iPhone 6 release date update: 12 new power specs & killer features to expect

The iPhone 6 release date this 2014 inches closer as more clues that suggest of exciting device capabilities and killer features continue to surface, the latest of which is the pics showing off the dummy representation of the actual device.

What Australian blogger Sonny Dickson shared, according to MacRumors, is how the two iPhones would look like sitting together. The images uploaded by Dickson painted a clear picture of the handsets' front and back panel, which took a page from the iPhone 5S design language save for the mock up's curved corners.

But while the pictures do not confirm what the iPhones will be and the impressive things they can do upon hitting the market, the list below offers a clearer prospect of the things to expect out of the iPhone retail box later in the year.

4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones

Clearly, the Dickson photos subscribe to the swirling speculations that Apple is upsizing the next iPhone and the device will in fact come in two sizes. The 4.7-inch model will supposedly replace the 4-inch iPhone 5S while the 5.5-inch build will become the first Apple phablet and therefore will slug it out with the fourth Samsung hybrid phone - the Galaxy Note 4.

Tough and slim

Reports were rife in recent months that Apple will use Liquid metal as the dominant material for iPhone casing, which will make the device not only easier to mold to the desired form but also virtually indestructible.

And thanks also to Liquid metal plus the likelihood that the next iPhone will ditch the 3.5mm audio port in favor of Lightning universal connectivity, the smartphone will be the thinnest iPhone ever with one superb bonus - on-board smart features.

Sapphire coating

Last week, sapphire got some form of confirmation that it will be a part of the iPhone 6 debut, likely as glass cover for the device's screen and coating for its body to keep it looking new the whole time it is operational.

iOS 8

When Apple unveiled iOS 8 at the start of the month, the tech giant quashed any lingering doubt that the software will power the 2014 iPhones into life on rollout time.

iWatch integration

Analysts are convinced that the iPhone 6 will be introduced with a companion wearable to push for a healthier mobile lifestyle and experience for millions of Apple fans. Enter the iWatch, which is rumored to pair with the iPhone for its killer features plus its own share of stand-alone functionalities.

Longer-lasting iPhone battery

Reports coming out about the iPhone 6 were silent on the possibility of massive battery upgrades to keep the device running for longer hours in a single charge. However, there were strong indications that the iOS 8 upgrade and the power-efficient A8 processing chip will conspire to make the next iPhone not only mightier but also longer lasting.

Wireless charging

There were reports too that the iPhone 6 will have inductive charging elements hidden inside its non-removable back cover that will permit users to recharge the unit wirelessly, provided the use of appropriate accessories.

Sharper display resolution

With the screens poised to be stretch, it goes without saying that the next batch of iPhones will enjoy higher display resolution. The 4.7-inch model is said to be bumped up to 1704 x 960 screen pixels while its phablet-size sibling will reportedly render in 1080p resolution.

Still a killer camera

The iPhone 6 is thought to stick with 8MP on the rear shooter but the killer features will significantly step up due to the inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) and higher micron size to the whole camera size. This would mean top-quality clips and images that iPhone users can easily produce.

NFC

The possibility remains that Apple will finally embrace near-field communication or NFC come the next iPhone release. The move could allow iPhone users to readily engage in file sharing (by tapping two iPhones together) and transform their device into an iWallet for cash-less shopping experience.

Touch ID-enhanced mobile payment

Mobile device shopping is also made easier via the upcoming iPhones and iPads, which will have Touch ID that is redesigned to facilitate hassle-free and more-secured online shopping.

Sticker price

The forecast from analysts is the regular iPhone, the 4.7-inch type, will maintain the $200 tag price with contract, which is good news for Apple fans that plan to upgrade. But the 5.5-inch edition will be a different story, as the larger type will likely sell starting at $300, also with lock-in agreement.

Regardless of the $100 premium, the iPhone 6 phablet is tipped to immediately fly off the shelves and is seen to contribute on Apple's projected epic sales for calendar years 2014 and 2015.

The iPhone 6-release date is predicted to coincide with that of the iWatch, which likely will be between late September and early October 2014.