After months of speculations, Apple finally took the wraps off the much awaited iPhone 6S series in San Francisco on Wednesday (9 September).
Most of the key features we predicted in our final-roundup story earlier this week have come true. Both the new 4.7-inch iPhone 6S and the 5.5-inch 6S Plus come with same design language seen in the previous generation device. Well, this was on expected lines, since all previous S series device version were about enhancement in terms of internal hardware. Key improvement is the use of sturdier metal in these phones to increase durability.
They run on the new iOS 9 powered by the 64-bit 3rd generation Apple A9. It is said to be 70% and 90% faster in terms of CPU and GPU speeds, compared to A8, seen inside the 2014 based iPhone 6 series models. It is backed by M9 co-processor to take some load off the main processor.
In terms of camera, Apple for the first time since iPhone 4S in 2011, has upgraded the camera from 8mp to 12mp with 4K video recording in the new iPhone 6S series. On the front too, they get much improved 5mp FaceTime snapper, compared to 1.2mp camera we see in the 2014 models. The front-camera also boasts Retina Flash which brighten the display three times the normal brightness so that the user's face get more light-shine while taking a selfie.
Both the phones feature the new 3D touch display. It is an advanced version of the Force Touch feature seen in the Apple Watch.
The feature is going to add more value to the iOS interface. Force-Touch is a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to quickly and easily access controls within apps. [Check-out the video, below]
One disappointing announcement from Apple is that the company has chosen keep 16GB as the base variant. With iOS and official inbuilt app occupying more than half the storage, the phone will be left with very little space. It will be more annoying for users when they use the camera to take 4K videos on phone. A few minutes of 4K video can take up the whole remaining space. We believe people might rather go for either 64GB or 128GB.
It is said that the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus prices will start with $27 and $31respectively under 24 month contract. Whereas the carrier networks will be offering the standard contract with initial downpayment of $199 and $299 for base models (16GB) of iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus respectively.
The new iPhones will be up for pre-orders in select markets including the USA from Saturday (12 September) onwards.
The new iPhone 6S series will be initially made available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK and the US beginning Friday, September 25.
Key Features of Apple iPhone 6S Series:
| Models | Apple iPhone 6S | Apple iPhone 6S Plus |
| Display | 4.7-inch LED-backlit IPS screen with Retina HD (aka full HD) with 1334 x 750p resolution
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5.5- inch LED-backlit IPS screen with Retina HD (aka full HD) with 1920x1080p resolution
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| OS | Apple iOS 9.0 | Apple iOS 9.0 |
| Processor | 64-bit 3rd generation Apple A9( It is 70% and 90% faster in terms of CPU and GPU speeds compared to A8, seen in 2014 based iPhone 6 models) | 64-bit 3rd generation Apple A9( It is 70% and 90% faster in terms of CPU and GPU speeds compared to A8, seen in 2014 based iPhone 6 models) |
| Storage capacity | 16GB/64GB/128GB | 16GB/64GB/128GB |
| Camera |
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| Battery |
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| Network | 4G-LTE | 4G-LTE |
| Add-ons | Finger-print sensor, 3D Touch display, Wi-Fi, Assisted GPS and GLONASS | Finger-print sensor, 3D Touch display, Wi-Fi, Assisted GPS and GLONASS |
| Dimensions | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm | 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 143 g | 192 g |
| Colour options | silver, gold, space gray and a new rose gold | silver, gold, space gray and a new rose gold |
