UPDATE: Apple and Foxconn have reportedly hired a record new 100,000 employees to produce the new iPhone 6. Reports are also indicating the despite prior delays, both the 4.7 and 5.5 inch models will be available at the same time, although the 5.5 model will likely be in lower stock. Source: Bloomberg

Lately, it has been hard to avoid the iPhone 6 rumors, and with new rumors surfacing every day, it can be hard to keep up. Most rumors indicate that the new iPhone will be a major update, as opposed to the minor iPhone 5 to 5s style updates which Apple has done in the past. Here are some of the most recent and reliable rumors about the upcoming iPhone 6.

When can I have it?

Let’s be honest, whatever new features the iPhone 6 brings, we will all be dying to have it. So when can we have it?

The most likely answer is sometime next September, but October and November are also possibilities. The last few iPhones have been launched at special September events, so a continuation with this tradition would be logical. Also, it makes sense that the iPhone 6 would be released alongside iOS 8 this fall. Various sources have reported that Apple is restricting holidays during September for employees at German Apple Stores, thus fitting the rumors for a September launch. Other sources claim that Apple will release two new iPhones with different screen sizes, with one being released a month or so later than the other, most likely the smaller version first. However, other rumors indicate that Apple has had trouble finding batteries big enough for their supposed 5.5 inch iPhone which means it could push the release back as far as 2015 [SEE UPDATE].

Answer: Most likely next fall, maybe next winter

Will there be a bigger screen?

If there is one rumor that everyone agrees on, it is that the iPhone 6 will have a larger screen than the iPhone 5s. Compared to the competition from HTC and Samsung, the iPhone 5s screen is tiny. Reports indicate that Apple may choose to release two versions of the iPhone; a 4.7 inch screen and a 5.5 inch screen (the iPhone 5s has a 4 inch screen). The iPhone 5s currently has a sub-720p Retina display which will likely be upgraded to either a full HD display or a “pixel-tripling” display with a resolution of 1704 x 960. This resolution could allow the phone to keep the 16×9 aspect ratio found on the iPhone 5s but increase the overall pixel density.

Answer: Yes

Greater Durability?

The iPhone 5s currently uses Corning Gorilla Glass but rumors have suggested that the iPhone 6 may use sapphire crystal instead. Sapphire crystal is currently used for the camera lens and home button of the iPhone 5s and could provide greater resistance to damage than the current Gorilla Glass. In the past, sapphire has been extremely expensive to produce in large quantities, but a recent partnership between Apple and GT Advanced as well as rumors of GT Advanced buying hundred of sapphire furnaces and chambers suggest that the new iPhones may come with sapphire crystal. However, other reports suggest that the sapphire is for the long-rumored iWatch, which makes sense considering that the iWatch will have a far smaller screen.

Answer: 50/50

Will it be any thinner?

Some sources are claiming that advances in LED backlighting might allow apple to create a thinner and lighter iPhone 6. The iPhone 5s is 7.6mm thick, and reports indicate that the iPhone six might be only 7mm thick. Compared to the Galaxy S5, at 8.1mm, this would be astounding.

Answer: Hopefully

What about the insides?

Rumors claim that the new iPhone could bring a brand new A8 processor to increase performance, battery life, and data speeds. The new iPhone might also include wireless charging and NFC Near-Field Communication abilities which could let the iPhone act as a credit card. Android phones have had both of these features for years now, so it isn’t too far fetched to imagine Apple including them. The camera will most likely stay at 8 mega-pixels as the company focuses on image stabilization techniques to improve the image quality. However they do it, the camera will most likely be enhanced in some way or another

Answer: You can expect a better processor and camera, while NFC and wireless charging are possibilities.

Can I afford it?

Considering that the new iPhone will probably have a larger screen, there is a good chance that the price will be higher as well. If Apple does decide to go with the sapphire crystal, that would also lead to higher prices, perhaps as great as $50 to $100 dollars for the 5.5 inch size screen.

Answer: Probably not, but you’ll still buy it.

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