Apple unveiled the very first iPhone in June of 2007. Now, seven years later, Apple is preparing to release their sixth model of this popular product. Prior to the iPhone, Blackberry had the corner on the cell phone market, but following the iPhone, the only two real competitors were Apple and Android. Even with their head start, it wasn’t long before Apple was being challenged by Android devices. More recently, the Galaxy S5 has been outselling the iPhone 5s by nearly a two to one ratio, according to NASDAQ (Wall Street Stocks).

No longer would brand loyalty provide Apple with enough of an edge to maintain a solid monopoly on the smart phone market. With this in mind, they looked to consumers to see what the iPhone really needed and what people really wanted in their smart phone. The polls were overwhelming in the categories of screen size, durability, and more customization. The culmination of this feedback is the iPhone 6.

The iPhone 6’s is slated to be revealed to the public on September 9, and to be released several weeks later, corresponding with the launch of iOS 8. Other than the knowledge of when it is to be revealed, very little else has been made available from Apple. In fact, an Omaha area store conceded that the phone’s name cannot even be confirmed, and that the no other information other than the unveiling date has been made officially known. Corporate silence has not however, prevented the leaking of specifications and other rumors that may or may not be viable.

In response to consumer’s want for a larger screen, the iPhone 6 is said to be released in two screen models, a 4.7 inch and a 5.5 inch. Both feature an improved Retina Display, a retractable camera for higher resolution picture and video shooting, a slimmer profile, and possibly most importantly, a high impact screen. These new Sapphire displays, are a glass like plastoid, which gives them increased shatter protection, and less vulnerable to finger prints and smudges.

The aesthetics of the design are also changed, moving away from the more boxy and rectangular shape of the 4, 4S, 5, 5c, and 5S, to a rounder appearance with more curvature. This along with its slim profile gives it an appearance similar to the newest iPod touch. Combined with the new screen, the aesthetics give a more comfortable hold, as well as improved durability.

According to Macrumors.com, Apple plans to have around 100 million iPhone 6s manufactured by the end of 2014. Although this number sounds astronomical, Apple has high hopes for their new product, as many of the innovations were spurned by the customers themselves.

Debuting along with the iPhone 6 is the next installment of the OS series, iOS 8. Unlike the iPhone 6, Apple has made information readily available since last year on the new operating system. iOS 8 retains iOS 7s interface while making the visuals smoother, and takes basic functions such as notifications and makes them interactive, allowing even more efficient multitasking then before. Other new features include voice messages, inter-sharing of all information with other

Apple devices, and a new Health app. Lastly; Apple will allow third party developers to add their own key boards for use on iOS.

This September, Apple hopes to regain the momentum with which is entered the smart phone market back in 2007. The iPhone 6, although still quite mysterious, is said to be bigger, faster and better protected than its predecessors. This combined with iOS 8, provides a new beginning for Apple that will allow them to better compete with Android devices like the up and coming Galaxy line.