The AppAdvice week in review: Apple's 'iPhone 6' and remembering Robin Williams

As the likely launch date for Apple’s next iPhone gets closer, the number of stories about the 2014 handsets grows larger.

Three things to know about Apple’s next iPhone

1. Thank you, Thailand

Earlier in the week, Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission got a little ahead of itself. That country’s version of the FCC approved two unreleased iPhones, model numbers A1524 and A1586, for sale in the country.

What happened next provided the surest sign yet that Apple is about to announce both a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 model: Cupertino sent officials to the country to complain about the leak.

2. Sapphire glass will cost you

The Wall Street Journal reported that only the more expensive models of the next-generation iPhone will have a sapphire glass screen cover.

Here’s more from the report:

Apple is considering using sapphire screens in more-expensive models of the two new, larger iPhones it plans to debut this fall, if it can get enough of the material, people familiar with the matter say. Some analysts expect Apple to charge more for the phones than previous new models, because of increased component costs.

If the use of sapphire leads to fewer broken screens, Apple may save money in warranty costs. But Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi says those savings likely wouldn’t offset sapphire’s higher cost.

3. Leaks, leaks, and more leaks

There were a number of images leaked in the past week purportedly showing parts for Apple’s next handset. These included:

• Leaked images suggest the ‘iPhone 6′ Lightning cable features a reversible USB connector
• The latest leaked image of the Apple ‘iPhone 6′ shows complete logic board assemblies
• High-quality images of Apple’s ‘iPhone 6′ show the front panel, power button and more
• New ‘iPhone 6′ leak shows new camera lens, logo and more
• Could this be the front display for Apple’s bigger, 4.7-inch ‘iPhone 6′ handset?

Apple is expected to unveil the company’s newest iPhones on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

For further consideration

Stories you might have missed this week:

• Tim Cook accepts Phil Schiller’s ‘ice bucket challenge’ to raise ALS awareness
• Apple adds five new faces to its executive leadership press page
• Soon you can stream TV shows from your Xbox One to the SmartGlass iOS app
• Turn your iPad into an old-school manual typewriter with Tom Hanks’ Hanx Writer

Viral video of the week

Robin Williams left us this week. Perhaps no one remembered the comedian best than Jimmy Fallon:

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