Rumors continue to swirl and clash as the release date of Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) latest generation electronics creeps closer. Some rumors deal with the much-fabled iWatch, a device which has probably generated more futile online speculation than any other product in human history. Others deal with the iPhone 6, such as the statement by Timothy Arcuri that the “phablet” iPhone with the 5.5 inch screen will feature enhanced processor architecture, too.
Mr. Arcuri claims to have his finger on the pulse of important Asian supply chain sources, and to have received a tip-off that the biggest of Apple’s (AAPL) new iPhones will have stronger processors and a “different” touch screen setup than the smaller versions due out in September. Details are still lacking, but this could indicate an important design feature.
Generally speaking, the processor cores Apple Inc. uses in its electronics are clocked higher with larger, more powerful devices even if they are otherwise identical. Thus, A7 processors, the current generation, provide higher GHz of processing power in progressively larger iPads. However, Mr. Arcuri’s informants seem to hint that the processor architecture may be different in the 5.5 inch iPhone 6, meaning an absolute difference in power rather than the relative differences caused by varied clocking of the same cores.
It is believed that the larger die, if it is real and not merely a figment of anonymous Asian tipsters looking for their moment of fame, may support additional graphics capability. This, of course, would push the iPhone 6 “phablet” variant a little further in the direction of a very small tablet rather than a large smartphone.
However, such a decision would make some sense. People who want a larger iPhone – and the market indicates there are a large number of such individuals – do not want the larger screen to run the same graphics heavy applications at a slightly larger magnification. Purchase of a bigger smartphone automatically implies a use for that screen, and since screens are primarily for the display of visual media, a stronger graphics core could be an important selling point.
Besides using the A8 processor and perhaps a different die from other iPhone 6s, rumor predicts that the 5.5 inch iPhone will also include a new touch module. The module is said to be made by TPK, which is also rumored to be manufacturing silver nanowire touch controls for the even more legend-cloaked iWatch.
