Ever since the release of 3G on wards, the trend is, there has always been a half-step S model prior to the next numbered iPhone. As such, it was no surprise that the S5 was first and now awaiting iPhone 6 in 2014. With Apple facing serious threat from super handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, and Sony Xperia Z1, the next generation iPhone will have to seriously up its game.

The iPhone6 is to feature one giant Retina+ IGZO display and a new form factor without a home button. Also included is Gesture control. The Retina+ Sharp IGZO display is expected to have a 1080p Full HD resolution. According to a number of reports, Apple could introduce two handset sizes to compete with the plethora of Android devices currently on the market. China Times suggests that Apple is more likely to release multiple handsets in the course of the year over and above the widely talked about 5S and 6, which may seem a bit far-fetched. Apple’s patents also suggest that the company has been thinking about magical morphing technology – capable of hiding sensors and cameras – may or may not make it into the iPhone 6.

After more patents were uncovered, there is still a tiny possibility of the iPhone6 sporting a highly flexible wraparound display. However, there are higher chances that it will feature either on the iPhone 7 or 8. There are beliefs that the device will have a bigger screen with 4.7 and 5.7-inch versions. A 6-inch display, with more talks of a “phablet” sized 6-inch iPhone may arrive as early as May or June 2014 – word on the street. Rumors about a 4.9-inch prototype iPhone6 hit the web, and at the beginning of 2014, more rumors that Apple will launch a 4.7 and 5.7-inch iPhone 6 emerged – just to keep everybody guessing.

Expect more premium metal your way with the brand new iPhone. Apple’s liquidmetal 3D printing patents suggest possibility of a new way to develop the sultry chassis on the iPhone6. So far, the chassis could be the thinnest – with rumors that Apple will slim down the 7.6mm 5S body for the brand new iPhone 6. If the speculations turn out to be true, then the handset may be shockingly slim. The device will finally do NFC as many Android phones can now boast NFC. If the market has already seen a 128GB  iPad, why not a 128GB iPhone 6? Although this may cost a fortune, high-spending early adopters just love it.

With iOS 7 now becoming a little outdated, many are betting the next iPhone will feature iOS 8, expected to feature in September or October release date (in line with previous releases). The processor will have to be an evolved A7 or a quad-core A8. The selling point will be improved efficiency, which should save battery life. Moreover, the camera sensors that Apple bought from Sony earlier leave the market expecting a 13-MP sensor that takes up less room without affecting image quality. iPhone is expected to be able to remotely control extra flashes and produce image quality similar to those seen in professional photography studio. This is good news for those who love taking pictures for memories.