Gruber on why there won't be an iPhone redesign

[blairh]

Citing evidence is weak? It's good enough for every branch of science, criminal justice, economics, etc. but not good enough for Apple products? Right, I should expect the teardrop 5 because of all the other reasons I see around here: they just HAVE to, I WANT them to, it's been 16 months, it's Apple guys, the Galaxy S II just came out, they just HAVE to, blah blah third party cases based on single "leaked" blueprint from China blah blah, surprises!, Cook is presenting, the event is on 10/4 and 1 + 0 + 4 = 5 as in iPhone 5, the OS and model wouldn't match, they just HAVE to, there was an icon that looks like a teardrop 5 (or amalgamation of every iOS device), some dudes in Germany created a physical mockup, they just HAVE to... sounds real convincing to me.

I don't listen to Siracusa's show but if he had some more convincing arguments I sure don't see any of them posted around here, just "there can't be another glass back, there simply can't" and "it's been 16 months"...

I may be proven wrong on Tuesday but any rational person looking at the facts would expect what the evidence overwhelmingly suggests... a 4S.

Your response is absurd and ridiculous. A lot of rambling and stupid sentences that were completely unnecessary. You want to discuss this? Fine. But don't address me like a jack***. If you do I'm just going to ignore you from here on out on this forum.

"Evidence" in this case is simply rumors and weak speculation. Even an iPhone 5 case in China is nothing but a potential clue. It's nothing concrete.

The only proof of an 4S even existing was just unleashed tonight with the iTunes beta story an hour ago. I'm confident we will get a 4S now. But does that mean no redesign is coming just because a 4S likely exists? No it doesn't.

More importantly my biggest issue with Gruber is his dismal that a redesign is even needed. End of story.

You are right, Siracusa doesn't list a single reason WHY a redesign is coming. Clearly he thinks the glass backing is a bad choice and will be changing. For the record Dan agreed with him. Make of that what you will. He's probably speculating on pure assumption of what the situation is in present day. You don't have to make a guess on the future just because you have any solid evidence in front of you or not.

Personally I think we are getting a redesign. Why? Because it just feels like it's time to refresh the hardware. There is certainly a strong desire from the public for a bigger screen, etc. But no, I can't say we are getting that redesign for sure and I can't bank my assumption on any rumor, etc. If I'm wrong, life goes on, but I'll be disappointed too.

 

[Millionin20s]

I'm perfectly fine with a spec update and keeping the same design. Personally, I find the iPhone 4 to be a beautiful device, and as long as it's on my preferred network (hell, even if it isn't and I can get out of the ETF) I'm still getting one.

Outside of the antenna issue that hasn't been relevant in more than a year, is there a "need" to update the look? I understand that the longer than usual wait means that Apple has had more time to strategize and design things, but just think of all the products Apple has released this year alone. Also think about how the Japanese earthquake disrupted production of electronic components for every company across the board. For all we know, the delay in the new iPhone can be traced back to that.

 

[woodekm]

When the iPhone 3GS was to be introduced, did they "kind of" hint around that it was going to be an updated 3G so there wasnt a huge disapointment? (I dont remember). Or was everyone thinking the iPhone 4 was the next in line, and everyone pi$$ed it wasnt an total update?

I just dont remember being REALLY shocked when they announced the 3Gs.

Wouldnt think they would set themselves up for disappointing everyone after even a inkling (albiet TOTAL rumors) speculation of a redesign.

 

[shandyman]

When the iPhone 3GS was to be introduced, did they "kind of" hint around that it was going to be an updated 3G so there wasnt a huge disapointment? (I dont remember). Or was everyone thinking the iPhone 4 was the next in line, and everyone pi$$ed it wasnt an total update?

I just dont remember being REALLY shocked when they announced the 3Gs.

Wouldnt think they would set themselves up for disappointing everyone after even a inkling (albiet TOTAL rumors) speculation of a redesign.

The thing is, there's been more rumours of a 4S than a 4, look at yesterday and today, latest iTunes beta referred to a 4S and a cheaper iPhone 4 model has leaked. Pretty much the only rumour of a redesign is cases based on a supposed leaked design, which is unreliable as there were cases made for a 3rd gen iPod touch with a camera, which never happened. A lot of people just are in denial about the fact there's not a huge chance of a redesigned iPhone 5.

Just to be clear, I'm not saying I don't want a redesigned 5, I just am not fully expecting one, I'd be happy if they did, but this is app about managing expectations.

 

[ggmissmolly]

Just my opinion....no criticism intended....the iPhone is no different than the hula hoop or the pogo stick. First it's a hot commodity that everyone wants, then it's out of fashion. Somehow, some way the delay has worked against the popularity of the iPhone.

Maybe it's the arrogance of many owners that turn others off. Maybe it's just some kind of fashion cycle. I don't know, but I detect a general feeling that many people want something different and Apple has dropped the ball on what they want. Corporations do that. They succeed and grow and become internal centric and start going down to some equilibrium status. Maybe customers have just grown tired of the over hyped ego. I don't know, but something is in the wind.

 

[0x000000]

Just my opinion....no criticism intended....the iPhone is no different than the hula hoop or the pogo stick. First it's a hot commodity that everyone wants, then it's out of fashion. Somehow, some way the delay has worked against the popularity of the iPhone.

Maybe it's the arrogance of many owners that turn others off. Maybe it's just some kind of fashion cycle. I don't know, but I detect a general feeling that many people want something different and Apple has dropped the ball on what they want. Corporations do that. They succeed and grow and become internal centric and start going down to some equilibrium status. Maybe customers have just grown tired of the over hyped ego. I don't know, but something is in the wind.

Might be true but it wasn't the case with the iPod either. The iPod completely dominated its whole industry and it seems it will do so until the very end.

There was much much talk about how the iPod has become standard, elitist, and that it's nothing special anymore and too overly hyped. And still, no competitor was able to get even close to Apple's success.

Your doubts are justified, but if Apple innovates, it doesn't have to turn out that way. If they innovate.

 

[ggmissmolly]

I agree. It doesn't look promising.

 

[ziggo]

I'll be hoping for a redesign until October 4th when those hopes will either be rewarded or dashed...

HOWEVER, redesign or no redesign is it TRULY a deal breaker? I mean do Apple's hopes and dreams really rest upon a redesigned chassis? Will the shareholders behead Tim Cook while the stock prices crash and burn causing Phil and Johnny to gouge their eyes out at the furor of thousands of rioting, picketing fanboys? Certainly I think not.

I mean honestly I would really love a redesign mostly for a larger screen, but truthfully, an A5 processor, 1GB Ram, 8 megapixel Camera, Voice Assistant and IOS5 is DEFINITELY enough on the software side of the equation for Apple to stay competitive for another year. Also including the launch of the iPhone on Sprint will open up an entirely new customer base for the iPhone. Looking at my iPhone 4 right now it really strikes me that you simply CANNOT mistake this design for ANY other product on the market, and that is mist surely an asset for Apple. Other than the smaller screen and fragile glass backing, there's honestly no faults to be found in the current design. It's unique, elegant, comfortable, and most importantly unmistakably 100% APPLE. no other company could dare copy this design. Millions of people aren't going to ditch Apple in droves just because the design doesn't change, Apple can milk this design for another year and I couldn't see their being tons of undue backlash from the GENERAL populace.

The short and sweet of it is, those like me who would LIKE a redesign should continue hoping until Apple proves otherwise, but as the mounting evidence shows that this is less liable to be a reality, let's focus on the GOOD that IS being incorporated...