Report: Apple to offer one-handed software UI mode for larger iPhone 6

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is still a few days away from introducing its next versions of the iPhone, but more details about the devices keep leaking out. According to a report from the New York Times, Apple will introduce a software mode that lets consumers more easily use the new iPhones with one hand, since the new phones are expected to be larger.

The report, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, said that Apple is making some changes to the iPhone user interface that will let uses launch a one-handed mode that can be switched on and off. Apple declined to comment, according to the report.

The NYT report on the new iPhones, expected to be called the iPhone 6, fit with other recent reports about the phones, which Apple will likely unveil at a media event Sept. 9. The report noted that Apple is expected to introduce one model with a 4.7-inch screen and one with a 5,5-inch display, and that the larger model will cost more. Apple's most recent iPhones have 4-inch screens.

Additionally, the report said that the new phones will have softer, rounded edges similar to those of the latest iPads. The report also reiterated details that Bloomberg earlier reported in noting that the new phones are expected to have Near Field Communication technology to enable mobile payments, and that Apple has struck deals with American Express, MasterCard and Visa to support the payment system.

Apple is also expected to unveil its first wearable device, widely dubbed the iWatch, at the media event. Like other reports, the NYT noted the watch will have a flexible display that is protected by synthetic sapphire. The report also said the watch's circuit board, which includes its sensors and chips, is tiny and about the size of a postage stamp. The watch is expected to be able to be charged wirelessly, the report said. The iWatch is also expected to integrate tightly with Apple's HealthKit software for health and fitness monitoring and Handoff, a new software feature that lets users to push content between their Apple devices.

Meanwhile, in other Apple rumors, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the iWatch will feature 8 GB of internal storage, with 512 MB of RAM and will come with either a 1.3-inch or 1.5-inch screen. Kuo also predicted that both new iPhone models will come with a 128 GB internal storage option and that Apple will also introduce the iPad Air 2 at the Sept. 9 event.

Apple has said it will live-stream the media event but will require viewers to use its Safari browser or an Apple TV in order to view it.

For more:
- see this NYT article
- see these three different articles from 9to5Mac
- see these two different articles from The Verge

Special Report: iPhone 6 rumors: From NFC and VoLTE to sapphire displays

Related Articles:
Report: Apple's iWatch to contain NFC for mobile payments
Report: Apple unlikely to start shipping iWatch until early 2015
Report: Apple to unveil iWatch Sept. 9 alongside iPhone 6
Report: Apple snags mobile payments agreements with Visa, MasterCard and American Express
Apple will reportedly include NFC, powered by NXP, for mobile payments in iPhone 6