A lengthy report in the New York Times today covered Apple’s iPhone 6 and much-rumored iWatch. The report includes such tidbits as a “one-handed mode” for the iPhone 6, while the “iWatch” will reportedly be capable of wireless charging.
NYT:
To deal with concerns that a bigger phone will make typing with one hand difficult (the current iPhone has a 4-inch screen), some changes to the design of the iPhones’ software interface will allow people to type or use apps with just one hand — there will be a one-handed mode that can be switched on and off, two employees said.
The report jibes with previous rumors that the new iPhone will be available in two sizes, a 4.7-inch model, and a 5.5-inch model. Apple has long pointed to the iPhone’s ease of use with one hand as a reason they haven’t followed competitors down the road to massive screened handsets. A one-handed mode would allow the iPhone to still be used in the same way as previous, smaller iPhones have in the past.
The Times report also repeated rumors that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will carry a higher price tag than the 4.7-inch model. It also reiterates previous reports that both devices will boast near field communications (NFC) capabilities for use with a new mobile payments system Apple is said to be developing.
Unlike older iPhones, the new handsets are said to have softer, tapered edges, similar to the latest model iPads.
As for the “iWatch,” the report contains several details about the much-rumored wearable device, repeating earlier reports that it will boast a flexible display, will be available in two screen sizes, and will also include wireless charging capabilities. The Times says Apple settled on wireless charging after a failed experiment with solar charging.
The flexible display will reportedly be protected by a cover made of sapphire. The device’s circuit board is reportedly the size of a postage stamp.
“The company put an enormous amount of time and money in the wearable device’s sensors so that they would track movements and vital signs, like heart rate and footsteps, much more accurately than existing fitness devices, two employees said.”
The NYT report also repeats previous claims that while the iWatch will be unveiled next week, it won’t hit stores until much later, possibly early 2015.
The “iWatch” is expected to debut at Apple’s September 9th event, alongside the next-generation iPhone’s and possibly a new iPad.
Apple’s event at the Flint Center in Cupertino, CA, will kick off at 10AM Pacific, 1PM Eastern Time. As usual, MacTrast will be covering the event as it happens. Be there, or be square.
