Apple is getting pretty consistent with these iPhone releases, and the iPhone 6 seems to be no exception. Analysts are predicting that the upcoming device, also popularly and unofficially called the iPhone 5S, will be aiming for a 2013 release date.
The news does not come directly from Apple, so that date range for now is just a prediction. The International Business Times predicted that the iPhone 6 would launch in the summer of this year, possibly as early as June. However, other analysts note that Apple is looking to switch to a 6-month cycle from their previous 1-year cycle, to more aggressively defend their brand from competition. If that is the case, we may see the iPhone 6 as early as this spring, and another device sometime in quarter three of four.
Other analysts, including Money Morning, speculate that the iPhone 5's lack of NFC capabilities and a larger display like similar competing phones is because Apple is actually preparing a much more improved device for a spring launch. Tech Radar agrees with the idea, but believes an autumn, "probably September," release is more likely.
Pricing is anyone's guess, but many believe that the device will launch somewhere in the $800 to $1000 range, based on its competitors, and the launch price of the iPhone 5.
Unfortunately, with no word from Apple yet, we are mostly left in the dark concerning most of the upcoming device's specifics. Everyone seems to be agreeing that a 2013 launch is likely, but when, where, and for what it will cost is very much up in the air.
Additionally, a lot of speculation is going into what the device's technical specs will be. A slimmer, larger front, up to 128GB of storage, and iOS7 are all features on the table, but until more solid info begins to leak, we can't know for sure.