New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Apple Starts Early Production on Next-Generation iPhones With Force Touch

Friday June 26, 2015 3:35 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple is starting production on its next-generation iPhones, reports Bloomberg, and the new models are equipped with Force Touch capabilities. Force Touch, first introduced with the Apple Watch, is a feature that's able to distinguish between a light tap and a harder press, enabling a range of new gestures.

The two new iPhones will retain the same 4.7 and 5.5-inch display sizes, with an exterior design that's largely unchanged. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested the addition of Force Touch could make the iPhone 0.2mm thicker, but it is unclear if that rumor is accurate.

iphone6-stock-photo

Apple Inc. has started early production of new iPhone models with a feature called Force Touch, which senses how hard users are pressing down on a screen, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Its newest iPhones, in the same 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions as the current iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices, will have a similar exterior design, the people said. Volume manufacturing is scheduled to ramp up as soon as next month, they said.

Because the design of the new iPhones will remain the same, Bloomberg's sources believe final assembly will go smoothly, but caution that production volume could be impacted by the supply and yield of displays for the devices. Apple has been working to add Force Touch across its product lineup since unveiling the Apple Watch and has thus far incorporated the feature into the trackpads of the Retina MacBook and Retina MacBook Pro.

Apple is expected to debut its next-generation "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus" in September. Other rumors about the device suggest it could include an improved camera, 7000 series aluminum, and a new rose gold color option.

Tag: bloomberg.com

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Crosscreek

53 months ago

I'm still using my 5s and hope Apple produces another 4" iPhone in the future.

Rating: 37 Votes

Menopause

53 months ago

Cue analyst reports as follows:

Production pushed back due to manufacturing difficulties.
Production delayed due to Force Touch panel bottlenecks.
Expect severe stock shortages at launch due to production issues.

Love, Ming-Chi Kuo.

Rating: 24 Votes

nfl46

53 months ago

Force Touch, 2GB of ram, improved camera...this is gearing up to be a very nice S upgrade!

Rating: 19 Votes

AngerDanger

53 months ago

Logically, Apple's core demographic for the iPhone 6s is people who use their iPhones to play small pianos.

Rating: 18 Votes

KylePowers

53 months ago

Probably the first iPhone I'll skip (which of course I say every year). I think the 6 is great.

Force Touch on my AW doesn't really do too much for me. I never think to use it, either. Some sort of secret UI element based on a harder touch doesn't scream user friendly to me.

Rating: 16 Votes