You are absolutely correct. So... why didn't they make a flatter, larger battery that would fit the contours of the phone better, allowing the form to follow the function in more aesthetically pleasing way?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple's iPhone 6s Battery Case: iOS Integration Is Nice, but Better Options Exist
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Really surprised to see Apple's name on this, it looks terrible. What the hell is going on the design studios?
Apple's #1 Designer (Ive) makes it thin to look cool...
Apple's #2 Designer makes it thicker to be functional
Apple's #2 Designer makes it thicker to be functional
I'm just the sort of sucker who would pay a price premium for an elegant battery pack custom-designed by Apple. But this thing is in fact so ugly that I wouldn't buy it for half the price.
I may be wrong, but this gives the impression of a product rammed through the decision making process by someone on the bean counter side of the business, with the final design being Jonny Ive's way of expressing what he thought about the idea.
Let's be honest, if Samsung came up with something like this on their own we would jump at the opportunity to mock them for its graceless design.
Complete misunderstanding of that design adage, and also undermines the entire history of Apple design. For starters, beauty itself is a function of design.
Form follows function does not simply means if something works at the lowest level, it has therefore found its final form. You're thinking of something closer to engineering.
Not the prettiest design for sure... but none of the battery pack cases look appealing to me anyway. They all make the phone bulky... which is expected.
OMG... someone thinking logically and sane!
OMG... someone thinking logically and sane!
Last edited by a moderator:
Wow...Apple and their ridiculous prices with some of their recent new products: Macbook (the one with no ports), iPad Pro (supposedly replaces a laptop?) and Battery case (cheaper options, with better designs are out there).
Agreed, but I don't think it was thinness for its aesthetic value or bragging rights. More likely they felt that this was the best compromise between battery life and handheld comfort. I rely on a Mophie Juice pack when traveling and it definitely makes the iPhone uncomfortable to hold and operate.
I think they could have done it if they innovated and did something different..not just slap a silicon case on a battery and add antennas to advertise better call quality..
Apple acknowledging they need a better battery in their devices. Hopefully iphone 7 will have a big improvement
However, it could not be made by a third-party, since it uses Apple's proprietary ports and is integrated with iOS.
At first glance, this case isn't synonymous with Apple's core product aesthetic standards, but increasingly it is synonymous with their accessory design standards. The iPad Pro Smart Keyboard is another example. It doesn't fold to a uniform thickness, as it is essentially the Smart Cover with a keyboard tucked inside. However, it is light and functional, and can also function as a "regular" smart cover. Similarly, Apple designed this case with an antenna booster, smart integration with charging (it discharges the case before the phone, intelligently prioritizes between the phone and case when plugged in, etc.). Apple's adapters for the MacBook are another example. They aren't lookers, but they are some of the only devices out there that adhere fully to the USB-C standard. Look how long it's taken others to even put out barely-functional hubs. OWC still hasn't shipped theirs, and HydraDock will ship in January.
I think we'll see more of this in the future. The core products emphasize aesthetics (e.g. the MacBook, iPhone, iPad). Accessories emphasize the functionality elements of design.
I disagree. See above. It may be an aesthetic clunker, but it achieves other elements of design. Interestingly, Jony Ive has been criticized for emphasizing looks over true design.
Apple should just bite the bullet and design a sports/outdoors iPhone that is weatherproof (if not waterproof), impact resistant, and has a battery that can keep the GPS and other little goodies going. The thing is, it wouldn't have to be fugly ... unlike their new case.
I think it looks okay-ish. Seems like most reviews are missing the fact that you get a built in battery gauge on the lock screen and in Notification Center. It also has an extra cell antenna built in, and it also doesn't need to be charged separately or with a micro usb. It also looks like it may amplify the speaker by directing to the front.
Proves my point that these presstitutes (press + prostitutes) will praise whatever crap Apple dishes out.
Just look at that thing. How can you praise it in any way?
Just look at that thing. How can you praise it in any way?
Exactly! Beauty is more than skin deep. People are reacting to this thing not being a Bauhaus museum piece without thinking about the use case. I personally love quirky functional designs. This is a phone, not a piece of jewelry. I would love to have this case for long flights. The fact that it passes through the lightning connector makes it a much more "friction free" experience than third party cases. If they had thrown in Qi charging I would be on this like white on rice.
Dear Apple - you've begun the trend of offering the user "choice" - there are now 3 different sized iPads to choose from, 2 different sized iPhones to choose from, 5 different sized MacBooks to choose from, 2 different sized iMacs to choose from, and large amount of older products (iPhones and iPads) to choose from if you want a more affordable option.
With the iPhone 7 offer us the CHOICE of a thicker iPhone that's all about incredible battery life, or the regular ultra thin model. It's not that hard. THIS can't be Apple's solution...It just can't be.
With the iPhone 7 offer us the CHOICE of a thicker iPhone that's all about incredible battery life, or the regular ultra thin model. It's not that hard. THIS can't be Apple's solution...It just can't be.