Rumors

Optical image stabilization could be exclusive to the 5.5-inch iPhone

There has been a myriad of rumors surrounding the oft-rumored iPhone 6 and what kinds of features we can expect in the next-generation smartphone. We've heard about potential flagship features, ranging from NFC and wireless charging to a thinner and rounder chassis, while one lesser-mentioned improvement could be optical image stabilization. But if a new prediction is accurate, the feature could be limited to the 5.5-inch iPhone.

According to Pacific Crest Securities analysts John Vinh and Kevin Chen, optical image stabilization could be exclusive to the 5.5-inch iPhone to help Apple differentiate the larger iPhone with the 4.7-inch model that is also expected to be released. The analysts claim that a $4 to $5 premium on optical image stabilization over traditional auto-focus solutions could be the underlying decision behind this move… 

Bloomberg: Apple to start production of two larger iPhones next month

Bloomberg has confirmed a storyline that we have heard for the past several weeks, which is that Apple is preparing to ramp up production of the iPhone 6 in both 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models. The report specifically claims that the manufacturing process will begin in China next month, with both smartphones likely to be announced and made available in September.

It has long been speculated that Apple is working on two larger iPhone models, although some rumors suggested that the 5.5-inch model might be delayed because of difficulties in the manufacturing process. This report provides further confirmation that the 5.5-inch model could in fact be unveiled alongside the 4.7-inch model in the fall. Read ahead for details… 

iWatch said to feature blood glucose and sweat sensors

Rumors regarding the iWatch have reached a fever pitch this week. We've heard 3 reports in just the past 2 days, and we've got another one to add to the list this morning. It seems that everyone is interested in Apple's highly anticipated wearable.

Today's report comes from Chinese website Laoyaoba, which claims that Apple has finalized the design and specifications of the watch, and is now awaiting FDA approval. The site also says that the device will include blood glucose and sweat sensors...

Photos of alleged 5.5-inch iPhone 6 LCD part surface

New evidence of the larger iPhone 6 surfaced online this morning. 9to5Mac has posted a pair of images believed to be a display component for Apple's oft-rumored 5.5-inch smartphone—one of two handsets the company is believed to be launching this fall.

While we've seen plenty of case and part leaks for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, physical evidence of the larger model has been far more scarce. These photos, in fact, are said to be the first showing an iPhone 6 component that matches the 5.5-inch device rumors...

iWatch to come in multiple designs with more than 10 sensors

Hot on the heels of a report from Reuters yesterday regarding the iWatch, The Wall Street Journal has published a scoop of its own on Apple's oft-rumored smartwatch. The outlet agrees with some previous speculation, and offers up some new details on the device.

Citing sources familiar with the project, the site says Apple is planning multiple versions of its smartwatch. It's working on different designs, and sizes, in an effort to appeal to various tastes in fashion. It also adds that the watch will feature more than 10 built-in sensors...

iWatch to launch in October with wireless charging, pulse sensor and more

Reuters is out with a new report this afternoon regarding the iWatch. Citing sources familiar with the project, the outlet says that Apple's long-rumored smartwatch is set to go into mass production next month at Taiwan's Quanta Computer Inc, ahead of a likely October launch.

The report also offers up some details about the so-called iWatch—most of which we've heard rumored before—including that the device will feature a 2.5-inch display and wireless charging capabilities, and will have a built-in sensor that'll be capable of monitoring a user's pulse...

Evidence discovered in iOS 8 suggests iPhone 6 will feature multiple new sensors

The incoming iPhone 6 may feature new barometer and air pressure sensors, according to a report from 9to5Mac. The site has discovered new APIs in iOS 8 that hint at the new sensors, which could be used to offer advanced data for measuring altitude, temperature and weather.

Today's discovery follows a March report from Sun Chang Xu. Citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, the analyst said the iPhone 6 would include new sensors for measuring air pressure, temperature and humidity, putting the device on par with Samsung's Galaxy S5 and others...

New photos show 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 models side by side

Some new photos of alleged iPhone 6 models surfaced this morning, courtesy of Sonny Dickson. We've seen several photos of physical mockups to date, but these by far offer the best representation of what Apple's next smartphone is expected to look like.

It's believed that the iPhone 6 will come in two display sizes: 4.7 and 5.5-inches, and today's images show the two variants sitting side by side. This not only give us a good idea of the handset's design, but it also indicates how the two models will vary in size...

New report claims Apple will charge $100 premium for larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6

In line with a report from Jefferies' Peter Misek earlier this year, Raymond James analyst Tavis McCourt issued a claim this morning that Apple will charge a $100 premium for the larger of two iPhone 6 models expected to launch this fall.

In a research note to investors, McCourt said he is confident Apple will charge a $100 more for the 5.5-inch version of its new smartphone, citing higher-priced components and more complex production processes as reasons for the bump...

Report says iPhone 6 will feature NFC, wireless charging and more

It seems like we have a pretty good idea of what to expect, in terms of appearance, for the iPhone 6. Several reports have pointed to the handset having a larger display and a new iPad-like design, and most of the leaked cases and components we've seen thus far match up with that.

But when it comes to features and functionality of the new iPhone, things aren't so clear. The latest of a number of scattershot reports comes from VentureBeat, which cites sources saying that the device will have built-in support for NFC tech, wireless charging capabilities, and more...

Personnel issues and internal politics blamed for lack of iOS 8 Maps announcements at WWDC

Mark Gurman has established himself as the most reliable Apple blogger out there so we were confused seeing his sources fail him so badly in predicting announcements Apple should've made at WWDC.

For instance, he called for new hardware at WWDC, but Apple's developers conference focused - rather predictably, I should add - on software.

Gurman also said Apple would give OS X a larger presence at the five-day event whereas the company didn't discriminate between iOS 8 and Yosemite.

Most importantly, he made several claims concerning Apple taking iOS 8 Maps to the next level by adding public transit directions, a car finding feature, more points of interests, better labels and so forth. In reality, the Cupertino firm only briefly mentioned that it's updated iOS 8 Maps in China with vector graphics. So, what's going on here?

New photos of alleged iPhone 6 shell surface

A new set of photos has appeared online this weekend, showing off an alleged iPhone 6 shell. We've seen 1 or 2 similar components in the past, but these images give us—by far—the best look at the part, and the best indication of what the device could look like.

In terms of design, this shell appears to match the one we saw back in May almost detail for detail. Note the thick antenna breaks towards the top and bottom of the part, as well as the cutouts for the iSight camera, the round flash, and the rear-facing Apple logo...