Do you think Apple is 'arrogant' enough to release a 3.5" new iPhone this year?

[iThinkergoiMac]

I know Apple doesn't believe in market research or what people on general think what their products need to be like.

Oh, yes, you must be correct. It's so easy to become the most valuable company on the planet and to be one of the most popular tech companies in existence (if not THE most popular) by doing absolutely no market research and completely ignoring what people want.

/sarcasm

Seriously, how do you think a statement like that makes any sense? Apple is more or less the best marketing company in existence, and you don't think they believe in market research?! Apple doesn't always give the customer what they want, but companies that only do that are predictable and boring. Apple has struck the perfect balance between listening to what people want and delivering something they don't expect. It keeps people wondering about what's going to come next while keeping the dissatisfaction with their products at a manageable level.

 

[boss.king]

Huh? You're talking about a completely different device for a different purpose! Try fitting an iPad in your pocket!

You prove the point for us. If you want a bigger screen, buy an iPad. In some ways, the Note and other larger screen devices over 4.5" are trying to be all things to all people. Jack of all trades and master of none. The iPhone is a perfect size for its function, iPad is similarly the right size for that purpose.

Not true. My Titan doesn't try to be anything other than a smartphone. It has a massive screen but is still pocketable, usable with one hand, and comfortable to hold. Sometimes a big phone is just a big phone.

There is no "perfect size". To say so is to imply that some people are the wrong size. There is a most common size, but for many it is far from perfect.

Also, maybe its the fault of iOS for having buttons at the top of apps. With my Titan I rarely need to reach away from the bottom because all the buttons are conveniently located in one place.

 

[siurpeeman]

From 2010 to 2011, sales of 4" + screens jumped from nothing to almost 1/4 of the smartphone market. I bet it's an even higher portion now.

that's unfair to say when you see the lineup of android phones in stores. i mean, how many <4" android phones can you even buy right now? say, for instance, a person wants to buy a dual-core android phone, how many of those can you buy with a screen smaller than four inches? one reason why people are buying bigger and bigger phones is that the choice to buy a smaller screen isn't there (or is severely limited). i'm not denying that a lot of people want a 4-plus inch display; i actually wouldn't mind one as long as it doesn't bulk up the current body, but it's misleading to say that the increase of >4" phone sales is due to an increased demand for it. it could just as easily be because it's a tangible spec carriers and manufacturers can use to differentiate their phones to consumers, and as the old saying goes, "bigger is better."

 

[mrochester]

that's unfair to say when you see the lineup of android phones in stores. i mean, how many <4" android phones can you even buy right now? say, for instance, a person wants to buy a dual-core android phone, how many of those can you buy with a screen smaller than four inches? one reason why people are buying bigger and bigger phones is that the choice to buy a smaller screen isn't there (or is severely limited). i'm not denying that a lot of people want a 4-plus inch display; i actually wouldn't mind one as long as it doesn't bulk up the current body, but it's misleading to say that the increase of >4" phone sales is due to an increased demand for it. it could just as easily be because it's a tangible spec carriers and manufacturers can use to differentiate their phones to consumers, and as the old saying goes, "bigger is better."

This! For some reason, screen size has been tied to whether a device is high/mid/low end. It seems that in the Android world, the high end phones all seem to have huge screens. You've basically got no choice if you want a high end Android phone in a more usable form factor. There are stacks of 3.5-4" Android devices available, but I can't name one that is a high end device. Why is that? It's like the Android device manufacturers are trying to tell me what's best for me instead of letting me make my own decision.

 

[Abazigal]

Arrogant won't exactly be the most apt of words here, IMO.

If Apple does release yet another 3.5 inch screen phone, it will likely be because they have done their research, weighed their options and have decided that it is the best course forward.

Yes, there are a few loud individuals clamouring for a larger screen, but let's be honest, how numerous are you compared to the millions of iphone users worldwide?

 

[kid0]

but let's be honest, how numerous are you compared to the millions of iphone users worldwide?

mmm probably a lot.

 

[Moccasin]

mmm probably a lot.

Well just looking at the poll on another similar thread, 70% of replies say they will stick with iOS if the iPhone stays at 3.5". On a self-selecting poll of nerds and geeks (no offence, but lets face it we are) that shows a clear minority wanting a bigger phone - or at least being bothered enough about it to abandon iOS.

 

[cynics]

This! For some reason, screen size has been tied to whether a device is high/mid/low end. It seems that in the Android world, the high end phones all seem to have huge screens. You've basically got no choice if you want a high end Android phone in a more usable form factor. There are stacks of 3.5-4" Android devices available, but I can't name one that is a high end device. Why is that? It's like the Android device manufacturers are trying to tell me what's best for me instead of letting me make my own decision.

Lucid and stratosphere are LTE phone with 4" screens. Lucid is dual core I believe.

The droid 4 has the same specs are the razr series except it has a 4" screen.

There maybe more those just popped into my head.

 

[cynics]

Well just looking at the poll on another similar thread, 70% of replies say they will stick with iOS if the iPhone stays at 3.5". On a self-selecting poll of nerds and geeks (no offence, but lets face it we are) that shows a clear minority wanting a bigger phone - or at least being bothered enough about it to abandon iOS.

Very bias poll though. If you have a forum with die hard apple supporters it will skew the results.

I don't really care cause I'll have my 4S for quite sometime. But I'd be curious to see sales figures between the 3.5" and 4.whatever" if apple decided to make two different sizes. I would venture a guess and say the larger one would sell more.

 

[macjunk(ie)]

Hmmm when did apple release a 4" phone?

That was more like a prediction...

 

[nilk]

Sorry to be kinda rude but PLEASE ask these people to not procreate.

They already have procreated, and have grandchildren too. They are highly intelligent and so are their children and grandchildren, they are just old. Let's see if you will be able to figure out the latest technology easily when you are over 80 years old. I suggest you take your comment back.

In fact, one of their sons is a software developer and an Android fan (and might've been part of the reason they got Android phones; but he's not in town enough to help them learn it). He's crazy smart, too.

 

[Moccasin]

Very bias poll though. If you have a forum with die hard apple supporters it will skew the results.

I don't really care cause I'll have my 4S for quite sometime. But I'd be curious to see sales figures between the 3.5" and 4.whatever" if apple decided to make two different sizes. I would venture a guess and say the larger one would sell more.

But the common comment on here is that "everyone wants a bigger iPhone" - the poll suggests that isn't true amongst the people who are most likely to be bothered about size...

 

[sulpfiction]

I am totally for a screen bump to 4". I think that 1/2" means a lot when browsing and reading.

But for this next iPhone, I more want some kind of design change. I love the current design, but I am getting tired of it. I want something new to look at. So for me, a 4" screen would be awesome! It would be the perfect screen size (imo) and also force some kind of design change.

 

[Moccasin]

I am totally for a screen bump to 4". I think that 1/2" means a lot when browsing and reading.

But for this next iPhone, I more want some kind of design change. I love the current design, but I am getting tired of it. I want something new to look at. So for me, a 4" screen would be awesome! It would be the perfect screen size (imo) and also force some kind of design change.

I think its quite likely that the design will change this year and that might allow Apple to slghtly increase the screen size without increasing the size of the device. If they can do that, then everyone is happy!

 

[ThatsMeRight]

If the new iPhone gets a bigger display, it's going to be 4.3-4.4 inch display.

I believe a anything between a 3.5 inch and 4.3 inch display is fine. Let's just compare the iPhone and the iPad for a moment. Everything on the iPad is slightly bigger than on the iPhone (if you are going to compare, for example, the app icons). Only slightly.

Now, let's look at the iPad 3's pixel density: 264 pixels per inch. The iPhone has 326 pixels per inch. This means Apple is fine with having bigger icons as long as the pixel density doesn't drop below 264 pixels per inch. Apple is also happy to call a display with 264 pixels per inch a retina display. Now, let's see what Apple's options are if they increase the screen size but doesn't want to lose the 'retina display' term.

- 3.6 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 320 ppi
- 3.7 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 312 ppi
- 3.8 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 304 ppi
- 3.9 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 296 ppi
- 4 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 288 ppi
- 4.1 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 281 ppi
- 4.2 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 275 ppi
- 4.3 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 268 ppi
- 4.4 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 262 ppi

As you can see, up to 4.3 inch everything is fine - and I sincerely believe that any display between 4 inch and 4.3 inches is the 'sweet spot' for mobile displays (depending on how the phone is designed [aspect ratio, thick or thin border, etc.]).

So, before I continue, in short why I looked this up: anything at or above 264 pixels per inch is fine (icons will never become bigger than what you see on the iPad's display) and it allows Apple to use the 'retina display' marketing term.

-----------------------------
So, what is Apple going to choose? We can never know for sure, but there are some basic things we know. First of all, it's very expensive to change a production line (by changing the pixel density of a display). If Apple is going to use a bigger display, than the most reasonable option - from a financial perspective - is to use a display size of which there already is an infrastructure.

This means that, if Apple is going to change the display (and thus the pixel density), the smartest thing to do is to go for a pixel density of which there already is an infrastructure.

So, let's see what pixel densities Apple already uses for their products.

iPhone 4(S): 326 pixels per inch
iPad 3: 264 pixels per inch

That's it. Every other display Apple is shipping (in their Macs, iPods, etc.) has a lower pixel density than 264 pixels per inch - and Apple just will NOT go below that 264 pixels per inch.

This means, from a financial perspective, Apple should choose a display size that offers 264 pixels per inch. If we look at the list of possible screen sizes above, than we see they must choose a display that has a diagonal between 4.3 and 4.4 inches: so let's say about 4.37 inch.

Now, the critics here on this forum will say "they can't go for a 4.37 inch display, it's either a 4.3 or 4.4 inch display". That's not true. The iPhone 4S' display isn't really 3.5 inch either: it's about 3.539 inch (or rounded off: 3.5 inch).

-------------
So I think that, if Apple goes for a bigger display, they'll go for a 4.37 inch (or rounded up: 4.4 inch) display. The infrastructure for producing these display (with a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch) is already there (LG, Samsung and possibly Sharp are already producing 264 ppi-displays for the iPad 3).

It's the most logical decision from a financial perspective (and let's not forget: Apple is commercial company and likes to have as little costs as possible).

That also explains why John Gruber (always very accurate regarding Apple rumours) says Apple is testing a 7.85 inch display (that's quite a specific number) with a resolution of 1024 by 768.

A 7.85" display with a resolution of 1024*768 has a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch. Guess three times. ------ Guessed it already? That's right: that's the same pixel density the iPhone 3GS has. The infrastructure is already there and that's why they probably are testing 7.85" displays

And than we come back to my conclusion: if Apple is going to increase the iPhone's display, it's going to be a display with a screen diagonal of between 4.3 and 4.4 inches.

 

[takeshi74]

But I think the overwhelming majority of iPhone users want a bigger screen for the next iPhone.

...and you don't see the irony in that statement? Citation? Forum posts do not have the statistical significance that people seem to think that they have.

 

[BaldiMac]

I believe a anything between a 3.5 inch and 4.3 inch display is fine. Let's just compare the iPhone and the iPad for a moment. Everything on the iPad is slightly bigger than on the iPhone (if you are going to compare, for example, the app icons). Only slightly.

Now, let's look at the iPad 3's pixel density: 264 pixels per inch. The iPhone has 326 pixels per inch. This means Apple is fine with having bigger icons as long as the pixel density doesn't drop below 264 pixels per inch. Apple is also happy to call a display with 264 pixels per inch a retina display. Now, let's see what Apple's options are if they increase the screen size but doesn't want to lose the 'retina display' term.

- 3.6 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 320 ppi
- 3.7 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 312 ppi
- 3.8 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 304 ppi
- 3.9 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 296 ppi
- 4 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 288 ppi
- 4.1 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 281 ppi
- 4.2 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 275 ppi
- 4.3 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 268 ppi
- 4.4 inch (960 x 640 resolution): 262 ppi

As you can see, up to 4.3 inch everything is fine - and I sincerely believe that any display between 4 inch and 4.3 inches is the 'sweet spot' for mobile displays (depending on how the phone is designed [aspect ratio, thick or thin border, etc.]).

So, before I continue, in short why I looked this up: anything at or above 264 pixels per inch is fine (icons will never become bigger than what you see on the iPad's display) and it allows Apple to use the 'retina display' marketing term.

-----------------------------
So, what is Apple going to choose? We can never know for sure, but there are some basic things we know. First of all, it's very expensive to change a production line (by changing the pixel density of a display). If Apple is going to use a bigger display, than the most reasonable option - from a financial perspective - is to use a display size of which there already is an infrastructure.

This means that, if Apple is going to change the display (and thus the pixel density), the smartest thing to do is to go for a pixel density of which there already is an infrastructure.

So, let's see what pixel densities Apple already uses for their products.

iPhone 4(S): 326 pixels per inch
iPad 3: 264 pixels per inch

That's it. Every other display Apple is shipping (in their Macs, iPods, etc.) has a lower pixel density than 264 pixels per inch - and Apple just will NOT go below that 264 pixels per inch.

This means, from a financial perspective, Apple should choose a display size that offers 264 pixels per inch. If we look at the list of possible screen sizes above, than we see they must choose a display that has a diagonal between 4.3 and 4.4 inches: so let's say about 4.37 inch.

Now, the critics here on this forum will say "they can't go for a 4.37 inch display, it's either a 4.3 or 4.4 inch display". That's not true. The iPhone 4S' display isn't really 3.5 inch either: it's about 3.539 inch (or rounded off: 3.5 inch).

-------------
So I think that, if Apple goes for a bigger display, they'll go for a 4.37 inch (or rounded up: 4.4 inch) display. The infrastructure for producing these display (with a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch) is already there (LG, Samsung and possibly Sharp are already producing 264 ppi-displays for the iPad 3).

It's the most logical decision from a financial perspective (and let's not forget: Apple is commercial company and likes to have as little costs as possible).

That also explains why John Gruber (always very accurate regarding Apple rumours) says Apple is testing a 7.85 inch display (that's quite a specific number) with a resolution of 1024 by 768.

A 7.85" display with a resolution of 1024*768 has a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch. Guess three times. ------ Guessed it already? That's right: that's the same pixel density the iPhone 3GS has. The infrastructure is already there and that's why they probably are testing 7.85" displays

And than we come back to my conclusion: if Apple is going to increase the iPhone's display, it's going to be a display with a screen diagonal of between 4.3 and 4.4 inches.

Your whole argument seems to be based to the assumption that 264 ppi would still be considered a retina display on an iPhone. This is incorrect. Apple was very clear that the iPad 3 display at 264 ppi in only considered a retina display because the normal viewing distance of an iPad is greater than the normal viewing distance of an iPhone.

 

[DanteMann]

You're still hung up on screen size. What is being said is that for many people, the iPhone represents the best overall combination of design features and OS. For me, having tried Android, iOS is the best software and I'm happy with it; it would take a lot to change that. If, for some reason, Apple decided to change the phone in some fundamental way that I didn't like, I would look at alternatives.

I've typed this post on my iPhone with no trouble seeing what I'm typing. I can touch all the numbers and letters easily. Why do I need a larger screen with the consequent drop in battery life, increase in weight and drop in comfort in holding it.

And your missing my point. Blind Apple followers will buy the iPhone regardless of screen size. That is my point. If the screen became 2 inches, which is completely useless as a touchscreen, Apple loyalist won't buy elsewhere. Instead they will talk about how much better the ppi has become as a result of the smaller screen.
So again my point for asking the question had nothing to really do about screen size, but more to do with the power of sheep and their ability to see nothing but positives when it comes to the Apple brand.

 

[ericrwalker]

I hope they release a 3.5 or slightly smaller iPhone this year. I don't want one of those fablets.

I know Apple doesn't believe in market research or what people on general think what their products need to be like. But I think the overwhelming majority of iPhone users want a bigger screen for the next iPhone. Now Apple would be really arrogant in ignoring all these people and to continue thinking they know what is best for their users in terms of how big a phone needs to be. If they release another 3.5 incher, it could be their first misstep in a long time which could even lead to them losing some of their market share to their competitors. I sincerely hope they are humble enough to listen to their customers who actually buy their products and make them the success they are.

 

[gtmac]

Put me in the group that doesn't want a huge phone. I like my iPad when I need bigger but love always having my iPhone handy. Don't make it bigger Apple!!!!

 

[Winter Charm]

What do you base this statement on? Forums like these? Because forums like these are where the power users and enthusiasts reside. I would say that sales numbers don't indicate, at all, that people are wanting a bigger screen. That said, I am all about a bigger screen, but I don't think there is any tangible evidence, at least none that has been presented to me, that would suggest that the majority of iPhone users demand a larger screen.

Bigger screen is fine by me BUT... lets not make the phone any bigger than it already is physically... Stretch the display to the edges, etc... but right now the phone fits in many people's hands perfectly.

Something as large as a galaxy note is laughable when you try to hold it in one hand.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

Your whole argument seems to be based to the assumption that 264 ppi would still be considered a retina display on an iPhone. This is incorrect. Apple was very clear that the iPad 3 display at 264 ppi in only considered a retina display because the normal viewing distance of an iPad is greater than the normal viewing distance of an iPhone.

It is not based on that 264 ppi is still retina. I only stated that it must be at least 264 pixels per inch because according to Apple that is really sharp enough. And I know it's from a certain distance, but let's not forget is marketing guys.

My whole argument is based around the fact that they can already produce displays with 264 pixels per inch. It costs a lot of money to suddenly start producing displays with 288 pixels per inch (in case of the 4 inch scenario).

That's why they are going for a 4.37 inch display: that's exactly 264 pixels per inch and it just happens to be that Sharp, LG and Samsung (all the big display providers), are able to produce 264 pixels per inch displays without changing anything right now.

That's also why Apple is testing 7.85" tablets: if they are ever going to produce these 7.85" tablets, than the production lines currently used for the iPhone 3GS can be used.

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Put me in the group that doesn't want a huge phone. I like my iPad when I need bigger but love always having my iPhone handy. Don't make it bigger Apple!!!!

A bigger display is NOT equal to a bigger phone. It's theoretically possible to put a 4 inch display in the current design of the iPhone 4S.

 

[Mkostera16]

Hopefully we get at least a 3.8 inch display. I'm looking forward to ios 6 more then anything though ^_^

 

[Moccasin]

And your missing my point. Blind Apple followers will buy the iPhone regardless of screen size. That is my point. If the screen became 2 inches, which is completely useless as a touchscreen, Apple loyalist won't buy elsewhere. Instead they will talk about how much better the ppi has become as a result of the smaller screen.
So again my point for asking the question had nothing to really do about screen size, but more to do with the power of sheep and their ability to see nothing but positives when it comes to the Apple brand.

Not missing your point at all. There aren't tens of millions of Apple fans worldwide blindly doing whatever they're told. Yes I admit that on these boards there are some for whom Apple can do no wrong, but they are in a minority and the millions of people buying the phone are mostly new to Apple. If the screen was too small they wouldn't buy the iPhone - they have no brand loyalty and it wouldn't have got the desirability it has now gained.

There are plenty of people on these forums, myself included, who are just happy with their phone and see no reason to make it bigger just to please a small minority who have other alternatives if they are really that upset about screen size. Not because they slavishly believe what Apple says but because the iPhone's design meets their needs.

I'm not including you in this, but these forums have a lot of people who seem to think that Apple should design devices to match their individual needs. Apple is a company, they make and sell products to make (a lot of) profit. If they think they'll make more money by selling more or different products that meet their design ethos - which hasn't failed them yet - then they will.

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That's why they are going for a 4.37 inch display

You know that as fact then? You seem very sure

 

[mbell1975]

that's unfair to say when you see the lineup of android phones in stores. i mean, how many <4" android phones can you even buy right now? say, for instance, a person wants to buy a dual-core android phone, how many of those can you buy with a screen smaller than four inches? one reason why people are buying bigger and bigger phones is that the choice to buy a smaller screen isn't there (or is severely limited).

this. There was just a 10+ page thread on one of the Android forums recently with people crying about no 4 inch Android phones being released. Most were saying they found the over 4 inch phones too big for them.