As expected, Apple announced new iPhone models today, unveiling the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The new models have the same form factor as their predecessors but feature improved materials, processors, and cameras, and a new feature called 3D Touch.
The new iPhone’s rear camera’s sensor gets bumped to 12 megapixels up from 8 in the current iPhone 6/6 Plus and will be able to capture 4K video. The front-facing FaceTime camera gets a bump to 5 megapixels and the iPhone’s display can act as a flash for photos taken in low light.
A new featured called Live Photos captures multiple images and sound before and after a picture is taken. Pressing and holding a Live Photo activates playback to offer a video-like animation and sound. Live Photos is a new camera mode that is on by default in the native Camera app.
3D Touch senses the pressure of a touch to allow new actions and options for light and heavy touches, similar to Force Touch on the Apple Watch. The "peek" and "pop" gestures will allow users to take a quick look at links, images, and other items, and jump into the applicable app to see the content, respectively. You can see a demo video of 3D Touch at Apple's site.
The casing of the new iPhones are made of a 7000 series aluminum alloy that’s lighter and stronger and a new color, rose gold, has been added to the line-up. Additionally, the screen’s cover glass is stronger. Internally, the new iPhone 6s models will have Apple’s new A9 processor.
Significantly, the iPhone 6s models will also come bundled with a matching charging dock. Apple hasn’t offered a dock bundled with an iPhone since the first-generation model released in 2007.
From carriers in the US offering subsidized pricing, the iPhone 6s will cost $199 for 16GB of storage, $299 for 64GB, and $399 for 128GB, and the iPhone 6s Plus will cost $299 for 16GB, $399 for 64GB, and $499 for 128GB.
Notably, Apple will also be offering its own iPhone Upgrade Program that offers users the ability to upgrade to a new iPhone every year. These iPhones will be unlocked and will come with AppleCare+ and will start at $32 per month for 24 months.
The new iPhone 6s models will be available for pre-order starting on September 12 and available for sale on September 25.