Gruber on why there won't be an iPhone redesign

[bushman4]

Apple knows what everyone wants, lets see if they come through.

 

[DeusInvictus7]

I'm thinking of tapered I guess ... whatever the milled mockup was.

Yup. That's the design I really want/like. Taking massive ques the iPad and it looks awesome. Brings back some nostalgia as well since it brings the aluminum backing to the iPhone.

Random thought, wasn't there something about Apple researching how to use the Apple logo on devices as a pathway for the antenna? Obviously having all aluminum would hinder radio reception unless they found a way to break through that...

 

[QuarterSwede]

Yup. That's the design I really want/like. Taking massive ques the iPad and it looks awesome. Brings back some nostalgia as well since it brings the aluminum backing to the iPhone.

Random thought, wasn't there something about Apple researching how to use the Apple logo on devices as a pathway for the antenna? Obviously having all aluminum would hinder radio reception unless they found a way to break through that...

That's the only thing I'd be worried about. The reception on the original wasn't good. The iP4 on the other hand is one of the best phones I've had reception wise.

 

[mholtz2323]

While I love the iPhone and do plan on getting one, it's amazing to me how so many people are getting crazy over this debate. The iPhone 4 looks amazing and people are running around huffing and puffing as if the redesign will instantly make the current, rather sexy phone outdated.

You do realize that all the rumors are basically showing a new phone that looks identical to the original iPhone right? Talk about buying your old junk for twice as much money... the beauty of the new phone is primarily in the upgraded interiors, nothing else. Ever since the introduction of the original iPhone, this thing has not been revolutionary - in fact, I haven't seen anything that has caught my eye in recent years that I would consider revolutionary. All 4 versions look essentially the same and it has always been the OS that has made things better.

Seriously guys, if you want something to get excited about, pray and hope for better interiors. Besides the camera, more storage and faster processor, hope we can get LTE this year and/or a vast improvement in the battery. While design is important and it's something Apple cares about a lot, the minute changes they make won't make or break it. You guys will all still buy it and looking back years from now, realize they are essentially the same design - touch screen with a home button.

The internals will always receive an upgrade for whatever new iPhone is announced. I think the majority of people would like to see a bigger screen and more of an iPad 2 like design.
The iPhone 4 is a great device, but you always want tech companies to keep improving the design. Internals are important, but try not to forget that you never see the internals of the phone. However, you have to look at the design for 2+ years.
Also, I have to respectfully disagree in regards to all these rumors pointing toward an iPhone 4s type device. With all these case leaks, the photo sharing icon, the stolen phone from foxconn, 15 month wait, antenna issues (over blown in my opinion), fragile glass back, etc., I'd say it's leaning slightly more toward an iPhone 5.
I have seen a photo of a device claiming to be an iPhone 4S in white, but my belief is apple used that case to test the internals of the iPhone 5 outside of apples campus. And inside apples campus they had the redesigned phone to test for overheating issues. I think the iPhone 5 was never allowed to leave the apple campus.
Also, with these production issues that we've been hearing, if this was almost identical to the iPhone 4, why have so many issues?
Also factor in, many Verizon customers are waiting for the next generation iPhone. When the iPhone 4 launched on Verizon, many thought the new iPhone would be launched in the summer, so they waited. Then we got the white version of the iPhone 4 which may have helped a bit with sales since the iPhone 5 was absent during the summer months. My point is, the iPhone 4 is great, but just a bit exhausted.
One more thing...I think people may be over exaggerating the idea of a tapered design. Maybe it's just slightly tapered. Maybe it serves some design purpose. Maybe we will be disappointed on Tuesday.

--predictions-- 4inch screen, slightly tapered, a5, 8mp.

 

[shandyman]

Even though the keynote is being held on their campus, people are forgetting that it's also being streamed overseas to a huge apple store in London. They're closing the store early for a press-only viewing. Would they really do that if this wasn't something major?

It's been done before, this is nothing new or nothing hugely special.

 

[DeusInvictus7]

It's been done before, this is nothing new or nothing hugely special.

It's been done before but never at an actual Apple store. Normally those press events are held off site.

 

[shandyman]

It's been done before but never at an actual Apple store. Normally those press events are held off site.

nope, it has been done at regent street, also at Lakeside, not long agter it had opened.

 

[HarryKeogh]

There will be a tear-drop redesign. It's the one the cases are built on.

No one knows what the new iPhone looks like. Except several hundred people assembling them as we speak. And one of them, whether a guy on the line or a higher-up got his hands on one, was able to sneak it out (or the prints), gave it to a Chinese businessman who paid him a year's salary for it, and put it into production. They would not risk making tons of cases if they weren't sure.

Bank on it, people.

Bank on it!




Yep, bank on it.

 

[itsmemuffins]

There will be a tear-drop redesign. It's the one the cases are built on.

No one knows what the new iPhone looks like. Except several hundred people assembling them as we speak. And one of them, whether a guy on the line or a higher-up got his hands on one, was able to sneak it out (or the prints), gave it to a Chinese businessman who paid him a year's salary for it, and put it into production. They would not risk making tons of cases if they weren't sure.

Bank on it, people.

Bank on it!




Yep, bank on it.

How do you explain the 3rd gen iPod Touch cases with the camera hole?

 

[HarryKeogh]

How do you explain the 3rd gen iPod Touch cases with the camera hole?

Through selective ignorance.

But this one...oh yeah, it's happening.

This is the breakdown of Tuesday's keynote.

Cook introduces himself, comments how he has big shoes to fill and looks forward to the challenge

Introduces new iPods, announces retirement of shuffle and classic.

Introduces new iPhone 5.

Briefly introduces iPhone 4S.

Not sure if there will be a "one more thing". Might be seen as Steve's thing.

That is all.

 

[itsmemuffins]

Through selective ignorance.

But this one...oh yeah, it's happening.

This is the breakdown of Tuesday's keynote.

Cook introduces himself, comments how he has big shoes to fill and looks forward to the challenge

Introduces new iPods, announces retirement of shuffle and classic.

Introduces new iPhone 5.

Briefly introduces iPhone 4S.

Not sure if there will be a "one more thing". Might be seen as Steve's thing.

That is all.

You seem pretty sure. I hope people arent disappointed.

 

[applefan289]

Through selective ignorance.

But this one...oh yeah, it's happening.

This is the breakdown of Tuesday's keynote.

Cook introduces himself, comments how he has big shoes to fill and looks forward to the challenge

Introduces new iPods, announces retirement of shuffle and classic.

Introduces new iPhone 5.

Briefly introduces iPhone 4S.

Not sure if there will be a "one more thing". Might be seen as Steve's thing.

That is all.

That would be embarrassing as a first keynote for Tim if when he announces the retirement of the Shuffle and Classic, everyone starts booing.

 

[blairh]

While I love the iPhone and do plan on getting one, it's amazing to me how so many people are getting crazy over this debate. The iPhone 4 looks amazing and people are running around huffing and puffing as if the redesign will instantly make the current, rather sexy phone outdated.

You do realize that all the rumors are basically showing a new phone that looks identical to the original iPhone right? Talk about buying your old junk for twice as much money... the beauty of the new phone is primarily in the upgraded interiors, nothing else. Ever since the introduction of the original iPhone, this thing has not been revolutionary - in fact, I haven't seen anything that has caught my eye in recent years that I would consider revolutionary. All 4 versions look essentially the same and it has always been the OS that has made things better.

Seriously guys, if you want something to get excited about, pray and hope for better interiors. Besides the camera, more storage and faster processor, hope we can get LTE this year and/or a vast improvement in the battery. While design is important and it's something Apple cares about a lot, the minute changes they make won't make or break it. You guys will all still buy it and looking back years from now, realize they are essentially the same design - touch screen with a home button.

Sorry but this is pure ignorance.

The lack of rumors about a redesign should not make you think we aren't getting one. I think internally at Apple the Gizmodo debacle changed some things with how Apple handles prototypes and they have been potentially keeping a redesigned iPhone under extra security. Before you chime in with the CNET prototype story from a few months back, do realize that essentially nothing came of that story in the end. That's all that matters.

The internals of the iPhone will be updated once a year. That's a given. But at some point Apple will have to move on from their "classic" design. (3.5" screen, etc.) People like Gruber find it convenient to use the iP4's selling power as proof that Apple doesn't have to change a damn thing design wise right now. And perhaps they don't have to, but don't tell me that the iPhone isn't starting to look like dated hardware. Because it absolutely is.

I frequent more tech sites than I like to admit and read pretty much all the iPhone related comment sections of articles. I also have discussed the current state of the iPhone with all my iPhone packing coworkers and friends. When looking at comments online, the words of my peers, and my personal opinion, it's quite clear that the time is now to evolve. There comes a point where giving us a better camera or a slimmer phone is simply not enough. That time is now.

Now, with all that established, there is no guarantee of a redesign nor will Apple lose the crown if the update is simply dedicated to specs and software. But expect major groans from the online community and the general public. Like I wrote in my previous post, in 2009 or 2010 I didn't feel the public was necessarily growing tired of the iPhone hardware, but I absolutely get that impression now. And it also happens to reflect my personal opinion of the matter.

Gruber is ridiculous for defending Apple and their potential spec only update.

 

[HarryKeogh]

That would be embarrassing as a first keynote for Tim if when he announces the retirement of the Shuffle and Classic, everyone starts booing.

You may have a point there. Maybe they'll just remove it from the store. But the iPod was so instrumental in Apple's success in the past 10 years I think they have to give it its props.

 

[applefanDrew]

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It drove me crazy how Gruber said that the design of the iPhone seemed to be evolving toward what we got with the iPhone 4 and that the tapered design didn't seem to fit with the design evolution.

Personally, I think that's ridiculous. The aluminum demo model highlighted in the news this week looks exactly like what the original iPhone should have evolved into, not to mention echoes the design evolution of the iPad.

I don't know. Sometimes Gruber is spot on ... and other times he doesn't even know what a bezel is.

Totally agree with you.

I just got around to reading the "teardrop" post on his site. Look at this.....

"I detect an undercurrent of sentiment that if Apple announces the iPhone 4S, it’d be a letdown, but if they announce the iPhone 5, it’d be exciting. But this is all merely about how the thing looks on the outside. A new form factor would by definition bring more “new-ness” to the announcement, but why should an iPhone 4-lookalike “iPhone 4S” be considered disappointing if it contains significantly improved components? The iPhone 4 is, I think it fair to say, the most popular device Apple has ever made."

This is what drives me crazy. Does he not realize that most (not all, but most) people want a bigger screen/a redesign? He's already defending Apple incase we only see a spec update. And the last sentence he wrote is the worst. Just because the iP4 is such a success it doesn't translate into a sign that not evolving the hardware for potentially another 12 months isn't a mistake. It is.

In the fall of 2011 the iPhone needs a hardware refresh. I didn't feel that way in 2009 or even 2010, but I sure as hell do now. And I know a ton of other people agree.

Where the numbers/source that "most" people want a redesign? Maybe people you know want one....people I know don't care. They just want an iPhone.

 

[bluedoggiant]

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Out of line with apple products? Has he even seen the Macbook Air?

Finish reading number 2.

 

[blairh]

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Where the numbers/source that "most" people want a redesign? Maybe people you know want one....people I know don't care. They just want an iPhone.

I'm basing it completely off what I read online from comments of recent iPhone stories, my conversations with people in my life, and my personal opinion. This morning I was reading this. I see the desire for a larger screen almost everywhere. Doesn't mean everybody wants that, but it's a very, very, popular request.

 

[bluedoggiant]

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1. Original iPod, Unibody MacBooks, Redesigned MacBook Airs...

2. Yes, because the new MacBook Airs, which are Apple's most "portable" computers, are totally symmetrical and balanced. Oh wait.

3. Remember the prototype iPod Nanos and Touches with camera ports? It wouldn't be the first time Apple crammed a camera in a tiny enclosure.

Anything else, John?

(As someone else said, he knows nothing)

Read number two completely.

 

[ggmissmolly]

"The internals of the iPhone will be updated once a year. That's a given."

Which planet have you been visiting for the last 16 months?

On the in-house versus SF thing............let's face it Steve Jobs is a modern PT Barnum. I'm not saying he is not excellent at it, he is. However, not everyone wants to be an actor in this drama. I believe Tim Cook is setting his own agenda. He will do a performance because it's become expected, but he's setting the stage for less egotistical introductions going forward. I'm not criticizing Jobs, just saying there are other approaches.

My guess...aluminum back, iPod 2 shape, 8mp, A5, 32 and 64 GB, sim less world phone, supporting 3G and HSPA+. That's why Verizon is trying to file a friend of the court brief in the Samsung dispute. The HSPA+ support suddenly favors ATT for data speed.

 

[rdowns]

That would be embarrassing as a first keynote for Tim if when he announces the retirement of the Shuffle and Classic, everyone starts booing.

The event is for journalists, not fanboys. There will be no booing.

 

[blairh]

"The internals of the iPhone will be updated once a year. That's a given."

Which planet have you been visiting for the last 16 months?

While I don't appreciate your tone, you are correct. How about this...

"The internals of the iPhone will be updated at least every 16 months. That's a given."

 

[shandyman]

"The internals of the iPhone will be updated once a year. That's a given."

Which planet have you been visiting for the last 16 months?

actually not wrong, said once a year, not every 12 months, there could be a redesigned iPhone at the event tuesday and, although not 12 months after the iPhone 4, it's still in 2011, making it still fall within the "once a year" statement as the internals have been updated in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, that's still once a year..........

 

[zyvtex]

This does get me a little bit scared. But on the other side, there's too much information and leaks not to believe the next generation iphone will be redesigned.

I can't wait till tuesday, allready sold my iphone 3GS so i can buy the new iPhone 5. I would be greatly dissapointed if gruber is right.

 

[trims]

This is the breakdown of Tuesday's keynote.

Cook introduces himself, comments how he has big shoes to fill and looks forward to the challenge

Introduces new iPods, announces retirement of shuffle and classic.

Introduces new iPhone 5.

Briefly introduces iPhone 4S.

Not sure if there will be a "one more thing". Might be seen as Steve's thing.

That is all.

I suspect there will be a big up for iOS5

Then new iPods and a stupendous iPhone 4S

Then "one more thing" . . . . . the iPhone 5 !!!

Anything Steve can do . . . .

 

[jamied95]

I side with this John Siracusa as well. At some point in the rumor mill, the executive team at Apple fell 'out of favor' with the iPhone 4 design. I think a redesign has been in the works since iPhone 4 launch tbh.

I wouldn't be surprised if the reason for the 'delay' was because they brought what was going to be the iPhone 6, forward (but with lesser internals, obviously). Apple probably intended to keep the iPhone 4 design for two years, but if it fell out of favour, then they would have had to change that, and considering they spend years developing the phones, they couldn't just start from scratch.

Nonetheless, that's a theory based on one rumour, so I still have a horrible feeling we might be seeing a 4S come Tuesday.