Apple has finally unveiled the iPhone 6.
The new smartphone comes in two sizes -- the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus -- both with larger screens than the previous generation, along with a host of hardware upgrades including the camera and a new A8 processor.
The iPhone 6 features a 4.7-inch screen while the plus is exactly the same, except with a 5.5-inch screen. Both panels are described as "Retina HD" - the Plus having a 401 pixels-per-inch resolution, while the regular iPhone 6 has 326ppi.
It was announced alongside the new Apple Watch and Apple Pay payments system.
The larger phones feature software tweaks designed to adjust the iPhone experience for a larger screen, including a new 'horizontal' homepage mode and the ability to scroll the entire screen down on the 5.5-inch model, to make it easier to operate one-handed.
The new iPhones are also thinner and lighter than the previous models (just 6.9mm and 7.1mm thick), and are designed to mark a definitive break from the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, both of which shared a broadly similar design.
The key details and our first impressions are below.
What are the most interesting features?
- 4.7 and 5.5-inch 'Retina HD' displays
- 326/401 pixels per inch resolution (1334x750pixels and 1920x1080 pixels)
- A8 processors, a second-gen 64-bit chip
- 50% improvement in graphics performance
- boosted battery compared to the iPhone 5S - especially on the iPhone 6 Plus, which features an extra 3 hours 3G browsing compared to the iPhone 6
- A 'new' 8-megapixel camera with an improved sensor packed inside, including a feature known as 'Focus Pixels' designed to improve the auto focus.
Will the iPhone 6 be faster?
Yes, a lot. It features the new Apple A8 processor which is 25 per cent faster than the iPhone 5s and a massive 50 per cent faster in terms of graphics. That'll mean Full-HD gaming using Apple's new Metal software improvements. Essentially Apple is looking to bring console-level gaming to the smartphone.
What's new about the camera?
Apple claims it has everything from improved image stabilisation (improving performance in low light), a smile detector for burst shots, a feature known as 'Focus Pixels' to improve auto focus and a new sensor. Apple also says that the new iPhone's video recorder can handle up to 240fps in slow-motion, which should make for some incredibly creative new videos. While remaining at 8 megapixels it sounds like one of the best smartphone cameras in the world just got a lot better.
What about Apple Watch?
Apple Watch will be seamlessly integrated into the iPhone 6's user experience. The watch will use the iPhone's GPS and WiFi to measure your location. Features like Handoff mean you'll be able to start reading your messages on Apple Watch and then move it to your iPhone simply by holding them closer.
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When is it out in the UK?
iPhone 6 will be released on September 19 in the UK. You can pre-order from Friday 12 September.
What will it cost?
The iPhone 6 will cost the same as the iPhone 5S, roughly speaking, while the 6 Plus will cost about $100, or £100 more.
Anything else?
The iPhone 6 will launch with a range of silicon and leather covers. There's no word on pricing but expect them to match those found on the iPhone 5 now.
Where can I get more information?
We have a write-up on the coolest details and features of the phone here. Full information can be had at Apple's website.