Apple's current-generation iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and last generation iPhone 5s, respectively. Apple's rumored iPhone 6s should have incremental form-factor changes, not an entire redesign. Image source: Flickr user Karlis Dambrans.
Although the current iterations of the iPhone -- the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus -- are less than 6 months old, that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning about Apple's (AAPL +2.21%) next-generation device. Fed by a loose-lipped Asian supply chain, Apple fans have gotten substantive information in regards to the rumored iPhone 6s.
We've learned Apple's rumored to put a carrier-agnostic SIM card in the iPhone 6s, allowing users to quickly change wireless providers. In addition, it's rumored the iPhone 6s will get increased RAM storage, going from 1GB to 2GB. The end result for users should be faster browsing and gaming experiences.
And now, courtesy of the The Wall Street Journal (subscription required), there are three new rumors about the unit. First, according to the WSJ's source, the iPhone 6s will not change the screen size, and the resolution will be similar. Next, the iPhone is testing a pink color to go along with the standard silver, gold, and space gray. But the most important rumor is that Apple is looking to bring Force Touch technology to the iPhone 6s.
Press my button
Force Technology is a continuation in the development of user interface design. If you're reading this on a Mac, you're well-aware of Apple's multitouch features. For example, using your finger and thumb in a pinching and expanding motion on your trackpad will allow you to zoom in and out on your computer and phone. Some of these features have been picked up by other manufacturers, but Apple seems to be on the forefront of multitouch gestures.
Force Technology is a continuation of Apple's interface leadership. The phone will be able to discern between light touches and deep presses, responding differently to each motion. The Wall Street Journal, among others, focuses on gaming, but the technology can be used in a wide array of applications. Gaming is interesting, however, because the rumor of added RAM in the iPhone 6s should also improve its gaming experience.
File these rumors as true... probably
While the rumors are coming fast and furious, most -- including Force Technology -- are entirely believable. First, Apple already has Force Technology in its Apple Watch, which ships in April, and the new 12-inch MacBook. Apple's been known to introduce technology in a line before rolling it out to subsequent ones -- remember Touch ID? And as previously mentioned, Force Technology and added RAM make sense for Apple to compete with gamers.
Following in the same vein as Force Technology, Apple already has its carrier-agnostic SIM in its cellular iPad versions, making the inclusion in its phones highly likely. The other rumor from the WSJ also has a history: Apple offered a pink-colored phone option with the iPhone 5c iteration.
In the end, however, Force Technology may be the differentiating feature that separates the next-gen iPhone 6s from the current iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. And that makes sense in keeping with Apple's recent past. Generally, Apple adds improved processing capability and one key interface upgrade with its "s" editions.
For the iPhone 5s, it was the upgrade to the A7 processor with the added M7 motion co-processor on the processing side, and Touch ID on the interface upgrade. It appears the iPhone 6s will focus on the RAM update and Force Technology as its value proposition. It appears Apple is going after hard-core gamers.
