iPhone 6 launch: What can we expect from Apple?

Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 6 at its launch in California tonight. Picture: Getty

The company has already boldly claimed that it has its best products in a quarter of a century ready to release. Here, we look at what chief executive Tim Cook may announce when he takes to the stage this evening.

iPhone 6

The latest model of Apple’s iPhone is set to be unveiled at the event.

Smartphones represent over half of Apple’s revenue, and two models of the iPhone 6 are due to be revealed.

It is thought that the two models will have different screen sizes, with one measuring 5.5in and the other 4.7in. The iPhone 5S measures just 4in.

The new phone is also likely to be at least partly made from scratch-resistant material as well as wireless payment capabilities.

iWatch

This is the big one, of course, given that Apple’s rivals have already rolled out ‘wearable tech’.

A number of leading fashion editors and bloggers have been invited to the event leading to speculation that the much-vaunted iWatch will finally be unveiled.

However, industry experts have predicted that it might not be released until some time in 2015.

Speculation is growing that the iWatch would be able to track the wearer’s health and fitness and display messages among other functions.

iOS8

The new iPhone will introduce the new Apple operating system - iOS8 - to the world.

But the launch of iOS8 is likely to be held back.

The new operating system was confirmed by Apple at the WWDC 2014 event, and resembles iOS7 in appearance.

However, it is expected to come with a number of updated and new features, including the ability to carry out tasks on Mac PCs running OS X Yosemite and other iDevices.

The notification centre has been upgraded to allow users to deal with messages or emails without leaving the lockscreen, as well as an enhanced battery manager which will allow users to manage or even uninstall apps using up a lot of battery life.

The Handoff feature will let users start a task on any device running iOS8 and complete it on another.

Siri has been given an extensive update, as has the iMessage function and the Photos app.

The new Health app will collate heart rate, sleep patterns, oxygen levels etc. through third-party apps such as Nike and Fidbit.

The Camera will have a timelapse function similar to Instagram’s Hyperlapse while the Family Sharing service allows sharing of what a user has bought from iTunes, iBooks and the App Stores through the same credit or debit card with up to six people.

Anything else?

Apple has a history of springing surprises at its events, and executives have done nothing to dampen growing excitement ahead of this launch.

Possible surprises announcements could include a bigger iPad, Apple television or something completely different. Watch this space...