iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: iPhone 5s compared with expected iPhone 6 design, specs & features

The iPhone 5s, Apple's flagship smartphone, has been available to buy since September, so it's not surprising that everyone's now talking about what to expect from the iPhone 6, which is expected to be released next month. Here, we've used the most viable speculation, leaks and rumours from around the web to compare the iPhone 5s's specs, features and design with its potential successor.

Price

• RRP: £549 inc VAT
• Check best prices for buying online

Pros

• iPhone 5s is already an excellent high-end smartphone
• iPhone 5s is available to buy now

Cons

• iPhone 6 will be even better & bigger when it's released
• iPhone 6 is likely to have much better specs
• iPhone 6 will be the coolest smartphone to own

iPhone 5s is great but iPhone 6 will be amazing.

The iPhone 5s, Apple's flagship smartphone, has been available to buy since September, so it's not surprising that everyone's now talking about what to expect from the iPhone 6, which is expected to be released next month. Here, we've used the most viable speculation, leaks and rumours from around the web to compare the iPhone 5s's specs, features and design with its potential successor.

Before we get started, we'd like to point out that this comparison is in no way, shape or form designed to be taken as fact. We are simply using the information and evidence we've collected since the launch of the iPhone 5s to predict what theiPhone 6 will be like.

The aim is to give you some perspective about what we can expect from the iPhone 6 launch, and perhaps aide you if you're considering waiting for the iPhone 6 to arrive before buying an iPhone, or you're thinking about upgrading from an older iPhonewhen the iPhone 6 comes out. It should spark your imagination, and get you thinking about what the future holds for Apple, too.

Read on for our thoughts about how the iPhone 6 will compare to its predecessor, the iPhone 5s.

iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: design

Aside from a new, gold colour and the introduction of the Touch ID home button, the iPhone 5s doesn't look much different to its predecessor, the iPhone 5. This time, however, we expect Apple to bring a new look and feel to the iPhone with the iPhone 6, as it has traditionally done with each release that follows an 's' device.

It's possible that the iPhone 6 will be even thinner and lighter than the iPhone 5s thanks to the use of Liquidmetal, a material that's exclusively licensed to Apple and is said to be extremely durable. According to reports, Liquidmetal could enable the iPhone 6 to be just 6mm thick compared to the iPhone 5s's 7.6mm.

If you're hoping for a bigger smartphone from Apple, you may just be in luck this year. It's possible, and widely rumoured, that the iPhone 6 will have a bigger display than the iPhone 5s, perhaps achieved by the super-durable sapphire glass Apple is believed to be manufacturing in Arizona.

The iPhone 5s has a 4in display but there are rumours of a display of 4.7in for the iPhone 6. Many reports even suggest that there will be two new iPhone models available, one with a 4.7in display and the other with a 5.5in display. That second, even bigger new iPhone is dibbed iPhone Air or iPhone 6L. You can find out more about it in our iPhone Air rumour round-up, but here we're focusing on the rumoured 4.7in iPhone 6 model.

The bigger display might not mean an enormously bigger iPhone overall. Some reports suggest that Apple will make an edge-to-edge display for the iPhone 6, accomodating the bigger display without needing to significantly increase the size of the chassis.

Overall, we love the design of Apple's iPhone 5s, but would expect the iPhone 6 to look even nicer, with an updated design that will help the new iPhone become one of the most sought after gadgets on the planet. It's recently been suggested that the iPhone 6 sales will be 20 per cent greater than the iPhone 5s.

Take a look at the latest iPhone 6 leaked images to get a better idea of what the iPhone 6 will look like.

iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: processor, performance

It's pretty much a given that Apple will improve the processor and performance of the iPhone with the next version. Currently, the iPhone 5s sports a 64-bit A7 chip, but we expect an A8 chip to feature in the iPhone 6. How that'll actually translate to user experience, though, is another question. The iPhone 5s is already so powerful that a boost won't be obvious to the general iPhone user.

One area that could be significantly improved, though, is RAM. The iPhone 5s only has 1GB of RAM whereas some competitors have up to 3GB, which would make for an even smoother experience, particularly when multitasking.

iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: storage

There isn't yet a 128GB version of the iPhone available, but there is for the iPad, which suggests it's a possibility for the iPhone 6. 128GB is pretty huge, though, so we don't expect many people to opt for that capacity, particularly because it would push the price of the device sky high.

It's also quite unlikely that Apple will go the opposite way and offer an 8GB model of the iPhone 6. There is an 8GB model of the iPhone 5c available, but only in select countries.

iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: camera

There's a fair bit of debate about the iPhone's camera. After all, at 8-megapixels, it's far behind many of its rivals on paper. However, as Macworld UK's Karen Haslamexplains here, megapixels aren't everything.

We expect that, while Apple may increase the megapixels somewhat with the iPhone 6, the company is more likely to focus the camera improvements on other areas such as image stabilisation, aperture and software features.

Current rumours suggest that the iPhone 6 could have a 10-megapixel camera with a f/1.8 aperture and improved filters. The iPhone 5s has an 8-megapixel camera with an f/2.2 aperture.

Right now, we find the camera in the iPhone 5s to be excellent and able to capture impressive images that satisfy our needs, so a camera improvement isn't the most important thing we're looking for with the iPhone 6, but we certainly wouldn't be complaining if it gets even better with the next version.

iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: software

The iPhone 5s currently runs iOS 7, but it won't be long before we'll get the option to install iOS 8 on our iOS devices. The iPhone 6 will ship with iOS 8 installed, and its possible that there will be some features in iOS 8 that are exclusive to the newest iPhone. 

You can find out more about iOS 8 in our iOS 8 preview.

iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: battery life

One of the most called for improvements for the iPhone 6 is battery life. We wholeheartedly agree that battery life is an issue that Apple is battling with and needs to be addressed. It's no mean feat, as the slim nature of the iPhone means it's tricky to cram in a super battery that's able to power the device for longer.

Apple could introduce a power saving mode similar to Samsung's and Sony's instead, though. This software feature would shut down any unnecessary applications and features that may be draining battery when the power is dangerously low, and could even go as far as to turn everything black and white and dim the display.

iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6: other features

It's possible that Apple will add new capabilities and improvements to the iPhone 6'sTouch ID fingerprint sensor.

Other possibilities include the addition of wireless charging thanks to a new Broadcom chip, though we're not completely convinced about that one, a curved display (again not convinced), and new quantum dots to improve the accuracy of the iPhone 6's colour reproduction.

Apple could use its September iPhone 6 event to launch an iWatch, the company's rumoured foray into the wearable tech market. You can find out more about the iWatch in our iWatch rumour round-up.

OUR VERDICT

Overall, the iPhone 6 is sure to be a significantly better smartphone than the iPhone 5s, but that's not to say the iPhone 5s isn't already great. It has extremely high build quality, impressive camera, processor, capacity and software, but the iPhone 6 can only improve on that.

There could be a surprise stand-out feature that makes the selling point of the iPhone 6, but we suspect that may be the rumoured bigger screen. If you're not looking for a bigger-screened phone then the iPhone 5s is a perfectly good and extremely impressive smartphone to opt for, but the iPhone 6 is bound to be even better.

How to prepare your iPhone & iPad for iOS 8: How to upgrade to iOS 8 & advice about whether you should

We bring you advice about how to prepare for the release of iOS 8 next month, including installation tips and advice about whether you should upgrade or not

iOS 8, the next version of Apple's operating system software for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, is expected to be released to the public alongside the iPhone 6 in early September. Here, we bring you advice about how to prepare for the release of iOS 8, including tips about the upgrading process and advice about whether iOS 8 is right for you. See also: 8 new features in iOS 8 that we can't wait for

Many users have been caught out, one way or another, by iOS upgrades in the past. Some have upgraded recklessly and found that they don't like the new iOS, but can't go back because they didn't save the right files beforehand. Others have upgraded on launch day and hit massive server overload, making the process last for hours and occasionally losing apps in the process.

However, we hope that you'll be able to fully prepare for iOS 8 by reading this article and taking the necessary actions to help make upgrading a smooth and pleasant process. See also: Everything you need to know about the iOS 8 beta versions

How to prepare for iOS 8: Which devices are compatible with iOS 8?

First things first: will you be able to download and run iOS 8 at all?

Apple has revealed which devices will be able to run the new software, and we've explained everything you need to know about whether your device is supported in ourWill my iPad or iPhone be able to run iOS 8 article.

How to prepare for iOS 8: 3 things to do before you upgrade

1. Check your connection

Once you've double-checked that your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad is capable of running iOS 8, you'll need to decide how to install the OS. If you plan to install wirelessly, confirm that you have an available WiFi connection.

If you intend to install via iTunes, you need your computer and the latest version of iTunes.

2. Back up your device

To make a backup using your computer, you can go through iTunes. Just plug your device into your computer (or use the WiFi Sync option) and open iTunes.

Once the program is open, click the Devices button, select your device and scroll down in the summary section to Backups. There, under 'Manually Back Up and Restore,' click Back Up Now.

To make a wireless backup directly from your device, you need an iCloud account. Once you're logged in to iCloud, make sure your device is connected to a WiFi network – you can't create a backup over a cellular network. See: iCloud backup tricks for the iPhone and iPad

After you've done so, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup, turn on the iCloud Backup toggle and tap Back Up Now.

Also read: How to manage iCloud Storage and Backup Settings for iOS

3. Make sure you're up to date

We'd also advise you to check that you're up to date with the current iOS 7 updates before iOS 8 arrives. This should help speed up the upgrade process when iOS 8 becomes available. Make sure you've backed up your device as described above, then go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your device will check for updates, and if there are any available you'll be able to click 'Install Now'.

See also: 10 amazing new Messages features in iOS 8

How to upgrade to iOS 8

When iOS 6 launched, Apple somehow underestimated user demand, and its servers struggled to cope. People found that upgrading took them hours and hours. Worse still, some discovered after the upgrade was complete that they had lost some apps.

These days losing apps is less of a worry because most of us download them through iCloud rather than syncing with a Mac. If an app disappears during the upgrade, track it down on the App Store on your iDevice and you should be able to redownload it at no cost. If this doesn't work, get in touch with Apple.

But for the lesser issue of slow upgrades, we’d suggest waiting at least a day before upgrading. This fits in with our general message of caution - you want to read about users’ experience with the new software and try it out on a friend's device or in an Apple store, so it makes to wait. See also: iOS 8 FAQs

How to prepare for the iOS 8 launch: What if I hit problems? 

If even all this preparation isn’t enough to protect you from an unexpected problem - you can't check everything, and it's possible that you didn’t notice some small but crucial element of iOS 7 that's been altered - then don't despair.

Check online for discussion of the problem you’re having, since it's unlikely that you’ll be the only one experiencing it; other users may find a workaround, and there’s a good chance that Apple will deal with the issue in a subsequent update.

Finally, what we said to many iOS 7 haters who discovered that they couldn't downgrade was this: give it a chance. If there are major aesthetic changes, it's likely to feel weird at first. But when we go back to iOS 6 these days it looks horrible. Operating systems can grow on you. See also: New features coming in iOS 8's Camera app

How to prepare for the iOS 8 launch: Downgrading, and saving your blobs

Will you be able to downgrade from iOS 8 to iOS 7 (or, for that matter, iOS 6 or earlier)? Yes, probably - but it won't be easy, if history can teach us anything.

You could downgrade from iOS 7 to iOS 6 in the first weeks after it was unveiled but then the window clanged shut. Right now, the only way to downgrade is if you use one particular model of iPhone, and happened to save your blobs at the right time. Don't know what 'blobs' are? Lots of people don't.

If you're planning on upgrading to iOS 8, it might be worth finding out what they are, and getting into the habit of saving them - although, as I said, it's possible that you still won’t be able to downgrade because you're using the wrong hardware, or because Apple finds a way to close this loophole. Here's how to save your SHSH blobs.

Now, there's been so much annoyance at Apple's strict downgrading policies that it's possible that things will get easier for iOS 8. But don't bet on it. We would suggest reading our article on downgrading from iOS 7 to iOS 6 carefully, to see what files you would need to have saved to pull off that process - maybe you can prepare for the next upgrade in such a way that downgrading is possible. But this isn't guaranteed to work; indeed, reading the article will also give you an idea of how hard it can be to reverse the upgrade, so you know what you're committing to.

Once we know more about iOS's details, we'll update our article How to downgrade from iOS 8 to iOS 7.

How to prepare for the iOS 8 launch: Read the reviews, and try it out if possible

Ultimately the best plan for the iOS 8 launch is to frequently check tech sites you trust for reviews (our iOS 8 review based on the beta is already available to take a look at), with details of new features and design changes from iOS 7, and then if possible (and if one of your friends takes the plunge) try the new software on a friend's device. See also: New features coming to the Mail app in iOS 8

Bear in mind that hardware on the lower fringes of the compatibility list may only just be able to run iOS 8; iOS 7 caused performance problems with the iPhone 4, for instance, and you not get all the new features. Check for user reports from people using the same generation of iPhone or iPad as you.

In other words, make your mind up as far as possible, then upgrade. You don't want to be looking for ways to downgrade afterwards. It may be a free upgrade, but you should treat iOS 8 as a massively expensive purchase - because if you hate it, or your device struggles to run it, you've spoiled your experience with a piece of consumer hardware worth hundreds of pounds.

Have I been blocked by an iPhone? Who blocked me? How to tell if someone has blocked your number on their iOS 7 iPhone

Have you been blocked by an iPhone using iOS 7? In this article we explain the telltale signs that you've been blocked by an iPhone: the way your phone behaves as you (unsuccessfully) try to get through, what the response will be as you call, text and attempt to leave a message, the giveaway number of rings before being diverted to voicemail and so on.

We've also got links to articles that explain how to bypass the call block if you wish, and how to block numbers yourself.

Who blocked me? How can I tell if I've been blocked by an iPhone?

One of the simplest but most convenient new features added in iOS 7 - the most recent full version of Apple's operating system software for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, although iOS 8 will be with us soon - was the ability to easily block the phone numbers of nuisance callers. (We explain how this works in 'How to block a number on any iPhone, in iOS 7 and iOS 6')

This is great news for those who are plagued by calls from salesmen or drunken ex-boyfriends. But what if you're on the receiving end? How can you tell if someone has blocked you on iOS 7?

The simple - and sad - answer is that you can't easily find out for sure - but there are clues. We blocked one of our other phones to find out exactly what it's like to be blocked, to help us work out when we've been blocked in the future.

If you'd rather watch our experiment than read about it, however, have a look at the video of the top of the article. We first show how to block someone in iOS 7, and then demonstrate what effect that has on the blocked phone, so you can see the telltale signs.

Have I been blocked: What happens when you ring someone who's blocked your number on their iPhone?

We rang the iPhone that had blocked us. The phone rang exactly once, and then we were told that the number was unavailable. Then we were invited to leave a message. (Note that the iPhone never received any notification that this message had been left. But the blocker can access these messages if they choose to go into their voicemail and scroll down to the 'Blocked Messages' folder. Thanks to reader 'Kat' for bringing this to our attention.)

A single ring and then being diverted to voicemail is the giveaway behaviour you're looking for - but this can also result from the phone being switched off or set to auto divert. 

To rule these out, you can immediately ring again from a different number, or disguise your number using the relevant code for your country (141 from a UK landline, for instance), or by switching off your call ID in the settings if you're using an iPhone (Settings, Phone, Show My Caller ID, switch to off).

This time your number won't be visible and any block on that number will be bypassed. If the phone really is switched off or set to divert, it will once again ring once and then go to voicemail. But if you were blocked, either the person will pick up, or it will ring a few times until you ring off or they turn down the call because there isn't a caller ID they recognise.

Thanks to our reader, posting below under the name 'This is true', for coming up with this cunning scheme.

Have I been blocked: And what happens if you text someone who's blocked you?

What about if you send a text to the 'blocker'?

We tried to send a text message to the phone that had blocked us. Everything proceeded as usual - the text sent, and we got no error message. But the 'receiver' didn't get any message, or any notification.

But a clever reader, Vickie Humphrey, has thought up a way to get more clues - try to send the text as an iMessage.

"The way to tell if you've been blocked," Vickie explains, "is by checking to see if your iMessage says 'Delivered'. You've been blocked if it doesn't, and after a good few minutes, it sends as a text message. Which is never actually being received."

Thanks, Vickie.

Have I been blocked: How to tell if someone has blocked your phone number on iOS 7

So. Other than the obvious clues - you never seem to be able to get through to someone, despite ringing at various times and checking that you've got the right number - the main giveaway is the way you get diverted to voicemail after exactly one ring. If your call is manually declined, or if they're just not available, then you'd expect the phone to ring several times before you're diverted.

If you're getting a single ring before being diverted to voicemail, and then when you try again with caller ID hidden you get a different response (multiple rings and then declined or diverted, or they pick up) then something is probably up.

Finally, Vickie's clever iMessage trick (see previous section) is a useful way of seeing if you've been blocked, assuming you're calling from an iPhone.

Remember that just because you are allowed to leave a message - or because your text seemed to go through without any problems - that doesn't put you in the clear. The blocking process is quite sneaky about letting you (the caller) know what's happened.

As we said, though, there's no way to be sure this is what's happened, so be careful before you start throwing around accusations! And if any amateur sleuths out there work out a foolproof method of finding out if you've been blocked, let us know in the comments or via Twitter. Our thanks to the clever readers who've already contributed techniques for cracking the mystery.

How to call someone anyway, even though they've blocked you

Yep, as discussed briefly above, it's possible to hide your caller ID (or use a code to stop it from being revealed) and thereby call someone who's blocked you. We take no responsibility for the legal and social consequences of doing this - it's an emergencies-only strategy that some would consider harassment - but we're written a tutorial showing How to call someone who has blocked you.

Get your own back: How to block a number using an iOS 7 iPhone

This is all very upsetting, of course, but call-blocking is actually a very useful feature of iOS 7. If you're getting calls from a persistent telesalesman or infatuated ex - or you want to take revenge on the person we've been talking about in this tutorial - then it's easy for you to make use of the feature yourself. And now you know what they'll be experiencing.

You can easily block a number from the Recent Calls menu. Check out the process in our tutorial 'How to block a number on any iPhone, in iOS 7 and iOS 6'.