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

[lordofthereef]

I don't have statistics... but by far a much greater proportion of the non-enthusiasts I know want a larger screen device than my enthusiast friends. You have no idea how many of my iPhone friends were looking at phones like the Evo 4G and the Droid X saying stuff like "omg, look at that screen, it looks freaking awesome. I wish I had that" - I tried explaining to them that the iPhone screen is superior in terms of resolution and color accuracy and how Android (especially back then) was nowhere near as nice to use as iOS; none of them gave a crap.

I am sure this is all true. I am just saying, without statistics, it's just a bunch of your friends. It's impossible to say what iOS users, as a whole, want based on anecdotal evidence such as a poll andswered by a couple hundred people or the opinions of my friends. Nothing would make me happier than a bigger screen. But I can't say with any amount of certaint that this is what most of us want.

 

[terraphantm]

I am sure this is all true. I am just saying, without statistics, it's just a bunch of your friends. It's impossible to say what iOS users, as a whole, want based on anecdotal evidence such as a poll andswered by a couple hundred people or the opinions of my friends. Nothing would make me happier than a bigger screen. But I can't say with any amount of certaint that this is what most of us want.

That argument goes both ways though. I have no desire to sample the population and make any formal conclusions (though it wouldn't require a huge number of people... a survey of even 1000 people would be sufficient to get the 95% CI down to a reasonable interval), but based on the (slowly) rising android market share, I'm fairly confident that many people (possibly even "most") want a larger screen. And then when it comes to shopping in a store - the larger screens definitely draw more attention to one's eyes. The iPhone looks like a toy in comparison to some of the newer phones.

Better yet, Apple should just have a couple different options.

 

[lordofthereef]

That argument goes both ways though. I have no desire to sample the population and make any formal conclusions (though it wouldn't require a huge number of people... a survey of even 1000 people would be sufficient to get the 95% CI down to a reasonable interval), but based on the (slowly) rising android market share, I'm fairly confident that many people (possibly even "most") want a larger screen. And then when it comes to shopping in a store - the larger screens definitely draw more attention to one's eyes. The iPhone looks like a toy in comparison to some of the newer phones.

Better yet, Apple should just have a couple different options.

This could be true. However, one can also argue that consumers have had the choice of larger screens for two years. Still, the newest model of the iPhone outsells these larger screened phones many times over. Thing is, there are obviously more factors than just screen size that come into play here. Simply looking at screen size alone is not enough IMO. All I am saying is that until a proper poll is run that incorporates a more random selection, I am not willing to take a huge bet that most people are asking for bigger screens on iOS, even if I and my friends can all agree that that is exactly what we want.

 

[BaldiMac]

That argument goes both ways though. I have no desire to sample the population and make any formal conclusions (though it wouldn't require a huge number of people... a survey of even 1000 people would be sufficient to get the 95% CI down to a reasonable interval), but based on the (slowly) rising android market share, I'm fairly confident that many people (possibly even "most") want a larger screen. And then when it comes to shopping in a store - the larger screens definitely draw more attention to one's eyes. The iPhone looks like a toy in comparison to some of the newer phones.

Better yet, Apple should just have a couple different options.

It's funny how the slowly growing android market share means people want a larger screen, but the faster growing iPhone market share does not seem to mean that people are fine with a 3.5" screen.

If I had to bet on the repeated claims over whether "the majority" want a 3.5" screen or a 4"+ screen, I'd bet on option C - "the majority" doesn't care. They care about other features a whole lot more than a half inch of screen size.

 

[macjunk(ie)]

My bet is on Apple introducing a 4" (or more) screen. They might not like it but the fact is they need space to include bigger batteries so that the iPhone supports LTE/4G.

 

[BaldiMac]

My bet is on Apple introducing a 4" (or more) screen. They might not like it but the fact is they need space to include bigger batteries so that the iPhone supports LTE/4G.

Good point. I don't think I've seen an LTE phone under 4".

 

[afd]

It's kind of like a Mini. The original Mini looked good, went round corners well and was small. The BMW Mini was a bit bigger, more sophisticated, still looked good and still went round corners well. The BMW Mini Countryman is bigger, doesn't look so good is no longer a Mini. They reinvented the Maxi really.
Not sure I want an iPhone Maxi

 

[lordofthereef]

It's kind of like a Mini. The original Mini looked good, went round corners well and was small. The BMW Mini was a bit bigger, more sophisticated, still looked good and still went round corners well. The BMW Mini Countryman is bigger, doesn't look so good is no longer a Mini. They reinvented the Maxi really.
Not sure I want an iPhone Maxi

What about a Maxi iPad?

 

[Ramio]

It's funny how the slowly growing android market share means people want a larger screen, but the faster growing iPhone market share does not seem to mean that people are fine with a 3.5" screen.

If I had to bet on the repeated claims over whether "the majority" want a 3.5" screen or a 4"+ screen, I'd bet on option C - "the majority" doesn't care. They care about other features a whole lot more than a half inch of screen size.

I understand it's not a big enough poll but at the same time you can't dismiss it. For example, here is a poll on 9to5 where 66,500 people voted on whether they wanted a bigger screen on the next iphone and out of those around 58000 said they wanted a bigger screen so give me a break. Only 260 people picked other. 58000 out of 66,500!!!!. That's the majority. I bet if you stop five random people on the street and asked them if they wanted a bigger screen the majority would say yes so again I'll say you are the minority . *Here is the link.*

http://9to5mac.com/2012/01/25/poll-would-you-like-the-next-iphone-with-bigger-screen/

 

[BaldiMac]

I understand it's not a big enough poll but at the same time you can't dismiss it. For example, here is a poll on 9to5 where 66,500 people voted on whether they wanted a bigger screen on the next iphone and out of those around 58000 said they wanted a bigger screen so give me a break. Only 260 people picked other. 58000 out of 66,500!!!!. That's the majority. I bet if you stop five random people on the street and asked them if they wanted a bigger screen the majority would say yes so again I'll say you are the minority . *Here is the link.*

http://9to5mac.com/2012/01/25/poll-would-you-like-the-next-iphone-with-bigger-screen/

You don't seem to understand. The number of respondents has nothing to do with it. If the poll is not conducted in a sufficiently random, scientific fashion, it does not speak to a larger audience than the people who actually responded.

The poll is biased by the fact that the people who choose to participate in the poll have already expressed an interest in a bigger iPhone by clicking on the headline about a bigger iPhone.

 

[Walter Bell]

You don't seem to understand. The number of respondents has nothing to do with it. If the poll is not conducted in a sufficiently random, scientific fashion, it does not speak to a larger audience than the people who actually responded.

The poll is biased by the fact that the people who choose to participate in the poll have already expressed an interest in a bigger iPhone by clicking on the headline about a bigger iPhone.

The headline reads, POLL: "...."

Isn't this how so many more online polls are conducted? Are those polls equally flawed? I know we all have learned to take polls with a grain of salt, but what is usually the most important aspect of a poll is the margin of error. Even if this poll was off by 30% margin, the majority would still be in favor of a larger screen.

The standards of the average consumer have changed. Whether you need apple to dictate that to you or not is a topic for another discussion.

 

[DodgeV83]

The headline reads, POLL: "...."

Isn't this how so many more online polls are conducted? Are those polls equally flawed? I know we all have learned to take polls with a grain of salt, but what is usually the most important aspect of a poll is the margin of error. Even if this poll was off by 30% margin, the majority would still be in favor of a larger screen.

The standards of the average consumer have changed. Whether you need apple to dictate that to you or not is a topic for another discussion.

You still don't get it. Adding the word "Poll" to the headline does not make the resulting poll statistically valid to represent the population as a whole. This isn't even an argument, it's a fact. If you don't know the facts, look it up.

 

[BaldiMac]

The headline reads, POLL: "...."

Isn't this how so many more online polls are conducted? Are those polls equally flawed? I know we all have learned to take polls with a grain of salt, but what is usually the most important aspect of a poll is the margin of error. Even if this poll was off by 30% margin, the majority would still be in favor of a larger screen.

And what if the poll was off by a higher margin? Making up numbers doesn't really help.

The standards of the average consumer have changed.

That seems to be the argument that you and others are trying to support.

Whether you need apple to dictate that to you or not is a topic for another discussion.

Hey, look! You just found another way to call me a fanboy even though I haven't agreed with Apple at all in this thread! You should feel proud to know that anyone that questions your POV can't think for themselves at all.

 

[Invincibilizer]

You don't seem to understand. The number of respondents has nothing to do with it. If the poll is not conducted in a sufficiently random, scientific fashion, it does not speak to a larger audience than the people who actually responded.

The poll is biased by the fact that the people who choose to participate in the poll have already expressed an interest in a bigger iPhone by clicking on the headline about a bigger iPhone.

You still don't get it. Adding the word "Poll" to the headline does not make the resulting poll statistically valid to represent the population as a whole. This isn't even an argument, it's a fact. If you don't know the facts, look it up.

Unscientific or not, 50,000+ opinions is still a fairly large sample size. There has yet to be a poll showing iPhone users desiring a same size screen but all kinds of polls showing that users want a larger screen.

There are too many variables for a complete scientific experiment to be performed about this subject. Location, user, interests. It would be completely ignorant to dismiss the resounding statement behind this poll.

 

[DodgeV83]

Unscientific or not, 50,000+ opinions is still a fairly large sample size. There has yet to be a poll showing iPhone users desiring a same size screen but all kinds of polls showing that users want a larger screen.

There are too many variables for a complete scientific experiment to be performed about this subject. Location, user, interests. It would be completely ignorant to dismiss the resounding statement behind this poll.

Keep in mind, Apple has been known to ignore what people want, for what they perceive to be for the good of the user. I'm sure similar polls over the years would have had similar results:

1. Do you want 3G or edge? (first iPhone)

2. Do you want 3G or LTE?

3. Do you want flash?

4. Now it's: Do you want a bigger screen?

It's one of those questions the normal person would always say "Yes!" to, because by itself it sounds good, and they don't know the consequences.

What if the polls said, "Do you want a bigger screen, if it means your apps won't look right (fragmentation), you won't be able to reach across the screen with one hand, and you'll need two hands to comfortably use the phone?

What about, "Do you want Flash, if it reduces your battery life to 3 hours, only works right half the time, is dramatically slower and less smooth at watching videos than HTML5, makes your phone less secure, makes Safari stutter when browsing a page, and allows flashy ads to pop up on your screen?"

Put up a poll that says, "Do you want LTE?" and another one the next day that says, "Do you want LTE, if it will reduce your battery life to 3 hours, make the phone bigger and heavier, and LTE probably isn't available yet in your area?" and you'll see the responses flip.

That's why these polls don't mean anything, even if you think it's ok that they aren't statistically valid.

And even if they were statistically valid, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple ignored them anyway, it's what they do

 

[PPFee]

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.

I actually quite look forward to seeing whether or not Reef is going to be the first comment or not, Im amazed at how active you manage to be and still provide good information. Kudos. I sent you a DM and a text message as well, whenever you have a spare moment. I believe you are right, a poll of the users of this or similar sites is not at all indicative of the general public, and may often lead to the exact opposite conclusion. I personally would enjoy a slightly larger screen. I dont believe that if Apple chooses to not release an iphone with a larger screen its due to "arrogance". I think its arrogant to believe that they would make a decision based solely on this and not on actual metrics that affect users ( app performance and resolutions etc.)

 

[Kelly682]

From a non-iPhone user, regardless of what screen size the next iPhone will be, I will be purchasing one. Why? For me, screen size has absolutely nothing to do with how an iPhone works. I can't tell you how many times my Droid crashes, keyboard decides not to work, the phone will scroll through the screens like its posessed, oh and the thing is awfully slow!!

I want a phone that runs smoothly. A phone that I don't need to download 'extra' apps to get a decent email app. I'm tired of all the extra apps I feel I need to download with a Droid. Unfortunately it needs to be done, but in the end, a total waste of space. I want to take a phone out of the box and have everything sync'd, connected, running flawlessly. For me, that is an iPhone. Although I could be wrong. Time will tell. None of my requirements need a larger screen. If people need a larger screen, get a droid. Then again, you'll see what I'm talking about when your phone gets posessed.

Have a nice day!

 

[BaldiMac]

Keep in mind, Apple has been known to ignore what people want, for what they perceive to be for the good of the user. I'm sure similar polls over the years would have had similar results:

1. Do you want 3G or edge? (first iPhone)

2. Do you want 3G or LTE?

3. Do you want flash?

4. Now it's: Do you want a bigger screen?

It's one of those questions the normal person would always say "Yes!" to, because by itself it sounds good, and they don't know the consequences.

What if the polls said, "Do you want a bigger screen, if it means your apps won't look right (fragmentation), you won't be able to reach across the screen with one hand, and you'll need two hands to comfortably use the phone?

What about, "Do you want Flash, if it reduces your battery life to 3 hours, only works right half the time, is dramatically slower and less smooth at watching videos than HTML5, makes your phone less secure, makes Safari stutter when browsing a page, and allows flashy ads to pop up on your screen?"

Put up a poll that says, "Do you want LTE?" and another one the next day that says, "Do you want LTE, if it will reduce your battery life to 3 hours, make the phone bigger and heavier, and LTE probably isn't available yet in your area?" and you'll see the responses flip.

That's why these polls don't mean anything, even if you think it's ok that they aren't statistically valid.

And even if they were statistically valid, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple ignored them anyway, it's what they do

Good points. I would add that a larger sample size doesn't make a bad survey better. If I asked 50,000 Apple employees if they prefer iOS or Android, it would not be "completely ignorant to dismiss the resounding statement behind this poll" as it applies to the market as a whole.

 

[rockinred]

This could be true. However, one can also argue that consumers have had the choice of larger screens for two years. Still, the newest model of the iPhone outsells these larger screened phones many times over. Thing is, there are obviously more factors than just screen size that come into play here. Simply looking at screen size alone is not enough IMO. All I am saying is that until a proper poll is run that incorporates a more random selection, I am not willing to take a huge bet that most people are asking for bigger screens on iOS, even if I and my friends can all agree that that is exactly what we want.

How long do you think Apple will hold on to market share based on the other features that are making it a top seller? It is obviously holding it down due to other features such as ios and ecosystem. Now, you can keep putting out a 3.5 phone in the midst of customers asking for a larger one since you are outselling, but it is only a matter of time. People are clearly staying with iPhone for other reasons and have to compromise their taste on the screen size due to these reasons. It is only a matter of time until that though process of saving money catches you. Hopefully they time it right.

 

[Sedrick]

You don't seem to understand. The number of respondents has nothing to do with it. If the poll is not conducted in a sufficiently random, scientific fashion, it does not speak to a larger audience than the people who actually responded.

The poll is biased by the fact that the people who choose to participate in the poll have already expressed an interest in a bigger iPhone by clicking on the headline about a bigger iPhone.

You still don't get it. Adding the word "Poll" to the headline does not make the resulting poll statistically valid to represent the population as a whole. This isn't even an argument, it's a fact. If you don't know the facts, look it up.

Would you guys so doggedly trash 'POLLs' if this 'POLL....' said that 85% of voters wanted to keep the 3.5" screen? I didn't think so.

 

[BaldiMac]

Would you guys so doggedly trash 'POLLs' if this 'POLL....' said that 85% of voters wanted to keep the 3.5" screen? I didn't think so.

Again, I don't want to keep a 3.5" screen. I don't care as long as the phone fits well in my hand and is easy to use and does everything I want it to well.

A poll isn't any better just because it supports a particular point of view. I'm not trashing polls in general. What's bad is using them to prove something that they don't prove. Self selecting polls show the choices of the people that selected to participate in them. That's it.

 

[Consultant]

Most iPhone users value the ability to use iPhone with one hand.

 

[JForestZ34]

I know 3 people who were planning on getting an iPhone, but then ended up getting an Android phone because the salesperson pointed out that they have larger screens. Two of these people still haven't figured out how to make calls with their phones (they bought them in December), so I think they made a poor decision (though maybe they wouldn't have been able to figure out an iPhone either).

Personally, bigger screen size isn't going to make a difference in my purchases (3.5" is fine and I can do everything one-handed, even two finger zoom, etc), I'm more concerned with software. Android's lack of low-latency audio (and issues with UI latency, even in ICS) make it a non-starter as my main device (though I've always wanted one as secondary device to play around with; I'd likely buy a 6"-7" Nexus tablet if they existed and were $250 or less).

If they can't figure out how to make calls on their phones and yet bought them in December I think they should just give up using the phones altogether


James

 

[scupking]

In my opinion 3.5" is to small. That is the reason I have never bought an iPhone. Even my last phone with a 3.7" screen seemed a little small. Now I have a Droiad Razr Maxx with a 4.3" screen and love it. I would not want a phone with anything bigger then a 4.3" screen. I do think Apple will go with a 4"or 4.3" screen. I think that will be the perfect size for the next iPhone.

 

[cynics]

If they can't figure out how to make calls on their phones and yet bought them in December I think they should just give up using the phones altogether


James

Don't feed the trolls. You press the thing that looks like a phone like the iPhone. Who would own a phone more then ten minutes and not take it back if you can't actually call people? Gimme a break, if my mother can do it (still can't figure out the inputs on the TV) then anyone can.