There are rumors that the iPhone 6S may be slightly bigger than the iPhone 6. It may also feature glass-to-glass touch panels.
Apple Insider reported that Apple is planning to revert to G/G or glass-to-glass touch panels for its 2016 iPhone handsets due to the challenges posed by the in-cell technology in the past few years. DigiTimes said that panel suppliers have already forwarded fully laminated G/G samples, while Asahi Glass and Corning sent glass samples. Apple will most likely maintain its in-cell technology for the remainder of 2015, but there might be new changes in the 2016 models. If there will be new designs in 2016, it is likely that the company is already in the developmental stage at present.
In-cell technology generally allows phones to have thinner displays, but it also limits the introduction of higher resolutions and other new features. Apple may be looking forward to having 4K resolution displays in its upcoming models. Allegedly, the goal is to feature a slimmer G/G model that would be a great alternative to in-cell panels without adding more bulk. The company may also present bezel-free phones, considering how in-cell panels have sensitivity issues on their edges.
Another report by Apple Insider featured new images showing a next-generation iPhone. The handset was partially assembled using leaked parts that were measured with calipers. Apparently, the new device, believed to be the iPhone 6S, will be slightly larger compared to the current models in all dimensions. Based on the photo, the shell and display have a thickness of 7.08mm, which is 0.19mm thicker than the iPhone 6. The added thickness may be due to the integrated Force Touch sensors. The new device was 138.19mm long and 67.68mm wide, making it .09mm longer and .68 wider than the iPhone 6.
In June 2015, Ming-Chi Kuo, KGI Securities analyst, already speculated that the iPhone 6S will be about 0.15mm longer and wider, as well as 0.2 thicker compared to the iPhone 6, Mac Rumors revealed.
Mac Rumors wrote that case makers such as Spigen announced that they have made cases specifically for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S Plus. This means that they may already have the exact dimensions of the upcoming flagship phones.
Apple is scheduled to launch the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus at a media event on September 9, 2015. More revelations about the two smartphones, as well as other highly anticipated Apple products, are expected at the event.