Apple's iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are already being heralded as the company's most significant "S" upgrade to date, but the handsets also appear to be getting a toughness upgrade.

According to Business Insider, a new report from Unbox Therapy's Lewis Hilsentger suggests Apple is aiming to make their new iPhones extra tough by using the same material used for the Apple Watch Sport. Hilsentger gave a video demonstration with a casing he claimed to have obtained.

It would be a reasonable upgrade, given the rumors that Apple plans to use the Watch's Force Touch technology on their upcoming iPhone. Regardless, Apple keeps quiet about everything regarding unreleased devices, so neither the tougher shell nor the Force Touch screen are guaranteed to make the final product.

Possibly more significant is what the ultra-tough casing will be protecting. Amit Chowdhry wrote for Forbes that the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus "likely feature an A9 processor."

For one, it continues Apple's tradition of upgrading its processor for every iPhone release. But it also seems necessary if the rumors of significant software upgrades for the handset are to be believed.

9to5Mac reported obtaining leaked photos of the processor, which looks a lot like its predecessor. However, Chowdhry pointed out that 9to5Mac's observations indicate the new processor could be significantly more powerful.

With all the capabilities the iPhone already has, plus what Apple is rumored to be adding, the A9 chip may need to be that powerful and efficient, given how the company regularly deals with questions about battery life as well.

Read more