14 DAY TRIAL // The incrementally-upgraded iPhone 6S rolling out this year – either in spring or in the fall – is said to feature at least two important extras that will improve the user’s experience on a plurality of levels.
Rumored to hit the market sooner rather than later, the iPhone 6S will reportedly sport an advanced camera capable of real optical zoom, and Force Touch sensors for an extra round of input capabilities similar to those found in the Apple Watch.
Dual-lens camera module with optical zoom
The first hardware upgrade mentioned by UDN’s supply-chain sources is the dual-lens camera that will supposedly be fitted onto the new handset. Two lenses means Apple will finally be able to offer a camera that does real optical zoom, not the pixelated digital kind that we’re used to.
The camera module currently found in the iPhone 6 is not too shabby either, boasting optical image stabilization among other new enhancements delivered last year. But optical zoom would certainly make a world of difference, especially for those who take iPhone photography seriously. This enhancement will enable better focus for certain parts of an image, producing results akin to professional photography.
Force Touch tech (borrowed from Apple Watch)
The second hardware upgrade, which TPK is said to supply the hardware for, is a 3D touch sensor known in the Apple world as Force Touch. It’s currently being pioneered in the Apple Watch, and apparently it is also making its way into the iPhone 6S.
In the watch, Force Touch is used to add another layer of input options – in addition to gestures like taps and swipes. Force Touch lets the user hard-press the display to bring up extra options, or gain functionality that would otherwise conflict with traditional gestures. It is being speculated that Apple wants this in the iPhone to also enable readings for blood pressure and pulse.
As a general rule, the handset will most likely sport a faster, more power-efficient processor and enhanced graphics, while the design is expected to remain unchanged. Rumor has it that Apple might introduce this year’s S-iPhone much sooner, in spring, but there is very little indication of that happening.