6, following in the footsteps of Nokia, LG and HTC.

SEE: Apple launches "Why iPhone" page to remind customers why iPhone is best

Samsung launched its Galaxy S4 in March, which is expected to be the iPhone 6's biggest rival. Samsung's new flagship smartphone has many new features such as eye-tracking, but some analysts question whether some of those features will be used, or whether they will overwhelm some customers. SEE: Apple's new iPhone to have 'killer feature' that Samsung's Galaxy S4 lacks

SEE: Galaxy S4 would be the ultimate iPhone, says analyst

AND: Reactions and reflections: Should Apple be scared of Samsung's Galaxy S4?

iPhone 6 to run iOS 7

It's likely that Apple's next iPhone will also run a new iOS, and it is rumoured that Apple design guru Jony Ive is pushing for a 'flatter' look to iOS 7

In April, citing multiple sources who have seen or been briefed on iOS 7, 9To5Mac claimed that iOS 7 will have a new user interface that is "very, very flat," ditching skeuomorphic design elements from the mobile operating system.

The interface changes will include a redesign of Apple's native app icons, as well as new tool bars, tab bars and more, the sources say.

Ex Apple CEO John Sculley has said that he thinks Ive will notice the 'next big thing' to boost Apple out of what he describes as a 'lull in innovation'.

It's almost certain that Apple will give us our first glimpse of iOS 7 at its WWDC 2013 in June. The new mobile operating system could come with a 'killer app', such as a radio streaming service or mobile payment system.

SEE: Tempting new Apple iOS 7 concept videos emerge

AND: 6 fresh iPhone 6 and iOS 7 concept designs

AND: What will the iPhone 5S and iOS 7 look like?

AND: Apple reportedly steps up iOS 7 work

iPhone 6 leaked images and concept art

There are few iPhone 6 leaked images, most leaked images seem to refer to earlier iPhone 5 models. These could be iPhone 6 prototype designs (Apple typically works several years, and iterations ahead) or they could be iPhone 5 designs that didn't make the grade.

'First claimed photos' of iPhone 6 rear casing

A parts company has posted photos of what it's calling the iPhone 5S, supposedly snapped on an assembly line. They suggest that the iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S will have roughly the same firm factor as the iPhone 5, but has some minor changes to the internal layout - so the components and screen could be due a modification or two.

Check out the 'iPhone 6 photos' here.

iPhone 5S motherboard with quad-core A7 chip leaked

On 19 February, photographs were leaked online that appear to show the motherboard of Apple's next-generation iPhone, including a quad-core Apple A7 chip and 2GB of RAM.

In January, photographs of alleged leaked iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 parts surfaced, suggesting that Apple is working on two new iPhones for launch this year.

In early April, photos of an alleged iPhone 6 prototype emerged, showing what appears to be an iPhone with an edge-to-edge curved display and no home button.

In April, a concept of the rumoured Apple iPhone 6 showed a radical curved screen design:

Russian site AppleInsider.ru offers up a "hands-on" demo of the iPhone 6 via the video shown below:

Designer Arthur Reis created these 3D renderings in March, showing an ultra-thin design with 'touch anywhere' Home button and 'iSight Pro' camera.

Toronto-based 3D designer Peter Zigich has published concept images based on the rumours that Apple could be preparing to launch three new iPhones this year. The image shows an iPhone mini, iPhone 6 and iPhablet with home buttons on the side to allow more room for the display or reduce the overall size of the device.

In early March, designer Martin Hajek created new 3D renders of a possible iPhone 6 and 4.8in iPhone with edge-to-edge screens and a trackpad-like Home button, as shown below.

This Yanko design displays what the iPhone 6 could look like if it includes LiquidMetal casing

The artist at CiccareseDesign has come up with the 3D concept design below, based on an alleged test prototype with a similar shape to the latest iPod nano.

This article will be updated as more iPhone 6 or IPhone 5S information, rumours, and leaked pictures as they become available.

See also: 

Cheaper iPhone mini, release date, rumours and leaked image

Apple rumour round-up: iPhone 6, Apple Television, new MacBooks, iPad mini 2, iOS 7

New Mac Pro, iPhone 6, Retina iPad mini 2 most wanted Apple products for 2013

The sad state of Apple rumours

Apple's Cook resets 3 popular, and wrong, Apple rumours

Tim Cook says competition is "tough", but Apple's products are still the "best by far"

Tim Cook: Apple won't launch bigger iPhone until trade-offs can be avoided'