iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Changing Users' Reading Habits as iPad Usage Declines

[GreatDrok]

When I bought the iPhone 6+ I assumed I wouldn't use the iPad mini as much any more but that's not the case at all. The mini still gets as much use as it did but I use the phone more than I did with the iPhone 4 because the bigger screen and faster processor makes web sites practical to use on it. I may even upgrade to a full size iPad next time around although the mini has been a terrific little iPad and despite the iPad 2 users complaining about iOS8, a full wipe and install on the mini has let it run at a good clip.

 

[cube]

The percentages does not mean the iPad is used less. It can just mean that the phones are used massively more.

However, it might be that less people carry an iPad.

It can also mean that more people just buy the phone and no tablet.

I doubt that many people would prefer to use the iPhone over iPad at home. However, it might be that people check out something quickly in the phone they have nearby instead of going to grab the tablet (which they would not do most of the time).

 

[allanfries]

If I had an iPhone 6, (and I would never get anything larger than 4.7" for a phone) I would still reach for my mini for all reading, web based things while at home. My iPad is a coffee table tablet 99% of the time. As I'm home 90% of the time as well, going to my phone instead of my tablet seldom happens.

 

[CPx]

I've been using my 6 a lot more than my Air at home. I don't know how much of it is just "shiny new toy" syndrome, though. Only time will tell. But hey, the 6 is a joy to hold and use.

 

[JohnnyComeLatly]

I think the stats somewhat bear out what's being said here, and surprised me for my own habits. I use my 3rd gen iPad a lot. I'd almost say it's also just about passed my preference for gaming over my XBOX360, which is very significant for me to say.

Back on topic, I went to get a new iPhone wanting the 6, but none to be had. I had to get a Plus or wait. I walked out with the new iPhone 6+. Now, unless I am specifically gaming, I never reach for the iPad. The MBA was a 3rd place in usage, and now it's #2. I kinda like that I can use the MBA and answer the phone, send texts, etc. It seemed odd for a feature, but now that I've used it, I like it a lot. When I'm in my bedroom, the phone gets put on the nightstand and I can access it via my MBA. When I'm out and about, I don't even consider the iPad anymore. 6Plus seems more convenient, even the times I did take both.

I took a trip to see family and I brought my 6+, iPad, and MBA. The 6+ got used all the time. The iPad? Only when playing World of Tanks with my son (him on his 2nd gen iPad). Probably the only reason I didn't 100% put the iPad down is that I don't want to start over or lose my Tier 5 tanks in WoT

 

[sshambles]

I don't agree with the 'cannibalisation of sales' thing. But I do agree it does change your habits of use with iPads, yes. My 6+ is used for just about everything these days, though it won't stop me from upgrading my iPad 3 to an Air 2. I don't ever see myself going back to a smaller phone either, so they'd better keep this size forever now.

 

[ScottishCaptain]

I'm really surprised there hasn't been a revolt over the iPhone 6+ yet.

Due to the way Apple setup the screen, it is impossible to generate pixel perfect graphics for the device (there is no 1:1 pixel mapping between @3x graphics and the screen). Many developers have opted to forego creating @3x assets for their applications because of this, instead relying on existing @2x files instead (which appear slightly more blurry then they should).

Apple really ****ed the iPhone 6+ over in software. I wouldn't be surprised if they're going to have to make @3x graphics support mandatory in the future to force developers to do something about it, because everyone has basically elected to ignore the device and hope it goes away.

-SC

 

[dumastudetto]

I have to admit I find myself using the iPad less and less. Almost everything I want to do on an iOS device I'm comfortable doing on the smaller iPhone 6 Plus display. It's just so convenient and the battery life continues to amaze.

 

[zorinlynx]

I'm really surprised there hasn't been a revolt over the iPhone 6+ yet.

Due to the way Apple setup the screen, it is impossible to generate pixel perfect graphics for the device (there is no 1:1 pixel mapping between @3x graphics and the screen). Many developers have opted to forego creating @3x assets for their applications because of this, instead relying on existing @2x files instead (which appear slightly more blurry then they should).

Apple really ****ed the iPhone 6+ over in software. I wouldn't be surprised if they're going to have to make @3x graphics support mandatory in the future to force developers to do something about it, because everyone has basically elected to ignore the device and hope it goes away.

-SC

I still don't understand why they didn't just leave the PPI the same, instead of increasing it.

326PPI is more than enough, it's been enough since the iPhone 4 and will always be enough. The whole point is that the human eye cannot discern pixels at a reasonable viewing distance at that resolution. They really should have kept it at 326 for the 6+ as well.

 

[zorinlynx]

I have to admit I find myself using the iPad less and less. Almost everything I want to do on an iOS device I'm comfortable doing on the smaller iPhone 6 Plus display. It's just so convenient and the battery life continues to amaze.

I don't even have a 6+, just the 6, and even I find myself using the iPad less.

The 6 is just more comfortable to use for a couple of hours than the 5 was. I imagine if I had a 6+ I'd not even touch the iPad anymore.

If not for the 6+ being inconveniently bulky, especially in jeans pockets, I'd likely have bought it, and maybe even sold the iPad. At that point if I needed to do something involving a big screen I'd just use my Macs.

 

[Teste]

Apple has failed big time with the iPad upgrades. They're just more of the same... No surprise they're failing. Unless Tim Cook manages to buy a dictionary and learn what "innovation" actually is, I expect the failure trend to continue, as far as the iPad goes.

 

[danpass]

Former iPad mini1 user here.

I've let go of the mini in favor of this 6Plus and I can attribute it directly to the size and screen sharpness.

While the screen sharpness doesn't say much considering, the size of the Plus just makes it more pleasant to hold.

The iPad was crap to hold for a while.

The Mini was ok, even wrote a whole review about the Mini (see link in sigline)

But the 6 Plus gets the win.

I can even agree with the article in preferring to watch movies on the 6 Plus. They looked great on the Mini but there's just something about the 6 Plus movie experience.

For those who mentioned having a 6 Plus and a Mac laptop as perfection ... they read my mind.

I've been looking at MacBook Air configs just this week


.

 

[DaveN]

I have a 5s and a mini. Maybe it is because I'm over 50 and need reading glasses but I use the mini for most everything and only the phone for phone calls, navigation, and taking photographs.

 

[Dayv]

I've been using my iPhone 6 more than my iPad Mini, but that's at least partially because iOS 8 has basically ruined my first gen iPad Mini.

 

[I7guy]

I have a 5s and iPad 2. I use my 5s for almost everything. I use my iPad when traveling by air and going through documents and connecting to my home system. The 6+ doesn't have enough real estate for those tasks to my liking.

 

[antonis]

So, there's a reason iPhone 6+ (as any other smartphone of similar size) is called "phablet". How's that surprising ?

 

[paulsdenton]

I find I'm using my ip6+ more and my rMini less and less, so the numbers in the story hold true for me.

This has also been my experience. On the 5s the type was just too darn small. Also videos and web pages look MUCH better on the 6 plus.

Where I might previously have packed a mini, I now just take the 6 plus.

This has been an unexpected benefit!

 

[expertTCEM]

Iphoe 4 and 5 was better than 6

 

[msandersen]

Mileage may vary.
In Asia, the oversized phones have been big as they either haven't had a corresponding use for tablets or not had the same disposable income to have both; the 'Phablet' has served both purposes in a compromised but affordable way.
I am a guy, so have my phone in my pocket; the 6+ is just too freakin' huge. I currently have an iPhone 5 and will stay on it for at least another year as I got it just after the 5s got out. It is a great size as a phone, the 6 is a good size as well and I can see me using it, but there is no compelling reason to upgrade just yet.
When I'm out, apart from a phone, I use the Podcast app extensively, as well as maps. It can get cramped for typing in Facebook or iMessage, but the Retina screen means it is not too small to read from.

I also have an iPad 4 which I use a lot at home, and my wife has a Retina Mini, which she is addicted to; I use my iPad 4 for a lot of web browsing and running a few apps like a TV Guide app (OzTV), Facebook, Snapseed, Phonto, Instagram (unfortunately they only have a phone app, but the larger keys are useful), and a few other things. I can't be bothered with games, not my thing, though it is good for that.
My wife is an avid Social Media user, web browsing, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Snapseed (for Instagram pics), takes photos of her crochet with the iPad (which turn out better than most similar pics on Instagram), and she also plays a lot of social games for relaxing. The Mini is the perfect size for her and goes absolutely everywhere with her; it fits nicely into her bag. My iPad is too large and heavy for her use, but is a perfect size for me. Either the iPhone 5 or 6 is the best size for me in a phone.
If they ever do put out a 13" iPad Pro, if it had inbuilt stylus support, then that would have a usage case for me with my drawing, a niche currently only the Surface Pro and Galaxy Pro serve in the Aus$1000+ range. Paradoxically, by far the best mobile drawing and painting apps are on the iPad, despite its lack of stylus support, a niche just waiting to be exploited.

Various sizes have their ideal usage, which may vary with different people, but "Phablets" to me are compromised make-do devices, too big for a phone, and too small for a tablet, which makes more sense for women with their bottomless handbags than for guys and their jeans pockets. Just my take on it.

 

[ron7624]

I'm a Mini fan, so already an underdog in Appledom
I hope this new trend doesn't keep going.
I do find myself thinking I could leave the Mini at home sometimes because I do more on my 6. Crap, I'm part of the problem.
I would hate to see the Mini not updated because of this. I saved for a Mini 3 and still have the money put up for the 4 hoping they will bring it up to Air 2 specs when the Air 3 comes out.
Fingers Crossed

 

[Fzang]

iPhone 6 Plus is no substitute for the Retina iPad Mini. 5.5 vs 7.9 is a huge difference.

The iPhone 6 plus has a much better screen though. And for videos the "usable" screen size 100% for the iPhone, with no black bars. iPad will always have black bars.

But it depends on usage of course.

 

[kds1]

The iPhone 6 plus has a much better screen though. And for videos the "usable" screen size 100% for the iPhone, with no black bars. iPad will always have black bars.

But it depends on usage of course.

None of that matters to me. It's still about 2.5 inches smaller.

 

[thadoggfather]

RMini 6+ user here. Still loving the pad

Interesting that from 6 to 6+ usage only increased 8% on the phone.

I'd think for all the threads of people supposedly ditching their pads after getting the phablet, it'd be higher. I guess it's not representative of apples whole customer base.

 

[brdeveloper]

I know this since I bought a Galaxy Note in 2012. Of course a tablet is interesting, but if you don't like stacking redundant gadgets, you can avoid buying a tablet if you have a smartphone with a big screen.

 

[Nightarchaon]

are they also counting people like myself who have gone from an iPad to a Windows 8.1 Tablet, i jump from an iPad Mini to a Lenvo Mix 10 (which was around 1.3rd the price of the ipad mini) and haven't looked back, having a full PC which lets me run the office suite, as well as kindle app etc utterly broke my usage of the ipad mini, battery life is around the same,

Its not just larger screen phones that are canabilizing the iPads, its the fact that apple hasnt seen the light and made a Macbook AirPad, Full osx touchscreen device with removable keyboard.