Larger iPhone 6, 'iPad Pro' and iWatch Could Tap New Display Sizes in Development

[ICEMAN-sven]

iPad Pro

According to DisplaySearch, the 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" model could include a display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and 265 ppi, edging out the 12.2-inch panel Samsung introduced in its new Galaxy Tab Pro and Note Pro tablets. The Samsung models ship with a 12.2-inch display that has a 2560 x 1600 resolution and 247 ppi.

2732 x 2048 is not very likely. Possible yes, but it would be a stupid move. 2nd Generation Android 12"-14" tablets will go to 4k. Apple will target around 4k. Maybe 4096 x 3072 and 400 ppi or even higher(6144 x 4608/600 ppi).

 

[Rettun1]

I'd guess that the "two sizes" rumor, if true, is talking about a 4 inch model and a larger one. They're probably testing 5.5 and 4.7, but will only release one of them along side a 4 incher.

And seeing as the iPad mini and iPad air have almost exactly the same specs, I think the two iPhones will the the same as well (but maybe a .1 ghz increase in CPU for the larger model)

 

[LostSoul80]

4 inches screens are perfect for a lot of users.
If Apple decide to upgrade the screen size, your current devices will not suddenly become useless pieces pf garbage.

 

[Kenrik]

I work as an iOS Engineer in the valley, a birdie from Cupertino told me developers will not need to worry about scaling with the new device. I.E it's going to be a clean aspect multiplier from 640x1136.

 

[JaySoul]

That is just wrong. The iPhone 5 and 5s are great devices. I own an iPhone 4S and I will probably wait for the 6 to be released. But that has nothing to do with the size. I know for a fact some people who switched from Android to ios just some weeks ago.

I know people switching to iOS from Windows/Blackberry. Have to admit I don't know any going from Android to iOS, and lots are still happy with Apple.

I personally didn't take to iOS 7 and wanted a bigger screen, storage and a few other things, so I switched from iPhone 5.

But I had bought 3 Android devices over the years, and didn't take to them.

Horses for courses.

 

[MacSince1990]

It is my belief that Apple will be utilizing the 1.3 and 1.6" screens for the iPhone 6, in order to make it even smaller and thinner as with the Mac Pro, only they'll call it the iPhone Pro.

The 4.7"+ displays are for the iWatch, catering to people fond of oversized watches.

 

[vomhorizon]

Why does Apple get to dictate my user experience? For me and others the user experience comes with a larger screen to be more productive.

It doesn't..You don't like the expereince apple is giving you, you can buy whichever product fits your needs better. Because apple has only designed one cutting edge phone each year they have obviously catered to the their largest possible customer base which any company that essentially makes one phone would have also done. It just so happens that Apple's iphone formula has given them unpresedented success in the mobile phone market with just one device (new). As apple has grown over and looks to grow in the future they will in my opinion diversify this portfolio..It just seems the natural progression..You conquor the market with one device, then open up other markets and look to do the same. I have also had family and freinds frustrated with the expereince apple offered them because they liked to play games on their phones or type a lot fo emails..Those folks all have a 5" Nexus 5 now or a Note..They like you are frustrated with the fact that apple does not allow choices..I feel they will begin to do this starting this year. One has to remember that apple does not produce anything on their own (They develop most build very little) so the logsitics train is a long one for them especially given the numbers their devices usually sell. I takes them a couple of years to put a dedicated design strategy into practice. They have had issues with keeping up on demand with their current iphone 5 and 5s/c families..Only now are they begining to produce at a rate that is greater than the demand..It all boils down to logistics and supply chains and the sort of investment required to enter into new product categories..and how delays will allow your partners to catch up and save cost. I have no doubt that apple is comming out with a phablet this year..Tim Cook's email with the "BIG PLANS" says it all

2nd Generation Android 12"-14" tablets will go to 4k. Apple will target around 4k. Maybe 4096 x 3072 and 400 ppi or even higher(6144 x 4608/600 ppi).

At what cost will suppliers sell these screens to apple? Given that Samsung and Sharp (in which samsung has a stake) have their own products to consider..At what price will samsung sell screns to apple knowing that those screens will blow away their screens in existing product catergories? I do not think the main selling point for this device would be 2k or 4k..I think that is not a BIG considersation for your average consumer who is more likely interested in battery life, features, productivity and feature enhancements over and above the smaller ipad familiy (air and mini)..Apple would look at a sub-1000$ price point for this device in order to put pressure on the cheaper laptops..

 

[JaySoul]

Took so long with what?

Took too long to increase the screen size to more than 4" - but you're right, they haven't actually done it yet.

 

[Plutonius]

I am with you. Hope they release both sizes. It will then accommodate both a larger and smaller size hand. And will please the audience that wants the larger viewing size. I prefer the smaller size so I can handle the phone and all its functions with one hand.

I doubt they will update the smaller size but I also can't see them having iPhones in multiple larger sizes. I predict Apple will continue to sell the 5S in it's current design / form and then a 4.7 - 5.4 inch phone as a new design. My preference is for the 4 inch iPhone but Apple's priority is making money.

4 inches screens are perfect for a lot of users.
If Apple decide to upgrade the screen size, your current devices will not suddenly become useless pieces pf garbage.

Agreed but what if you want to eventually upgrade. You will be forced to buy an iPhone with the bigger screen if you want to stay with IOS.

 

[Rettun1]

The developer in me shutters at the screen fragmentation.

The consumer in me says yay a bigger phone!!

Aren't a lot of apps already updated for 1080p android phones? Would it be hard to make the same res on iOS?

 

[SirLance99]

At the end of the day what really matters is whether their exists a sizable customer base that is willing to trade the inconvenience of a larger phone for added utility and features...If the answer is YES then the category is ripe for apple to enter. There would always be a customer base that thinks that 5.5 or even 6 inches form factor is not an inconvenience but the real art is to design a product that can win over folks who would in essence "LEARN TO LIVE" with the added size while hopping on to the device for the added features and utility it provides..This is what apple does, design a product that the customers get to love and the customer base just keeps on growing..I have seen plenty of folks move over to the Galaxy Note despite of their reservations on its size just because of multi tasking features and the S_Pen..That was something Samsung did right in the sence that they introduced features onto the device that made having the added real estate actually useful. I believe that apple can do one better and create a device that can increase this device category exponentially...Their tight control over Software_Hardware and the overall design philosphy and its large acceptance would definitly help to popularise the larger form factors amongst a consumer base that has never expereince it or that is reluctant.

All of this is so true. Just like people switch over to iPhones from Android, (although those people usually had a cheap version of Android and are getting the free 4S) I see people switch over to an Android phone of larger size like the LG G2, HTC One, Samsung S4 or more and more the Samsung Note 3.

Why? Bigger screen and more productivity. I see buisness people, especially real estate people, switch to the Note 3 based off of they can and will do more.

I postulate that if Apple does make a bigger phone to compete with these, they will maybe switch back over.

 

[MacSince1990]

2732 x 2048 is not very likely. Possible yes, but it would be a stupid move. 2nd Generation Android 12"-14" tablets will go to 4k. Apple will target around 4k. Maybe 4096 x 3072 and 400 ppi or even higher(6144 x 4608/600 ppi).

And the point of having a resolution that high is...? Sorry? I must be missing something.

This moronic infatuation with PPI above ~300 is... well, a moronic infatuation. Apple's MacBook Pros with retina don't even have (close) to that. Why would they put it on a phone before a computer?

 

[Serelus]

From a developer's perspective, you need separate designs for small screen vs. big screen (iPhone sized vs. iPad sized) and portrait vs. landscape. The exact number of pixels in each direction shouldn't matter if you know what you are doing.

You realise this only applies to productivity apps, and developers that are working in groups/corporate enviroments. This kind of logic can most definitely not be applied to for example games. This situation screems fragmentation.

Especially with apple, developers jump the boat and start developing for the latest and greatest, meaning the bigger newer phones. Of course there will be developers who keep supporting all device resolutions, but you can bet that alot of independent developers will drop support. Which alot of us DO NOT WANT.

 

[SirLance99]

That is just wrong. The iPhone 5 and 5s are great devices. I own an iPhone 4S and I will probably wait for the 6 to be released. But that has nothing to do with the size. I know for a fact some people who switched from Android to ios just some weeks ago.

Yes, you are correct that iPhones are fantastic phones for a ton of people. Although, some STILL want a larger screen with some enhancements that go with the larger phone. Apple does not provide that just yet.

Switching goes both ways. I see it every day.

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I want bigger screen but if Apple make it larger so many will complain that their hifi docking station have to be changed... It was already a mess of complains when they changed the connector...

Anyway I'm pretty sure that a 4.7 can fit into the current design if we remove the useless bezels and home button.

Companies will adjust. They always do.

Who docks anymore when you have bluetooth and other means of transferring data?

 

[osx11]

I hate this argument so much.

If you love 7 out of 10 things a product does, but would love to see it do more, wouldn't you want to your otherwise favorite product do those last 4 things as well? Why do you have to settle? Why be forced into a take it or leave it situation? Why justify it?

For every normal company, this argument makes sense. But Apple is not normal and they do things differently. So while it is certainly allowed to have wishes and ideals, you are going to be continually disappointed. They do things a certain way and that's it. You either prescribe to that philosophy or you don't. Sure I wish my iPhone could do X and had Y and that iOS would allow for Z, but at the end of the day Apple builds amazing products and they know what they are doing. Apple as a company sells an experience, not so much a product. You're never going to get the most choice with Apple. That's life.

 

[Mildredop]

The 12.9 "iPad Pro" is going to turn out to be a Macbook.

(Feel free to quote this if/when I'm wrong)

So you think it'll be a touch screen MacBook?

 

[bchery21]

As long as there's options, I'm down. At the end of the day that's what it comes down to - keeping your older and new customers happy with options for us all.

 

[SirLance99]

You aren't the only one (as you can see from being the most quoted person in this thread). I too do not welcome larger screen sizes. I've had my 5c for 3 months now, and am still not convinced that the taller screen is preferable. I would rather see an iPhone that is half as thick than see one that is any larger!

So since you don't want it nobody else can have it?

 

[Renzatic]

Apple as a company sells an experience, not so much a product.

That's marketing BS. Like what if you find the experience lacking? Do you go somewhere else who's selling a better experience to you?

 

[rajador]

I hope the 2 sizes rumor is the good one, I got all the iphone models along these years, but if they only release some monstrosity bigger than 4" I am out.
What I would love is an iphone 6 really thin, 4" screen, A7, and as much as possible battery live, some look like the ipod 5gen, that'd be awesome.

Bigger ipads? go for it. Bigger iphones and get the crappy massive samsung look? no thx.

 

[Orlandoech]

I'm still on MacRumors because I own 4 other Apple devices, you pleb.

I'm not trolling at all, grow up and stop giving ammunition to people that hate Apple Fanboys.

You two are cute.

 

[vomhorizon]

All of this is so true. Just like people switch over to iPhones from Android, (although those people usually had a cheap version of Android and are getting the free 4S) I see people switch over to an Android phone of larger size like the LG G2, HTC One, Samsung S4 or more and more the Samsung Note 3.

Why? Bigger screen and more productivity. I see buisness people, especially real estate people, switch to the Note 3 based off of they can and will do more.

I postulate that if Apple does make a bigger phone to compete with these, they will maybe switch back over.

Remember the feature phones? Most were smaller than the iphone (s) and some were flip phones which were easier to handle..Their was a sizable customer base that never wanted to deal with the inconvience of using a touchscreen to type..A lot of them (i'd say a majority) are using fully touch enabled phones..People switch and change opinions based on the feature set that is offered to them and most over time will make that tradeoff in their heads as to whether the added features are worth the preceived (or actual) inconvinience of having to deal with a larger form factor.

I believe Samsung has done a decent job with the Note family in showing what advantages a larger screen could add vis-a-vis added features, but i still believe the entire expereince can be SIGNIFICANTLY bettered and i am willing to bet that apple's take on the phablet would be more widely accepted based on their past history of introducing new categories..

 

[osx11]

All of this is so true. Just like people switch over to iPhones from Android, (although those people usually had a cheap version of Android and are getting the free 4S) I see people switch over to an Android phone of larger size like the LG G2, HTC One, Samsung S4 or more and more the Samsung Note 3.

Why? Bigger screen and more productivity. I see buisness people, especially real estate people, switch to the Note 3 based off of they can and will do more.

I postulate that if Apple does make a bigger phone to compete with these, they will maybe switch back over.

I certainly understand that some people want a larger iPhone but I think the majority is probably fine with what we have right now. I don't know about you guys, but for my most common tasks: phone, messages, FaceTime, safari, mail, camera, maps, mass transit, online banking, etc... a 4" phone is enough.

Sure movies, photos, and websites would be better on a larger screen, but isn't the whole purpose of apps to reconfigure the information so as to enjoy them on a small screen? iPhone apps are designed for a 4 inch screen in mind. I think the people who so desperately want a 6"+ screen are people who use the browser as they would on a desktop/laptop. If you just use apps, there really isn't that big of an advantage, I think.

 

[Casiotone]

I don't trust those numbers.

For one, it would make much more sense for a 5.7" Apple device to have a resolution of 1536x1024 (324 PPI) since it's exactly half of an iPad mini retina screen. (Cut an iPad mini screen in half and you get a 5.7" screen).

And I've said it before, going over 324 PPI would mean a lot more work for developers compared to a simple size/resolution change at the same PPI, as buttons, artwork and touch targets would become too small and would all have to be resized, something iOS was not designed to do automatically.

By not going over 324 PPI, devs could keep the same bitmap assets and button sizes for all iOS devices, and would only need to rearange the UI layout to cover the new resolution, which can be done easily if they used the auto-layout APIs (which don't provide a way to scale individual elements, but rather the layout coordinates).

But as usual I'll be contradicted by people who have trouble understanding the relation between resolution, PPI and screen size, and don't know much about iOS developers legacy support issues and how iOS development works.

Remember, we're talking about touch screens, controlled by a finger which as a finite size, not a computer screen controlled by a cursor which can click on targets much smaller than a finger.

 

[Tiger8]

From a developer's perspective, you need separate designs for small screen vs. big screen (iPhone sized vs. iPad sized) and portrait vs. landscape. The exact number of pixels in each direction shouldn't matter if you know what you are doing.

Thank you! I don't think either Apple or Android got that scalability thing right (with some exceptions). Apple thinks we need to lock resolution, Android has it wide open.

I think a good developer in 2014 should be considering responsive (screen adaptive) design options.