iPhone 7 (6s) release date, features, specs and rumours: Force touch coming to the next iPhone

New iPhone 6S/iPhone 7 rumours suggest a Force Touch display will be coming soon.

26 May 2015

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are currently Apple's most advanced smartphones, but Apple are already working on an update. Tipped to have Force Touch technology - shown on the Apple Watch - an upgraded A9 processor and Bendgate-resilient construction, the iPhone 7 (6s) could be the best yet.

Still several months out from its expected release, there's very little to go on, but predictions from trusted analysts and a look at Apple's previous form could hold answers.
Although Apple could skip straight to the 7, it's looking more likely that the company will be launching a new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus this year.
Latest rumour: Apple to bring Force Touch to iOS 9, suggesting it will be incorporated into the next iPhone. According to 9to5Mac, which has an excellent track record with Apple rumours, the "iPhone 6S" will be getting support for Force Touch on its screen. The technology, which is already available in the Apple Watch and new MacBook, allows users to press harder on a trackpad or touch screen in order to bring up additional menu items or functionality. For example, Force Touch in Apple Maps will allow a user to press harder on the screen to drop a pin for navigation, or pressing hard on a word to bring up a definition.
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iPhone 7 (6s) will be revealed in August, analyst claims

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said to his clients the iPhone 7 (6s) will be anounced at a launch event ahead of Apple's usual September conference and launch date. Kuo also claims Foxconn will manufacture 60 - 70% of the new iPhones.
Interestingly, Apple has never taken such path towards launching a new iPhone. Usually the Californian tech company launches a new iPhone at a September conference with a launch weeks later. Perhaps Kuo has insider knowledge on what we can expect from Apple, but for now we'd file this in the rumours department instead of concrete evidence of Apple's motives.

Force Touch and an A9 processor could keep the iPhone 7 (6s) ahead of the competition.

After the release of the Apple Watch, one of its first all-new products under the leadership of Tim Cook, Apple is now preparing to update the iPhone 6. So what’s in store? According to the trusted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a note to investors, the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus s will be receiving an incremental update, typical of previous S models.

Force Touch and an A9 processor will debut in the iPhone 7 (6s)

Already seen on the Apple Watch and Apple’s most recent MacBooks, Force Touch is tipped to be on its way to the new iPhone. Able to measure different pressures, Apple has used the feature on the Apple Watch to make better use of its limited screen size – and on the latest MacBooks to expand on multi-touch gestures. Far from a gimmick, Force Touch offers an easy secondary click to touchscreen devices, the ability to support handwritten signatures and has more potential that’s just waiting to be unlocked.
Contrary to other reports, Kuo believes Apple will stick to its 4.7in and 5.5in screen sizes, rejecting the reintroduction of a 4in screen.
As you’d expect, the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus is also rumoured to receive a speed bump, much like the 5s before it. This time using the Samsung made A9 processor, the new iPhone could benefit from an upgraded 2GB of LPDDR4 ram. The camera resolution is also likely to be increased to 12 megapixels, with the upgraded 6 Plus possibly receiving a sapphire lens cover.

Improved Touch ID and the end of Bendgate

Introduced on the iPhone 5s in September 2013, Touch ID is now available on every mobile Apple device, but the company is hoping to improve print recognition in its latest handset. Already one of the the best fingerprint recognition systems, Apple is pushing for even better accuracy - making Apple Pay a more viable, foolproof payment method.
As well as an extra microphone for improved call quality, the new iPhone 6s will also be available in Rose Gold - great news for the lucky few with a Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition. Kuo’s predictions also suggest that Apple will attempt to leave Bendgate behind them by using stronger case materials this time round.
Kuo goes on to predict production could start around around August, pointing again to a September release like the previous s model. Like the Apple iPhone 5s, the subtle improvements predicted wouldn’t make the 6s essential for owners of the 6 – but could make it an attractive upgrade for owners of any older models.

Could the iPhone 7 turn out like this?

Following on from the news of dual camera technology potentially coming to iPhone 7, concept artist Martin Hajek and Computer Build.tv put together a video of what he expects Apple's new smartphone to turn out like.
While pure speculation, Hajek believes the iPhone 7 will stick to a similar design as the iPhone 6 with a smattering of new features. While Touch ID still exists, Hajek has integrated it directly into the display, moving the phone speaker, Face Time camera and proximity sensor to the phone's top edge. He also believes we'll see Apple replace it's antenna bars with an "antenna ring" and make use of the rumoured dual-camera technology.
Hajek's work is certainly sleeker than the proposed Digital Crown design of Antonio De Rosa, but it's still unlikely to become true. While the dual-camera technology could come to fruition thanks to Apple's acquisition of LinX, it's highly unlikely Apple would have curved corners to its screen, or integrate the Touch ID sensor into the display. It also wouldn't feature a glowing apple logo, instead opting for the usual metal finish with the iPhone 6's NFC chip underneath.
Still, it's a great way to imagine what the future of the iPhone could be.

iPhone 7: release date

The iPhone 7 or 6s and its Plus counterpart are likely to be introduced at a special event in San Francisco around 8 September 2015.
Why then? Because it's in line with the company's usual pattern of unveiling its new handsets on the second Tuesday in September each year.
We believe it's likely to go on sale in the UK ten days later, on 18 September. You can pretty much guarantee there will be a new iPhone in the stores before the end of September. If we're wrong about this, we'll be very very surprised.

iPhone 7 : price

While there's no confirmed price for Apple's upcoming iPhone, we believe it will be around the $650 mark for the standard model, and $750 for the Plus version.
Since the iPhone 4, Apple's handset has launched at roughly the same price of $649. Judging from past experience, it's likely the iPhone 7 or 6s will also start at $649. As we've had less experience with Plus pricing, seeing as only one iteration of the model exists, it's more likely Apple could revise its pricing structure. However, you can safely expect it to retail around the $700-$750 mark.

The best smartphones of 2015 - what's the best phone you can buy?

News Unknown 4:22:00 AM

The best smartphones of 2015 - what's the best phone you can buy?

Discover the best smartphone for your pocket, budget and apps with our buying guide and in-depth reviews

2 Jun 2015

If you want to know what the best smartphone on the market is, then you've come to the right place.
Scroll down to see our pick of the ultimate smartphones available right now, or click through our "jump to" section to discover the questions you should be asking before you set out to buy a mobile.

Best phones of 2015

1. Samsung Galaxy S6

Price when reviewed: 32GB, £600 inc VAT

Samsung has finally rid plastic for its latest smartphone design and, aside from a few reservations, the result is a triumph. The S6 looks glorious with Gorilla Glass 4 at the front and rear and coloured metal beneath it to give it a glitzy, shimmering look. And it isn't only the exterior of the handset that sees improvements; Samsung has significantly beefed up the innards without impacting on battery life.
The highlight, however, is the improved camera, which now boasts optical image stabilisation and a wide f/1.9 aperture for stunning image capture in all conditions.
The S6 edge is just as good and arguably the more attractive device, but its unusual curved screen and the fact that there's no 32GB option bumps the price of an already expensive phone up to an eye-watering £760. Buy the S6: you won't regret it.

2. LG G4

Price when reviewed: £530 inc VAT (for the plastic-backed edition)

Last year's LG G3 was a top smartphone – and still is (see below) – but the LG G4 is a different beast entirely: it has a camera to match the Samsung Galaxy S6, fast internals and a fantastic 5.5in quad HD display.
It isn't as slim, sleek or outright delicious as the Samsung Galaxy S6, but the leather-backed options are surprisingly attractive, and if you place practicality before aesthetics, the LG G4 beats the S6 hands down.
Unlike Samsung's leading light, the G4 boasts a removable 3,000mAh battery, so you can carry a spare for emergencies or replace a failing battery a year or two down the track; and it also has a microSD slot, so you're not stuck with the 32GB stock storage allocation. Plus, it's a touch cheaper than the S6.
Currently, we have the LG G4 in second place in our smartphone list, because it isn't quite as quick as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and battery life isn't as good either, but it's a very, very close-run thing.

3. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

Price when reviewed: £348 inc VAT

Sony’s pint-sized smartphone packs in a host of premium features without the high-end price, including fast performance and waterproofing. It's the battery life that really sets this handset apart from the crowd, however, regularly delivering one to two days of use per charge.

4. Samsung Galaxy S5

Price on 30/03/15: £330 inc VAT

There's an awful lot to like about the Samsung Galaxy S5: it's good-looking, tough, big, feature rich and we love the user-replaceable battery and memory expansion. It's a great smartphone in every way, and now that the S6 is here, the price is more reasonable. If you're not precious about the way your phone looks, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is a great buy.

5. iPhone 6

Price when reviewed: £539 inc VAT

It's a brave new world for Apple's larger iPhone, and it's much the better for it. Super-fast, beautiful to look at and lovely to use. It's the dictionary definition of a flagship handset.

6. Motorola Moto G

Price when reviewed: £145 inc VAT

A high-quality budget Android handset with an excellent screen and decent battery life. There's now a 4G version as well, for those hankering after faster mobile data.

7. HTC One M9

Price when reviewed: £580 inc VAT

HTC took the One M8's design and refined it for 2015, creating a truly stunning smartphone. The internals have been upgraded as well: Qualcomm's octa-core Snapdragon 810 SoC; the camera goes from the M8's 4-megapixel snapper to 20 megapixels; and HTC has added a host of features to its Sense Android launcher software.
It's a beautifully crafted and highly competent smartphone, just like last year's HTC One M8. But it's only a small improvement on the M8.

8. LG G3

Price when reviewed: £459 inc VAT

LG rustles up a classy, top-rung smartphone, with a ridiculously high-resolution screen and super-fast camera; but that display takes its toll on battery life.

9. Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Price when reviewed: £599 inc VAT

Samsung has produced the finest phablet yet. In addition to a new quad HD display and a smart new look, Samsung has bumped up the speed, battery life, camera quality and range of features – big-screened phones don't get any better than this.

10. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

Price when reviewed: £609 inc VAT

With most of the same features as the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and a funky curved-edge display, it’s hard to criticise the edge. However, that curved display, intriguing as it is, adds significantly to the cost – and that's enough to cement the Note 4 as our large-screen smartphone of choice.

11. Nexus 6

Price when reviewed: £499 inc VAT

The Nexus 6 has taken us by surprise in the short time we’ve had it. Once you sidle past the unavoidable fact of its gargantuan size, there’s an awful lot it does right. Battery life is good, the camera is excellent, and the build and design quality are second to none. And although its rivals hold an edge over it in many areas, the differences aren’t huge.

12. iPhone 6 Plus

Price when reviewed: £619 inc VAT

Apple’s 5.5in giant isn’t for everyone, but for some it may prove the perfect mid-point between an iPad and iPhone. And contrary to initial reports, our long-term review sample hasn't suffered from any undue bending - it's remained rock-solid in the face of all the abuse we've dished out.

13. Samsung Galaxy Alpha

Price: £280 inc VAT

The Galaxy Alpha is among Samsung's best-looking smartphones and, now that the Galaxy S6 is here, the price has sunk to a tempting £280 – almost half its original price. If you want a feature-packed smartphone at a reasonable price, it's worth a look.

14. Motorola Moto X

Price when reviewed: £419 inc VAT

Motorola’s second-generation Moto X hits most of the right notes, coupling beautiful design with a hatful of innovative and useful features.

15. Nokia Lumia 930

Price when reviewed: £419 inc VAT

The Lumia 930 is a knock-out from the first moment you pick it up. It's a Windows Phone device, so it can't compete on apps, but the design of Nokia's flagship is sumptuous and right up there with the best around.

16. Sony Xperia Z3

Price when reviewed: £477 inc VAT

The successor to the Z2 isn't that much different. It's a touch slimmer and lighter, the screen is brighter, and the processor is clocked a fraction higher – but almost everything else is the same. It's a very good Android device, and if you can still find a Z2 for sale it will be much cheaper and almost as good.

17. Motorola Moto E

Price when reviewed: £109 inc VAT

Makes plenty of compromises to keep costs down, but performs where it counts; the Moto E is another winner from Motorola at a highly tempting price. This is the best £100 handset by a country mile, and now it includes 4G.