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iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S: What Buyers Need to Know for Fall

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The iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S are battling it out in the headlines as consumers wait for the new iPhone for 2013, which will likely arrive within the next two months.

Over the last 9 months rumors of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 leaked out an a growing rate, delivering small tidbits of information about Apple’s new iPhone.

During this time, it became increasingly clear that the new iPhone (2013) is the iPhone 5S, rather than the iPhone 6. Apple has yet to announce an official name for the new iPhone, but there is enough evidence to point to an “S” release in 2013.

There are also a number of iPhone 6 rumors and leaks that claim to reveal details about the next, next iPhone which isn’t expected until 2014. These rumors often focus on a new design or a larger display, which are unlikely in the 2013 iPhone.

The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 duke it out for consumer interest.

The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 duke it out for consumer interest.

Despite the clear indication of two separate iPhone models, an iPhone 6 in 2014 and an iPhone 5S this year, many publications continue to mix rumors for the iPhone 5S with the iPhone 6, spreading confusion for people that plan to buy a new iPhone in September or October.

Read: iPhone 6 Rumor Roundup: Leaks, News & Concepts

This guide to iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S rumors will help clear the clutter from rumors for two new iPhone models and help buyers better understand what they can expect from a new iPhone in September, or soon after.

iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S – The Name

The name of the new Apple iPhone is up in the air until Apple formally announces it at a launch event, but as the seventh iPhone release approaches we there is a pattern to the new iPhone release and rumors that point to an iPhone 5S name this year.

Expect the iPhone 5S name in 2013 and the iPhone 6 in 2014.

Expect the iPhone 5S name in 2013 and the iPhone 6 in 2014.

The name of the new iPhone is important as some would argue an Phone 5S does not stir up the same impulse to buy as an iPhone 6 name would, even with the same design and features. Former Apple ad-man Ken Segall opined that Apple should release the iPhone 6 this year to better compete with the Galaxy S4 and HTC One, both which carry names that reflect a new

Read: Why Apple’s iPhone 5S Problem is Genius

While some argue that Apple’s iPhone 5S naming scheme is a problem, it actually allows Apple to keep customers happier longer than if it released a brand new phone every year.

Here’s the Apple iPhone naming scheme so far, and what we expect in 2013 and 2014.

  • iPhone – 2007
  • iPhone 3G – 2008
  • iPhone 3GS – 2009
  • iPhone 4 – 2010
  • iPhone 4S – 2011
  • iPhone 5 – 2012
  • iPhone 5S – 2013 estimated
  • iPhone 6 – 2014 estimated

Multiple analysts agree this is an “S” iPhone release and the numerous iPhone leaks point to an iPhone 5S in 2013. In Short, any article talking about the iPhone 6 in 2013, is very likely referring to the iPhone 5S release, not an actual iPhone 6.

iPhone 6 Release vs. iPhone 5S Release

It’s still too early for any hard iPhone 5S release dates, and way to early for a specific iPhone 6 release, but we are starting to hear rumors line up.

Shoppers should expect the iPhone 5S release in 2013, and an iPhone 6 in 2014 according to leaks and rumors.

Shoppers should expect the iPhone 5S release in 2013, and an iPhone 6 in 2014 according to leaks and rumors.

The iPhone 6 release is not expected until 2014, though some expect it to arrive earlier than others. Glen Yeung of Citi Research expects an iPhone 6 release date in the first quarter of 2014, while Peter Misek of Jeffries claims the iPhone 6 release will come in June 2014. While looking this far into the future it is possible that these dates could change, but notably they focus on a 2014 timeline.

An iPhone 5S release is much closer. In fact, it could come as early as September 20th, so it’s a good time to start saving if you plan to buy the new iPhone or a cheaper iPhone 5 this fall.

Read: iPhone 5S vs. iPhone 5: 5 Things Buyers Need to Know

The rumored iPhone 5S event on September 6th is apparently not in the cards, but many sources point to an iPhone 5S release in September or early October. Apple’s latest guidance to investors appears to hint at an iPhone 5S release before September 28th.

iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S Design & Display

The biggest likely differences between the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 6 are display size and design. This information is based on leaks and on commentary form Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Cook repeatedly slams current high-resolution big screen displays as having too many trade-offs for Apple to put in an iPhone. This, combined with multiple leaks showing what is likely an iPhone 5S body, is enough to assume the iPhone 5S will look a lot like the iPhone 5 and feature a 4-inch display.

The iPhone 5S display may feature new tech, but will likely stay at 4-inches.

The iPhone 5S display may feature new tech, but will likely stay at 4-inches.

We could see a new type of display inside, namely a Sharp IGZO display inside the iPhone 5S, which has the potential to deliver a better look, better touch sensitivity and better battery life. The video below offers a look at a IGZO display that could make its way into an iPhone 5S.

Even though Tim Cook is currently slamming bigger displays on smartphones, we could see Apple introduce one on the iPhone 6 in 2014 alongside claims it is the best display since Retina.

An iPhone 6 prototype reportedly came with a 4.8-inch display with a higher than Retina Display resolution. Couple this with advances in high-resolution large screen displays like the new bright LG 5.2-inch super thin 1080P display and there is an opening for a new screen size.

While there are no definite iPhone 6 design leaks, if Apple is planning an iPhone 6 for 2014 we expect a completely new design. Here are several iPhone 6 concepts that show multiple takes on what the iPhone 6 could look like.

iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S Features

The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will likely be as different as the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, which is exciting for buyers of the iPhone 5S and for those waiting another year for the iPhone 6.

While Apple has not confirmed details about either phone, we have a good idea of what to expect in the iPhone 5S spec and feature department this year, and some broad ideas for the iPhone 6 features.

The iPhone 5S design may be similar to the iPhone 5, but with a Dual LED pill shaped flash.

The iPhone 5S design may be similar to the iPhone 5, but with a Dual LED pill shaped flash.

iPhone 5S Features and Specs

The following iPhone 5S features and specs come from months of rumors and analyst notes which eventually line up enough to paint a clear picture of the new iPhone.

  • 4-inch Retina Display (Possibly IGZO)
  • Apple A7 processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • 12-13MP Rear camera
  • Dual LED Flash
  • Fingerprint Reader
  • iOS 7

Some rumors also point to an iPhone 5S with NFC support, but this feature is one that isn’t as easy to put on the bullet list of very likely coming on the iPhone 5S. There is a possibility for a slightly larger iPhone 5S battery.

iPhone 6 Features

The iPhone 6 features and specs are harder to pin down as we hear more about small rumors and Apple patents and prototypes that paint a general picture of the iPhone 6. Based on that we expect,

  • Apple A8 processor
  • Larger screen
  • Higher Resolution
  • Fingerprint Reader
  • iOS 8

Much of this comes from a 4.8-inch iPhone 6 prototype with a Retina + display that was reportedly spotted in December of last year. But other analyst commentary and leaks also help shape this idea.

In short if you are hoping for a bigger display on the iPhone 5S this year, prepare to be disappointed. It is almost certain that Apple is saving this for an iPhone 6 in 2014, or later.

Read: iOS 7 Beta Reveals More iPhone 5S Details

The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will continue to leak out in parts and photos as launches approach. Smart shoppers looking to buy a new iPhone in 2013 will keep in mind that this is likely to be a faster iPhone 5S with a better camera and the same design running iOS 7 and that the wait for the iPhone 6 is months longer.

10 Comments

10 Comments

  1. Mike Stephenson

    08/01/2013 at 3:43 pm

    What about the much rumoured ‘plastic’ low spec phone?

  2. George Zimmermen

    08/01/2013 at 4:04 pm

    What a stupid article. this site is getting worse than BGR with their link bait

  3. toshiyosh

    08/01/2013 at 7:04 pm

    I have to agree with George. This is a stupid article. WhoTF cares whether u call it an “ass” or a six.. Its dead.

  4. StevieG

    08/01/2013 at 8:26 pm

    Josh… i’m surprised you get paid to write such speculative articles…
    Come on seriously… we don’t even have a 5s at the moment.. you are already comparing it to an iPhone 6 ? When you get to the WSJ level of leaked info then maybe we can understand… but until then it’s just wild speculation based on rumors and conjecture… weren’t’ you guys saying the iPad mini wasn’t going to have a retina display… your colleague had great screen grabs of code etc…

    What we need to know is can we have some of what you are smoking.. ?

    I added this site to my RSS on the recommendation of a friend.. i think this is the last time i waste my grey matter here…

  5. Motto

    08/02/2013 at 3:14 am

    HELLO MOTTO!

  6. Motto

    08/02/2013 at 3:16 am

    You kidding I’m already waiting in Line at the apple store and will be here till it comes out candy orange motto f r

  7. [email protected]

    08/02/2013 at 12:13 pm

    If apple doesn’t increase the screen on the next model , it would be sad. I and am sure many others will be switching over to the Samsung ( I’m tired of drooling every time I see that screen ) It will be a sad day to leave the iPhone , if they don’t step it up…………

    • Jay

      08/03/2013 at 1:08 am

      Hah, girls like bigger screens bc they can put it in their purse, but as a guy I hate my GS3. I sticks out in my pocket. I have yet to get used to it and I’ve had it for exactly one year. I don’t want a phablet, I want a phone!!! Switching to Iphone bc I’m a nerd and I need to try everything. Also, I hate that Samsung steals Iphone’s intellectual property and gets punished years later. I’ll have to give up swype but oh well….

      • Weson

        10/06/2013 at 9:09 pm

        You are quite right bro Jay. You know how much i loves Apples’ products. They are the best ever. samsung is always copying apple’s patents

  8. Jamie

    08/12/2013 at 2:56 pm

    Wrong I think this site is the BEST I can’t wait to get to it

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