iWatch vs iPhone 6S release date 2015: price, rumors, key features

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The iPhone 6S and iWatch are the two biggest release dates on the 2015 calendar for Apple, though at least one of them won’t launch under that name. Even as buyers seek out the launch timeframe for both, they also have other questions regarding price and key features. Rumors are flying left and right, but here’s an overview of what’s known about both devices and what can be gleaned from observing Apple’s usual patterns.

Price: The iWatch, which is now officially being called the Apple Watch instead, has a stated price tag of $349 and up. But that price was publicly set back in September, and there is a possibility it will be revised downward depending on which way demand is headed prior to to official rollout. The iPhone 6S is likely to retain the current pricing, meaning it’ll start at $199 with contract or upgrade eligibility. Look for the iPhone 6 to slide to the $99 range, or be replaced by a plastic 6C model.

Key features: The iWatch is positioned as an iPhone accessory, meaning its key functionality comes in the form of notifying users of new message and events, along with allowing lightweight forms of communication through its mini-apps, saving the user from having to pull the phone out of pocket. There are rumors floating around that key health features have been cut from the Apple Watch, but because it’s been positioned as a health product, those rumors appear unfounded. The iPhone 6S will retain a similar styling to the 6, with a focus on enhancing specs including processing speed and battery life. Also look for the 6S to include at least one new hardware feature to differentiate it.

Release date: Apple is still saying that the iWatch, ahem, Apple Watch, will see its release date in April 2015 barring any developmental or manufacturing setbacks. The iPhone 6S release date is trickier. Apple may opt to line it up with the iWatch for strategic reasons, or it could simply hold off until September 2015 for the usual launch window.

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