iPhone 6

Claimed photos of iPhone 6 molds, schematic and manufacturing equipment surface

Apple's next iPhone is thought to be up for an announcement in September so it's no surprise unverified photos of supposed cases and schematics are starting to surface. More purported photographs of iPhone 6 manufacturing molds and production equipment have cropped up over the weekend, hinting at a few design changes.

We have no way of confirming the legitimacy of these photographs and are reposting them here for the sake of discussion.

Jump past the fold to learn more and join the discussion...

Alleged iPhone 6 cases surface in two different sizes

Most of the reports we've seen thus far regarding the iPhone 6 have pointed to two separate models: one with a 4.7-inch display and one with a 5.5-inch. It's possible that Apple is simply testing two different designs, and only plans on releasing one, but the consensus is that both models will make it to market.

Adding evidence to that theory is a new photograph, which surfaced online earlier today, of what are supposed to be two iPhone 6 cases. It's hard to tell how big they are, but it's being said that they were made to fit new, larger iPhones, and there's a mysterious cutout on the left-hand side of each of the cases...

Case maker’s iPhone 6 model hints at a larger display, thinner design

Most of the reports we've seen thus far regarding the iPhone 6 point to a larger display and much thinner profile. And earlier today, our friends over at Nowhereelse.fr posted new evidence to support that theory: a case maker's model for the handset from Chinese case manufacturer Elam.

As you can see in the photo above, the design of the phone looks very similar to what we've seen so far. Note the device's extremely thin profile, rounded corners and larger display. It looks very much like the device we've been seeing lately in purported schematics and designer mockups...

iPhone 6 to include relocated sleep/wake button and larger, higher resolution display

Last night, KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo sent out a monster research note to investors with a timeline of when he thinks Apple will release their new products this year. He also offered details on each product, which he's learned from his supply chain connections and other sources.

We've already covered Kuo's iWatch predictions, which called for a "fashionable" smartwatch with advanced features like biometric sensors and wireless charging, and now it's time to look at his iPhone forecasts. The analyst sees two Apple-branded smartphones launching this year...

A timeline of all the products Apple is rumored to launch this year

Apple is preparing to release a bevy of new products this year, according to a new research note from KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo. The highly regarded analyst has laid out a timeline of all the products Apple is rumored to launch in 2014, beginning in Q2 and going all the way through December.

Kuo sees Apple starting with an iMac refresh in late Q2, followed by upgrades to the iPad Air and iPad mini. He then sees the company introducing a new 4.7-inch iPhone and the oft-rumored iWatch in Q3, and closing out the year with a refreshed Apple TV, 5.5-inch iPhone and a 12" MacBook...

Rumor: mass production of 4.7″ iPhone 6 in July, 5.5″ version in September

It used to be that 2014 would see a simultaneous double-iPhone launch until Reuters earlier this week asserted the larger model could get delayed due to production issues with 5.5-inch screens. As a result, only the rumored 4.7-inch model is said to be ready for a launch in September.

A new report from Japan echoes this notion. Apparently mass production of the 4.7-inch iPhone has been tipped to start in July. As for the 5.5-inch model, the story claims the bigger handset is scheduled to enter full production in September, meaning Apple may not be able to release its phablet before the holiday quarter...

New iPhone 6 renderings based on alleged leaked schematics

A little over a week ago, Japanese magazine MacFan published alleged schematics for a 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch iPhone 6. We called the drawings 'sketchy,' as they depicted a round iSight flash (instead of pill-shaped) and other oddities, but many of the details matched up with previous information.

With that in mind, MacRumors commissioned designer Ferry Passchier to create some full product renderings of the two iPhone 6 models, based on the schematics, in an effort to bring the black and white sketches to life. And we must say, the outcome is one (or two) good-looking smartphone...

Production of 4.7-inch iPhone 6 screens to start in May, 5.5-inch model delayed

Production on screens for the 4.7-inch version of Apple's next iPhone could start as early as May, according to a new report from Reuters. Citing supply chain sources, the outlet says that Japan Display and other manufacturers are readying their facilities and could begin churning out panels next month.

Unfortunately, for those looking forward to the oft-rumored 5.5-inch model, it sounds like production issues have forced Apple to delay the handset. Reuters says that manufacturers are running into difficulties with in-cell technology, and the larger displays may not go into production for several months...

Alleged iPhone 6 production images show protruding camera lens, rounded LED flash

Is Apple's next iPhone really going to have an unsightly camera bulge on the back akin to Samsung's Galaxy S5 and many other Android handsets out there? You bet it will, if questionable images said to depict an iPhone 6 in trial production are anything to go by.

While there's no way of determining the veracity of these photographs, we've managed to spot a few discrepancies which cast doubt on their legitimacy, so you too are advised to apply some skepticism...

Plausible renderings depict ultra-thin iPhone 6 with sapphire glass backing

A new batch of renderings depicting Apple's next iPhone is making the rounds on the web this morning, and with a good reason. French blog NowhereElse has teamed up with prolific 3D artist Martin Hajek to envision what the iPhone 6 could look like.

But rather than pull specs out of thin air to justify impossible or downright stupid features, the renderings are actually based upon the leaked schematics of a 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhone form factor discovered by Japanese blog Macotakara.

In my personal opinion, these are the most compelling, most plausible iPhone 6 mockups to date. Jump past the fold to have a look at them and then chime in with your thoughts in the comments...

Apple partner claims iPhone 6 heading for Russia in September

Apple's business partner in Russia has just blurbed out that the next-generation iPhone - the iPhone 6, if you will - is scheduled to become available in the 144 million people market this September.

Proceed with caution: we're having a hard time believing a third-party retailer would be privy to such a crucial piece of information.

For all we know, this guy could be looking for free press or could be taking us for a ride. On the other hand, we've heard about a September launch before.

For instance, Japan's Nikkei agency last week said that a 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhone are due as early as September of this year, a notion echoed previously by the credulous Wall Street Journal, a few analysts and other sources.

Also, the September timeframe does coincide nicely with Apple's Fall release schedule for iPhones established since the iPhone 4s's release back in 2011...

Could Apple be using Japan Display’s new 5.5-inch Quad HD panel in the iPhone 6?

Apple is currently putting the finishing touches on its next-generation iPhone. And if the flurry of rumors and so-called insider reports are to be believed, the handset is going to feature an Ultra Retina display that will come in two sizes: 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch, among other improvements.

With that in mind, you can understand why this new 5.5-inch panel from Japan Display—a long time Apple supplier—is so interesting to us. Unveiled this week, the panel measures 5.5-inches and is of the Quad HD (aka WQHD) variety, with a resolution of 1,440 x 2,560 and a ppi of 538...