Apple has unveiled the next generation of iPhones, highlighting its multi-touch interface, updated camera features including Live Photos, and new body colour, rose gold.
Apple CEO, Tim Cook, said the new iPhone 6 models might look the same but the difference is under the cover because on the face of it the new model released is underwhelming. There is none of the groundbreaking innovation of previous model launches such as the introduction of Siri, the virtual assistant that can be spoken to, or anything especially visual such as new look screens or shape design.
Both phones feature Retina HD displays made from ion-strengthened glass and 7000 series aluminium in metallic finishes of gold, silver, space grey and now rose gold.
The phones are powered by the Apple-designed, 64-bit A9 chip and come with a 12-megapixel iSight and 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, as well as faster Touch ID, LTE and Wi-Fi.
“The only thing that has changed with iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is everything,” says Philip Schiller, Apple senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
“3D Touch lets users interact with iPhone in entirely new and fun ways, and the innovative Live Photos brings your pictures to life. These are the most advanced iPhones ever,” he says.
3D Touch senses pressure to enable new gestures such as “Peek and Pop”.
With Quick Actions, 3D Touch provides shortcuts to the things a user does most, such as sending a message or taking a photo, with a press from the home screen.
Live Photos is another addition to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. This feature captures moments in motion by enabling users to press and reveal the moments immediately before and after the shot was taken.
High-definition video now has support for 4K, with a resolution of 3840 times 2160 that delivers more than eight pixels, and the expansion of optical image stabilisation to video on iPhone 6s Plus, which aids with capturing videos in lower light.
After capturing 4K video, users can edit on a Mac, PC, or iPad. With the latest version of iMovie on iPhone, users can edit two simultaneous streams.
Camera advancements include a new 12-megapixel sensor with advanced pixel technology and Apple-designed image signal processor for truer colours and more detailed photos, as well as a five-megapixel FaceTime HD camera and Retina Flash to take front facing photos in low light.
Advanced technology is a key enhancement of the new smartphones. A9, Apple’s third-generation 64-bit chip powers the phones with reported 70 per cent faster CPU and 90 per cent faster GPU performance than the A8, including gains in energy efficiency for battery life.
The A9 chip and iOS 9 are architected together and M9, Apple’s next-generation motion coprocessor, is embedded into the chip, which allows more features to run at lower power.
With advanced wireless technologies, the phones include faster Wi-Fi and 4G LTE Advanced, as well as support up to 23 4G LTE bands (the most in any smartphone) for better worldwide roaming.
iOS 9, includes software updates that require less space to install and advanced security features, as well as proactive assistance, updated search and improved Siri features. Furthermore, built-in apps such as Notes, Maps and News have been redesigned.
iPhone 6s will be available in gold, silver, space grey and the new rose gold metallic finishes for a recommended retail price of $1,199 for the 16GB model, $1,399 for the 64GB model and $1,599 for the 128GB model.
iPhone 6s Plus will be available in gold, silver, space grey and the new rose gold metallic finishes for a recommended retail price of $1,399 for the 16GB model, $1,599 for the 64GB model and $1,799 for the 128GB model.
The new iPhones will be available through Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees and additional carriers; and from selected Apple authorised resellers.
Both models will be available in New Zealand beginning from September 25, with pre-orders that began on Saturday September 12.
Apple-designed accessories including leather and silicone cases in a range of colours and lightning docks in colour-matched metallic finishes will also be available.
