On September 9, 2014, at a special event in Cupertino, California, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the release of the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus, as well as the new iOS 8 operating system. The pre-sale for these new items began on September 12th, and they have been flying off of the shelves ever since. People eagerly awaited the iPhone’s arrival; the impending reveal fueled the general public to develop theories about the new features that were to come. According to Forbes, during the opening weekend of the new iPhone, nearly ten million devices were sold, becoming Apple’s new record in sales for a new gadget.
Apple has come out with new versions of its products over time. For instance, the original iPhone has been updated a myriad of times, so much so that the current models are called the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, as compared to the original iPhone (first generation). Apple’s slogan for the new iPhone model is “bigger than bigger,” referring to the significantly larger size of the model when compared against to the past iPhones with the iPhone 6 being 4.7 inches wide and the iPhone 6 Plus being 5.5 inches wide. This is a major change compared to the iPhone 5s, at 2.31 inches wide.
Sophomore Rebecca Kimmel describes her feelings on the change as, “The iPhone 6 is a great update, and I love the size of the screen because it makes everything a lot more clear and focused.”
Not only are the phones wider than ever, but they are also thinner than ever. The iPhone 6 boasts a 6.9 millimeter thickness while the iPhone 6 Plus is 7.1 millimeters thick. The creators of iPhones never cease to amaze the public when it comes to the sleek new phones churned out each year.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have not only a bigger display, but also a better quality display. Apple has dubbed this new clearer display the “Retina HD” and it is exponentially clearer than the outdated “Retina” display of the previous iPhones. The iPhone 6 has a 1334 by 750 resolution while the iPhone 6 Plus has a staggering 1920 by 1080 resolution that is sure to surprise anyone who has become accustomed to the lesser resolutions of any other iPhone. In addition, the new iPhones are impressively efficient. The iPhone 6 and 6 plus have faster LTE download speeds, and when the phones are connected to wireless networks (wifi), the speed is up to three times faster than ever before.
In speaking to the improved camera functions and quality, sophomore Ike Murov thinks, “The camera is impeccable. From slow-mo video to a time lapse, the camera is outstanding.”
The new iPhones have increased in size, but perhaps the most remarkable improvement is the new iOS 8 operating system. According to Apple, iOS 8 has new capabilities and functions that lets one do things nobody could have dreamt up. The messaging app has been amended to now give one the ability to tap to add your voice or a video to any message. One can also send their location, name group chats, mute conversations, or even leave group chats whenever they would like.
The new system and iPhones may be great for the most part, but nothing comes without its glitches or downsides.
Emily Wexler stated, “I really like the new iPhone and update but there are definitely things that need to be fixed. The group messages stink and also some other glitches impact my liking of the phone.”
While Murov commented that, “On the [negative] side, the iPhone 6 Plus barely fits in your pocket and it’s a hassle keeping it in your pocket during school.”
But some people like Daniel Copland are content with the new update and think, “iOS 8 brings out a better feel and touch for the user and overall it’s just a better experience than before.”