NYT: iWatch to feature flexible display panel, wireless charging, iPhone 6 to have ‘one handed mode’

9/5/2014

The New York Times is weighing in on Apple’s imminent iPhone event, corroborating past information as well as adding some new tidbits about Apple’s newest iPhones (the ‘iPhone 6′) and its brand new wearable (dubbed ‘iWatch’).

Most interestingly, it says that the iWatch will feature a flexible display. Assumedly, this will allow the product to morph to fit comfortably on user’s arms. KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo predicted Apple’s use of a flexible panel in July. The screen is protected by sapphire glass. As 9to5Mac has reported countless times, the device will feature health and fitness tracking capabilities, for things like footsteps and heart rate. The report claims Apple has “put an enormous amount of time and money” to make the sensors track “much more accurately than existing fitness devices”.

In terms of software, the device will rely on HealthKit for health tracking and Handoff, one of Apple’s iOS 8 continuity features, to seamlessly share content between devices. Handoff could be used for sharing SMS texts between the phone and the watch, for instance. 9to5Mac discussed how Handoff might interact with Apple’s wearable a couple of months ago.

It has a flexible display panel that is protected by a cover composed of sapphire, a type of tougher glass, they said. The device’s circuit board, which includes its sensors and chips, was described as tiny, about the size of a postage stamp.

9to5Mac first reported on Apple’s plans for miniaturisation of components in January, to make such a product possible.

Sources also hint that Apple has developed technologies to be able to pack several different sensors into a single chipset for miniaturization purposes.

The NYT report also corroborates almost every detail of the iPhone 6 leaks; two models, 4.7 and 5.5 inch, tapered edges. This is the design that has been observed in mockup videos for months now. What’s interesting is that the piece brings new information about how Apple will manage the increase in screen size. The iPhone 6 will apparently feature a ‘one-handed mode’, where the system keyboard and apps will reflow such that they can be used with one only one hand. This mode can be enabled or disabled according to user preferences.

NFC will be present on both the watch and the iPhone 6, to make for easier intra-device pairing as well as power Apple’s mobile payments initiative. iPhone 6 owners will be able to pay for items at select merchants, without touching their wallets for cash or credit cards.

All will be revealed on September 9th. Earlier today, Apple confirmed that a livestream of the event will be provided. It is even hyping the announcements with a countdown on its website. 9to5Mac will of course have full coverage too.