The launch of the devices confirms the rumours that have been circulating online for several months. Apple is sticking to its now well-established iPhone release cycle, making this year’s handsets “S” models of last year’s iPhone 6.
Apple claims that they are the “most advanced smartphones in the world” and that while they may look the same as last year’s devices they are actually completely new inside. Despite the bold headline phrase, Apple was quick to admit that it hasn’t changed the body design for this generation.
The iPhone 6S (left) and 6S Plus (right) at Apple’s September 2015 live event
Apple
The phones use the same chassis design as their older counterparts and stick with the same 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen sizes for the 6S and 6S Plus respectively. Although the exterior has remained the same this cycle, the 6S series still has a lot to please Apple fans with, sporting substantially upgraded internals with higher-performance components.
The displays are now equipped with Apple’s 3D Touch pressure-sensing display. Rebranded from Force Touch on the Apple Watch and 2015 MacBooks, 3D Touch can now detect three different levels of pressure input: taps, presses and heavier presses. Developers will be able to incorporate these new gestures into their apps, creating richer user experiences with deeper interaction options.
A demonstration on-stage using the Mail app showed how 3D Touch can simplify common actions. Pressing an email in the inbox displays a preview of it while adding more pressure can go directly to the message view.
This “peeking” ability is a common ability of 3D Touch. Lightly pressing a link on a webpage in Safari shows a preview of it. Going a little deeper opens the page straight away.
3D Touch can also work directly from the homescreen. Pressing an icon displays a pop-up menu of quick actions such as “Upload photo” or “View profile” in the case of Instagram.
The iPhone 6S (left) and 6S Plus (right) at Apple’s September 2015 live event
Apple September 2015 Live Event
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are powered by Apple’s new 64-bit A9 processor. Apple claims that the new chip is 70% faster for raw processing power than a desktop-class CPU. This number rises to 90% when considering only graphics power, enabling games developers to get even more creative with destructions, lights and explosions.
Apple has finally said goodbye to its 8MP rear iSight camera, the capabilities of which were beginning to pale in comparison with other modern smartphones. The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus now have an improved 12-megapixel one which Apple says maintains the same great image quality as the iPhone 6’s sensor and does not introduce any additional artifacting as a result of the increased pixel count.
For the first time, Apple is bringing 4K video capture to the iPhone 6S, giving mobile movie makers the chance to shoot footage with eight million pixels directly from their phone. Clips can be edited directly on the iPhone using Apple’s iMovie app.
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus at Apple’s September 2015 live event
Apple September 2015 Live Event
Elsewhere, Touch ID has been updated to be more responsive to fingerprints and a quicker way to unlock the phone. Siri is now always listening to the “Hey Siri” voice command and Apple has sought to put an end to “bendgate” complaints by building the body from a new 7000 Series aluminium alloy. It contains 5 percent zinc, making it much more resistant to the bending experienced by some iPhone 6 Plus owners last year.
Apple has upgraded the connectivity features of the iPhone, adding LTE Advanced for 4G speeds of up-to twice as fast as the existing technology. 23 LTE bands are included for what Apple claims is the best worldwide roaming of any smartphone.
The iPhone 6S will be available from $199 on a two-year contract while the 6S Plus will be $100 higher at $299. Apple also announced a new “iPhone Upgrade Program” that will cost $32 a month and will initially be available in the U.S. only. That price will include a new, unlocked iPhone for free each year that can be used with any carrier. The program will be expanded to other countries in the future.
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will be available in gold, silver, space gray and rose gold colours. Pre-orders in launch countries will start on September 12th before sales begin on September 25th. Apple also announced that iOS 9 will become available on all of its compatible devices on September 16th when iPhone 6S pre-orders begin.
