Apple officially unveils the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
Apple has just announced the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus at its special media event today in San Francisco.
3D Touch
The top new feature on the iPhone models is 3D Touch. Apple calls it “the next-generation of multi touch” that recognizes different levels of force to enable new gestures. Built into iOS 9, it unlocks a huge amount of unique ways to interact with your iPhone. Apple’s Craig Federighi demoed how 3D Touch can be used in Messages, Maps, the built-in Camera app, and more.
More power
The handsets are powered by the new A9 processor. With a new transistor architecture, it’s up 90 percent faster with graphics compared to the A8 processor found on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The CPU is up to 70 percent faster than the A8. The M9 motion coprocessor is built directly into the A9 chip. With a new always-on Siri functionality, you’ll be able to summon the virtual assistant at any time – even when not charging your phone.
Camera improvements
Both phones feature a new 12-megapixel iSight rear camera sensor. Along with more detailed images, you’ll also be able to shoot video in 4K.
The front-facing camera has also been updated to a 5-megapixel sensor, which should help cement the iPhone as a selfie machine. Instead of actually using a true front flash, the phone’s screen will light up and act as a flash.
An interesting new feature is Live Photos. Just taking pictures will record a second and a half before and after the captured moment. It’s not a video, but an enhanced way to remember photos. The Live Photos can also be used as a watch face for your Apple Watch.
Wrapup
Each handset will be available in four different colors – silver, gold, space gray, and a new rose gold. As previously rumored, the phones will be made with more durable 7000-series aluminum found on the Apple Watch.
The new handsets will mirror the same prices and configuration of last year’s handsets. That means, with a two-year contract, the iPhone 6s will start at $199 and the iPhone 6s Plus starts at $299.
You’ll be able to preorder both models starting later this week on Saturday, Sept. 12. It will officially arrive on Friday, Sept. 25.
Apple’s site has just been updated with detailed information about handsets.
The new iPhone Upgrade Program
Apple also took time at the event to announce an interesting new iPhone upgrade program available at Apple Stores in the United States.
With two-year contracts being quickly phased out, Apple’s program is similar to what is being offered by carriers. Starting for at $32.41 per month for a 16GB iPhone 6s, you can pay for the handset in installments. AppleCare+ is also included.
The iPhone Upgrade Program monthly costs.
As a nice touch, Apple will allow you to choose whatever carrier you’d like. And after 12 payments, you’ll be able to trade the handset in for the latest iPhone. You can make a reservation starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to buy a new iPhone in store when it arrives.
You can find out more information about the program here.
