Apple Corp. thought process on iOS. A discussion about why??

[MacDawg]

What do you all think about the rumors for iPhone 5 and the announced iOS 6? Is it enough to WOW you and keep you with iPhone?

I personally don't need to be wow'ed by my phone
My iPhone works well for me right now (4s) and while I will welcome any advancements in hardware and software, I don't need to have the bar raised significantly with a wow factor

I want a stable iPhone, good battery life (mine is), and a smooth and consistent interface
My iPhone is a tool I use, not a toy to entertain me and wow me
It works best for me when the interface stays out of the way I don't notice my phone, I notice what I am accomplishing with my phone

I text, email, take pictures, post on Facebook, check the weather, use Dropbox, tweet, make lists, make calls and more
My iPhone does all of this exceptionally well
All of the themes, gadgets, widgets, etc are unimportant to me
In fact, I would likely waste way too much time setting them all up and never use any of them

 

[SpyderBite]

The people who want all the advanced features mentioned by the OP make up a very small percentage of the iPhone sales. Enthusiasts always seem to forget that.

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but the next iPhone doesn't need to wow me to make me stay with Apple. I've invested a lot of money into the iOS ecosystem with apps, iPads and iPhones, and my system works for me. I won't be jumping ship to android if the next iPhone doesn't have a Bluetooth toggle on the lock screen.

The iPhone works for me, and, I imagine, most people on this board. Why jump over minor issues like this?

I understand that. But don't you want something fresh and new and different?

 

[jb1280]

I understand that. But don't you want something fresh and new and different?

There is nothing inherently interesting or productive about seeking change for the sake of change. If Apple totally overhauled the UI for those who want something new, they will be satisfied for a total of one day, before they get tired of the new UI and want something new again.

Apple gains very little by going down the rabbit hole that those who promote constant UI change and potentially loses quite a bit by alienating those who thrive on iOS but do not thrive on OS X or Windows.

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

I personally don't need to be wow'ed by my phone
My iPhone works well for me right now (4s) and while I will welcome any advancements in hardware and software, I don't need to have the bar raised significantly with a wow factor

I want a stable iPhone, good battery life (mine is), and a smooth and consistent interface
My iPhone is a tool I use, not a toy to entertain me and wow me
It works best for me when the interface stays out of the way I don't notice my phone, I notice what I am accomplishing with my phone

I text, email, take pictures, post on Facebook, check the weather, use Dropbox, tweet, make lists, make calls and more
My iPhone does all of this exceptionally well
All of the themes, gadgets, widgets, etc are unimportant to me
In fact, I would likely waste way too much time setting them all up and never use any of them

You make great points. I guess the geek in me just wants more. Does apple refresh the UI on other products that are not iOS? I'm not sure.

 

[Zcott]

I understand that. But don't you want something fresh and new and different?

To be honest, I'm not sure! I'd only like something fresh and new and different if it was a better system, better ways of doing what I already do, or a massive killer feature. And I haven't seen anything that could do that for me on another platform. TBH, I'm happy with the way the iPhone works and I'm going to stick with it.

I can understand the frustration of some users who get a kick out of seeing giant android handsets with quad core processors and video wallpapers. But, I use my phone as a tool first and a desirable object second.

 

[MacDawg]

My fascination with my coworker's Samsung Galaxy Nexus lasts about four and a half minutes, and then I am ready to head back to my iPhone

Yes, it is shiny
Yes, it is different
Yes, it has themes, widgets, options, etc.
Rooting, custom ROMs, Ice Cream Sandwiches and Jelly Beans
Honestly, I don't have time to fool with all of that

I pick up my iPhone and work with it, I don't fiddle with it

I realize others want their phone to wow them with things, entertain them and they want to personalize it
But I don't need my phone to be an Xbox or a Playstation
And I don't feel the need to show everyone what my phone can do

I am truly glad there is a jailbreak community and Android to assist them
That way the iPhone can remain an iPhone, the phone the rest of us want

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

My fascination with my coworker's Samsung Galaxy Nexus lasts about four and a half minutes, and then I am ready to head back to my iPhone

Yes, it is shiny
Yes, it is different
Yes, it has themes, widgets, options, etc.
Rooting, custom ROMs, Ice Cream Sandwiches and Jelly Beans
Honestly, I don't have time to fool with all of that

I pick up my iPhone and work with it, I don't fiddle with it

I realize others want their phone to wow them with things, entertain them and they want to personalize it
But I don't need my phone to be an Xbox or a Playstation
And I don't feel the need to show everyone what my phone can do

I am truly glad there is a jailbreak community and Android to assist them
That way the iPhone can remain an iPhone, the phone the rest of us want

Haha, only 4 and a half minutes? I usually make it a couple of days before I go back to iPhone. I even made it 6 months once!

Edit: BTW GO DAWGS

 

[noisycats]

I understand that. But don't you want something fresh and new and different?

No.

It's a tool, not a haircut.

 

[sigamy]

While what you are asking for is a fairly reasonable request, it is simply not in Apple's DNA.

Apple belives in the simple, not the complex. If an feature or function is hidden, you have failed.

for power users this lack of customization and flexibility can become frustrating, but it is sort of the way it is.

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

While what you are asking for is a fairly reasonable request, it is simply not in Apple's DNA.

Apple belives in the simple, not the complex. If an feature or function is hidden, you have failed.

for power users this lack of customization and flexibility can become frustrating, but it is sort of the way it is.

I have never heard it said quite that way but it sounds just like Apple. Good point.

 

[Sodner]

Why is this the only answer? Why not actually improve iOS?

Many would not consider the ability to change the things the OP mentions as improvements.

God forbid we actually have to tap once to see the temperature or have no ability to change the font.

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

Many would not consider the ability to change the things the OP mentions as improvements.

God forbid we actually have to tap once to see the temperature or have no ability to change the font.

Touche' But it does take 6 steps to turn Bluetooth on. When jailbroken it takes 2. I thought I read that this is changed in iOS6.

Those were just a few things off of the top of my head but my point was for the choice to do some things like that and more would be nice.

The comments here have brought me somewhat back to perspective in that some of that stuff when jailbroken and on Android are nice and shiny but only temporarily. I just have to try my hardest to suppress the geek inside saying "Hey I need something new and different and shiny!" Software, and hardware wise.

 

[WordMasterRice]

Many would not consider the ability to change the things the OP mentions as improvements.

God forbid we actually have to tap once to see the temperature or have no ability to change the font.

That may be, but how are they detriments. After the very worst you have a net zero change for people who aren't interested.

Everybody is talking about change for the sake of change, as it honestly not occurred to anyone here that there might be better ways of doing things on a phone?

 

[el3ktro]

But why not at least give power users (like a lot of us on this forum) at least the OPTION?

And who defines what a "power feature" is or not? If you want additional functions for "power users", you have to put them somewhere in the UI - making things more complex for EVERYBODY. This is not going to work ...

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

that may be, but how are they detriments. After the very worst you have a net zero change for people who aren't interested.

Everybody is talking about change for the sake of change, as it honestly not occurred to anyone here that there might be better ways of doing things on a phone?

+1

 

[Razeus]

Just give me the option to use other apps as my defaults. Like, for instance, Camera+ on the lock screen instead of Apple's default. Like, for instance, Sparrow instead of Apple's Mail default.

It's the little things like this is why I'm considering a switch. Remember, Android can be setup and used as simple as an iPhone - Android doesn't necessarily mean "power user". The main difference is the little things.

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

Just give me the option to use other apps as my defaults. Like, for instance, Camera+ on the lock screen instead of Apple's default. Like, for instance, Sparrow instead of Apple's Mail default.

It's the little things like this is why I'm considering a switch. Remember, Android can be setup and used as simple as an iPhone - Android doesn't necessarily mean "power user". The main difference is the little things.

Or to use Chrome as the default browser...That would be great.

 

[ixodes]

My question for discussion is why Apple will not allow users choice in their OS? I understand that they have taken the strategy of keep it so simple that anyone can use it and that is fine. But why not at least give power users (like a lot of us on this forum) at least the OPTION?

The OP opens this thread very courteously, by quite clearly indicating he or she would like to have a discussion.

Apparently the person below either:

1) Thrives off of being rude and eager to start an argument.
2) Doesn't know what the word discussion means.
3) Unable to have a discussion, prefers _telling_ the OP what to do.

It's no wonder Apple gets a bad rap, and is considered a polarizing company, when the topic of their users arrises.

If you don't like it then the door is right there for you to leave.

Then become in charge of the iOS Dev team and have them implement it. Nobody really wants to hear more complaining. Either put up with it or get something different that suits your needs.

 

[nuckinfutz]

I am referring to UI enhancements and features like quick toggles for Bluetooth, wifi, data, etc. widgets for a quick glance at information, changing colors and fonts, hiding applications, a different lock screen, etc. I could go on all day but my point is if you want to dumb down the phone then fine. Put the customization options somewhere and the average users will have no idea that they are even there. Problem solved. You keep it simple out of the box for the masses and allow customization for people like myself at the same time. Does anyone have any discussion or thoughts on this? Yes, I know I can jailbreak or switch to Android. Things I have both done in the past.

Apple is moving into this direction. iOS 6 has many more ways of customizing the appearance for the "developer" which should filter down to the user in increased choices.

Widgets outside of Notification Center aren't coming. Toggle are DEFINITELY not coming. Bluetooth has moved to the root level of Settings for quicker access. Wifi really doesn't need to be turned off and in fact it shouldn't be turned off. You don't save that much power over the innate nap mode and Wifi is one of the more power efficient ways of deriving location.

The fear that Apple likely has is that Geeks tend to overdo things and if toggles are added then people will feel like they "have" to use them.

I see Apple relaxing. They are allowing competing browsers, cameras and more. I think eventually the ability to assign defaults for apps will come.

 

[TPadden]

I may not have provided a useful opinion.....

We agree. Deserved more than an up vote.

 

[urkel]

I text, email, take pictures, post on Facebook, check the weather, use Dropbox, tweet, make lists, make calls and more
My iPhone does all of this exceptionally well
All of the themes, gadgets, widgets, etc are unimportant to me
In fact, I would likely waste way too much time setting them all up and never use any of them

This isn't meant as an attack to you personally, but the problem I have with the dismissal of these features seems to be based on the Apple discussion board idea that "It isn't worth thinking about until after Apple makes it". Nobody is saying Apple should mimic Jelly Bean or Metro, I think what people out here are really after is for Apple to show us (and the competition) how to do things better rather than constantly staying the same.

Innovation doesn't come from being stagnant so why should it's users work so hard at being satisfied with what they have rather than dreaming up what could make it better? Competition is forcing Apple to listen a lot more than they used to so voicing opinions is better than making excuses.

 

[THE JUICEMAN]

Apple is moving into this direction. iOS 6 has many more ways of customizing the appearance for the "developer" which should filter down to the user in increased choices.

Widgets outside of Notification Center aren't coming. Toggle are DEFINITELY not coming. Bluetooth has moved to the root level of Settings for quicker access. Wifi really doesn't need to be turned off and in fact it shouldn't be turned off. You don't save that much power over the innate nap mode and Wifi is one of the more power efficient ways of deriving location.

The fear that Apple likely has is that Geeks tend to overdo things and if toggles are added then people will feel like they "have" to use them.

I see Apple relaxing. They are allowing competing browsers, cameras and more. I think eventually the ability to assign defaults for apps will come.

Thanks, this give me hope LOL I guess they are moving in the right direction even if it is slowly.

 

[nuckinfutz]

Thanks, this give me hope LOL I guess they are moving in the right direction even if it is slowly.

Me too!

Having Chrome in the App Store. Seeing so many other apps that duplicate native functionality hit like Sparrow leads me to believe that Apple is softening its view on these apps. I think they realize that simply catering to developers will yield better results.

I fully expect a more customizable UI for the OS in the next couple of versions. Apple is methodical and slow about things but they'll do it right without having to rip and replace later.

As for networking stuff. I think in a couple of years we'll laugh about the days we were turning stuff off to save battery.

I know that ARM is trying to bring smartphone battery life into the realm of features phones that you only needed to charge every few days or so.

 

[faroZ06]

Because the moment you give people options then want it and then you have people complaining about how bad iOS is because they don't know know to use the phone.

If you have something shiny on the same product I have, I am oviviosly going to want it as well. Your going to have people attempting to be advanced users and fail at it and on to complain how bad it is.

Also the moment you add those 'advanced' features, you will lose the fluidity of iOS

Edit: I wish people would provide meaningful arguments rather than the generic "Go to android if you want options' or 'go study and become the ceo of apple and do that'

Yeah, I tricked out my Leopard a lot and messed it up a few times. I eventually got it pretty stable and modded, but when I upgraded to Snow Leopard... (explosions)

And I'm also sick of the "If you don't like it, leave." comments. I'm not going to leave iOS because of a couple of complaints and go to Android, which has way more disadvantages.

----------

The OP opens this thread very courteously, by quite clearly indicating he or she would like to have a discussion.

Apparently the person below either:

1) Thrives off of being rude and eager to start an argument.
2) Doesn't know what the word discussion means.
3) Unable to have a discussion, prefers _telling_ the OP what to do.

It's no wonder Apple gets a bad rap, and is considered a polarizing company, when the topic of their users arrises.

4) He could be a fanboy who sees Apple criticism and screams.

----------

Right. We have discussions on rumors and our thoughts and opinions. That is what these forums are for. Of course we are probably not going to impact Apple decisions but it is just conversation.

So, is putting advanced features tucked away so they don't scare off the general population too much to ask for? I don't think so.

What do you all think about the rumors for iPhone 5 and the announced iOS 6? Is it enough to WOW you and keep you with iPhone?

I never really complain about the lack of advanced settings except that some of the stuff that normal people would rarely touch is tucked deep into Settings, but I always have to change them. Bluetooth is a pain to enable/disable. I think jailbreaking is just the way to go if you want advanced stuff, but I really wish people would quit using it for piracy.

And I don't really need an iPhone 5 or iOS 6 to keep me with iOS. My iPhone 4 > newest Nexus anyway.

----------

No.

It's a tool, not a haircut.

For many, the iPhone is a toy. The only game I really play on mine is Pokémon Emerald, and the rest of my frequently-used apps are utilities. Terminal FTW!