5 reasons you're going to want Apple's next iPhone

Apple's making huge investments in unique technologies for the next iPhone

Apple is cooking up such an iPhone upgrade path, with a wave of rumors warning the next iteration will be faster, thinner, and possibly even curvier than before.

Thinner

If you own an Apple Watch or have spent any time looking at the teardowns on this product then you'll already know that the technology inside the device is squeezed inside a System in Package design. This combined all the key components inside a single compact package, so that's why you find the RAM, storage, sensors and processors tucked inside the resin-sealed unit inside the Watch. There are useful benefits from taking such an approach not only does it make these components more robust, but it makes them more water resistant and enables the whole thing to be squeezed into an even smaller space. OK, so it seems Apple may adopt a similar approach to a future iPhone, according to the China Times. Even if Apple's engineers then choose to maintain the same chassis design they will have more available space in which to squeeze new batteries or new network equipment in order to introduce support for other communication standards essential if Apple ever decides to offer its own satellite iPhone services. Or it could just make even thinner iPhones.

Also read:Apple's iPhone 7 rumors really are the best yet

Metal

That's not the only Apple Watch tech you can expect to find in the next iPhone Force Touch and use of metal alloys developed for the wearable device are also expected to feature, as previously reported here. And don't neglect those camera improvements.

Home

This week sees the return of the rumor that doesn't seem to ever want to die that Apple intends abandoning the Home button on future iPhones, replacing this with haptic feedback and a TouchID sensor built into the screen. While the source for these claims is Digitimes (no booing at the back there) it does at least stand as a claim that has often appeared across the last three years, and with very good reason: eliminating the Home button has a good chance of increasing the usable display space on the device without making it any larger.

Faster

Time seems right for a quantum leap in processor technology not only does Apple now insist every app supports 64-bit out of the gate, but it has also introduced Bitcode tech which "allows the App Store to re-optimize apps for each kind of device before they're delivered to the user," according to Andreas Wendker, VP of OS X platform experience. There's lots of discussion about the meaning of this, but I like to imagine OS X apps that run natively on iOS devices. Why would this make sense? iPad Pro, anyone? Granted, I think this is the kind of speculation you should pop inside the "one to watch" pile, on thing is for sure Apple's next iOS processors are going to deliver desktop like performance in a mobile device. There's huge potential opportunity in that. That's why iOS 9 is a stability release.

Curves

A report out of Korea (so best taken with a pinch of salt) claims Apple may put curved displays inside future iPhones. We won't see these this year the report points to 2018, but alleges the company's top suppliers are working to develop flexible OLED displays for future smartphones. (You find these inside the Apple Watch). This isn't the first time we've heard claims of a curved iPhone. That's precisely why Samsung shipped a curved display this year, to prove that while Apple has the ideas it has the manufacturing clout. You'll often find an Apple rumor followed by a Samsung attempt before Apple nails it.

Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple?

Got a story?Drop me a line via Twitter or in comments below and let me know. I'd like it if you chose to follow me on Twitter so I can let you know when fresh items are published here first on Computerworld.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags mobilesmartphonesAppleiPhoneconsumer electronicsMobile & WirelessiPhone 6 PlusiOS 9

More about AppleGoogleSamsungTwitter

Show Comments
[]