What should I know before I make this purchase?
Not much. There is an Android app in the Google Play store that will transition your stuff over to an iPhone more seamlessly; if you can resurrect your old device, this might prove time-saving. If not, it will be a fresh start, but you will likely be able to pull in your Google web data (like contacts) through some other apps or means, so don't fret.
Are all iPhone's created equal?
If you mean "of the same model," then yes. There are several models of iPhone; the latest two are the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, which is different in that it has a larger screen and optical camera stabilization (and of course a bigger battery).
I heard on the radio if you buy an iPhone 6s now the upgrade wil be free. Does Verizon do this?
The way you have phrased this, the answer would be "no," but I think you misunderstood the radio announcement. Most carriers (yes, including Verizon) have an installment plan payment option that gives you a way to upgrade the iPhone as often as every year if you want, but of course you keep paying the cost of the first phone until it is paid off on top of your monthly fee and then the cost of your plan. Apple has a similar option that offers a free iPhone upgrade each year without having to pay the old one off first (and other companies like T-Mobile also do this), but you don't get to keep the "old" iPhone, it must be turned in and be in good working condition. Perhaps that is what you heard about on the radio.
What kind of case should I get to protect my iPhone from breaking?
The iPhone isn't a glass egg, but it is in part made of glass (and people like to keep it looking nice) so a case is often -- but not always -- necessary. I have a case on my iPhones SOLELY because I like them to be "grippier" than they are by default (particularly as ludicrously thin as they are these days!), and this has enable me to say that I have never had an iPhone become damaged or break. This is also in part because I treat my iPhone like it costs $750 -- because it does!
Some people are more prone, or just want to be as sure as possible that they won't drop it somewhere where damage might result, so they go for things like Otterbox cases and that's fine too. Everyone has their own "line" of where style meets protection.
Is there a tripod I can get in order to video myself and others? I need it to stand on it's own.
You might then want to look for a case of the iPhone that features a standard tripod screw mount, so that literally any tripod made for cameras will work. Or you might want to get a smartphone tripod, and make sure that it works with iPhone (any sensible manufacturer will be able to say that it does). If you enjoy drooling, have a look
at this.
Will my new iPhone 6s be able to run Google Apps smoothly and back up to Google+ Images?
Yes. Apps made by Google are almost always also made for iOS (very savvy move there, Google. Well played). Most Android developers, not being stupid, have an iOS version of their app (but you'll have to re-purchase that), so any that you really like from your previous phone should be available. Some iOS apps are unique to iOS, of course, but you'll be able to discover those on your own. Android apps that don't have an iOS version -- like Mac apps -- do not run on iOS devices.
Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Thank you.
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