iPhone 6, 6 Plus, and Successors
The introduction of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Apple's smartphone lineup. Released in September 2014, these devices represented the eighth generation of the iPhone. They were succeeded by the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, unveiled in September 2015, which brought significant upgrades to hardware and software features.
Design and Display
The iPhone 6 series was renowned for its redefined design language. This generation introduced larger displays, with the iPhone 6 featuring a 4.7-inch screen and the 6 Plus boasting a 5.5-inch display. This was a significant leap from the 4-inch display of its predecessor, the iPhone 5S. The design was also slimmer, with rounded edges and an aluminum body, which created a sleek and modern aesthetic.
The Retina HD Display was enhanced with higher resolutions: the iPhone 6 had a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, while the 6 Plus offered a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing users with sharper and more vibrant visuals.
Internal Hardware and Performance
At the heart of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus was the Apple A8 chip, which offered 25% faster CPU performance and 50% faster graphics compared to the A7 chip in the iPhone 5S. The devices supported Apple Pay, allowing users to make secure payments using NFC technology.
The successors, iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, introduced the Apple A9 chip. This was a significant advancement, delivering improved processing speeds and graphics capabilities. Notably, the 6S models were the first to feature 3D Touch technology, which enabled pressure-sensitive interactions on the touchscreen.
Camera Enhancements
The iPhone 6 series featured an 8-megapixel rear camera with advancements in image stabilization and video recording, particularly in the 6 Plus, which included optical image stabilization. The front-facing camera improved to deliver clearer selfies and better FaceTime calls.
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus elevated the camera experience with a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of capturing 4K video. The front camera was upgraded to 5 megapixels and included a Retina Flash, enhancing low-light performance.
Software and Features
Both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus initially shipped with iOS 8, featuring improvements such as the Health app, Family Sharing, and iCloud Drive. The iPhone 6S series launched with iOS 9, which introduced features like Night Shift and a more proactive Siri.
Legacy and Impact
The introduction of the iPhone 6 series marked Apple's entry into the larger smartphone market, often referred to as "phablets." This strategic move addressed growing consumer demand for larger screens, setting a new standard for future Apple Inc. smartphones.
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus built upon this foundation with performance enhancements and innovative features like 3D Touch, solidifying their place in the evolution of the iPhone lineup.