It looks like Apple is getting ready for an iPhone refresh as production for their next-gen flagship smartphone has reportedly begun. Among the updates to iPhone 6S specs is Force Touch technology.
"Apple is bringing Force Touch, first unveiled for the Apple Watch and the newest MacBook model, to the iPhone at least two years after it started working with suppliers to perfect the pressure-sensitive displays," Bloomberg reported.
According to the same report, the iPhone 6S and 6S plus will retain the same 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays from their predecessors, respectively. However, the inclusion of Force Touch will make the device marginally thicker as Franchise Herald previously reported.
Bloomberg's sources also said that early production for Cupertino's next-gen flagship handsets have already begun. Volume production is "scheduled to ramp up as soon as [July]," they said.
While Apple adds to iPhone 6S specs, it looks like it may take something away as well. According to its sources in Taiwan's integrated circuits industry, DigiTimes said Apple is working on touch and display driver integration single-chip solutions for its iPhones. Simply put, this would allow the tech giant to launch an iPhone sans home button.
With the home button gone, the iPhone's display size can increase without adding to the device's measurements.
Although the publication has a "poor track record in predicting Apple's future product plans," Apple Insider thinks the report should not be dismissed outright. DigiTimes did have a few hits in the past and the Cupertino tech giant's patents do show its "interest in moving Touch ID to the iPhone's display," according to the website.
However, a home button-less iPhone launching this year isn't likely.
"With no timetable for release indicated in the report, it's highly unlikely that Apple plans to ditch the home button on its iPhone lineup anytime soon."
With external design expected to remain mostly the same, it looks like Force Touch will be one of the biggest additions to iPhone 6S specs.
Rumors of a virtual home button for iPhones and iPads have been around since 2011.
