Questionable Claims of a 4.6" Screen on Next iPhone, But 4" Screen Still Seems Very Possible

[rhinosrcool]

Come on Apple! A 3.5" screen is too small!!

If the android phone os didn't suck so much, I would have left a long time ago. But, the big screens are nice.

 

[Taz Mangus]

I think the next iPhone will something on the order of 3.7" in size. Apple could keep the same size case and still increase the size of the screen. Have to balance the battery life with the hardware upgrade.

 

[andyblila]

I really hope the screen stays the same size. I hate huge screens. If you want a big screen.....buy an iPad.

 

[space dog]

The reason this particular claim seems most dubious, however, is the fact that it comes from an otherwise unknown Korean media source with no track record.

...

Still, it's hard to dismiss the talk of a larger 4" iPhone screen completely.

I think before people get too upset over a 4.6" screen, it's important to understand that it's a rumor from a source with no track record and MR even recognizes it as such. Take it with a grain of salt. Or, accordingly, this many

I still think the next iPhone goes to 4"-4.3" at the most.

 

[Joshwawilson]

Wirelessly posted

If apple increased the screen to 4" I would absolutely be thrilled. Would it be possible to use the iPad 1 and 2 res "1024x730" on the next 4" iPhone which would make it easy for devs because it would be equal res of iPad 1 and 2 and 1/2 the res of the "new iPad"?

 

[Rennir]

Just a idea... the current iphone glass is just about 4.7in. So why not keep the same phone size and go edge to edge with the screen. Or go very close to the top and bottom edges.

Apple could then at other HUGE phones while the iPhone is a nice size with the largest screen.

Just an idea.

I don't know too much about this, but I imagine it's because it would screw up the aspect ratio.

 

[dagamer34]

The problem isn't the screen size, the problem is resolution. Making a change to one of them means making a change to the other in order to maintain the "retina display "claim. And this puts them in a precarious position because any change in resolution means developers need to update your apps yet again. And I suspect of this resolution will be the final resolution for any future iPhones. So Apple needs to make this decision carefully as they're unlikely to be able to change it again.

 

[ixodes]

Apple does tend to be closed minded once they've put their ego on the line. If they increase the display size they'd be following other manufacturers. If they go to 4.0" they're still on the small side of the spectrum. It's a tough situation. The apologists insist 3.5" is ideal, they will side with Apple without a second thought. Screen size will be a hot topic until we know for sure, upon launch.

 

[Dr McKay]

Wow, I got in before the representatives from the "Men who wear Size 0 Skinny Jeans" party got here and began complaining a 4 inch screen won't fit into their pocket.

 

[rman726]

I think Apple needs to go away with the retina marketing. As long as they keep the resolution at 960x640, even at 4.3", the PPI is 268. It's not quite the magic 300 that they love, but it's pretty damn good quality. In the end, it's the resolution that matters. 3.5" to 4.3" is not enough more screen real estate to make the apps designed for 3.5" look bad on a 4.3" display.

I would love them to make a 4.3" model and 3.5" model. Keep it at the same resolution, and everyone will be happy. Yes, I'm sure some people's ideal size is 4", but I think most people either like the 3.5" size, or prefer the bigger 4.3". So maybe throw in a 4" model. A lot of us love the simplicity and vast ecosystem of iOS and don't want to switch to Android, but a big screen would be nice.

Android's problem isn't the multiple screen sizes. It's the gazillion screen resolutions.

 

[routine_analyst]

What is up with people and their inability to understand the reasons for why standards are set? Steve Jobs is quoted by Walter Issacsson in that he believed the android market was plagued by variables such as screen sizes. The idea that they would create an entire ecosystem in 2 forms, iPad and iPhone in more than a single screen size for either rendition is contrary to what has made the ecosystem so successful.

As an app and mobile web designer, I can assure you, my colleagues and I enjoy the fact that we know exactly what our product will look like on iOS. We know what a 320/(@2x) width or 768/(@2x) width will appear as on the screens of these devices.

Let the rumor mill explode with ******** like this. But honestly, I pray they don't increase the size of the screen, kill battery life... etc.

 

[RalfTheDog]

This would be good for old people. It would be bad for developers. It would boost sales, however, it would increase fragmentation. I would not call it a net negative or positive, just a net zero.

 

[gotluck]

Just a idea... the current iphone glass is just about 4.7in. So why not keep the same phone size and go edge to edge with the screen. Or go very close to the top and bottom edges.

Apple could then at other HUGE phones while the iPhone is a nice size with the largest screen.

Just an idea.

yea, something like this would be ideal

 

[rman726]

What is up with people and their inability to understand the reasons for why standards are set? Steve Jobs is quoted by Walter Issacsson in that he believed the android market was plagued by variables such as screen sizes. The idea that they would create an entire ecosystem in 2 forms, iPad and iPhone in more than a single screen size for either rendition is contrary to what has made the ecosystem so successful.

As an app and mobile web designer, I can assure you, my colleagues and I enjoy the fact that we know exactly what our product will look like on iOS. We know what a 320/(@2x) width or 768/(@2x) width will appear as on the screens of these devices.

Let the rumor mill explode with ******** like this. But honestly, I pray they don't increase the size of the screen, kill battery life... etc.

As long as the resolution stays the same, developers will be fine. And battery life? A larger phone will allow for a larger battery.

 

[mb25667]

A bigger screen is almost a necessity at this point. Not just for Apple, but for Android phones as well.

People want more CPU/GPU horsepower, more RAM, 4G LTE. Making the phone bigger to accommodate a bigger screen means more room for the most important thing to these new additions....more space for a bigger battery.

 

[toddybody]

An 4" iPhone 5 with the A5X, 1024x768 display, .34inch depth, tapered aluminum back, 4G LTE, and improved lens+sensor for back and iSight camera...

 

[b11051973]

I want a bigger screen on the iPhone so bad. Please let 4" happen at least.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

Big screens are a matter of preference, but Apple isn't particularly inclined to catering for everyone's preferences.

The 3.5" screen is really a matter of principle to them - it's the size they've decided a smartphone should be, and the size they've designed their UI to fit into (just like the iPad being the size they've decided a tablet should be) and we'll probably never see a device they put out that changes that anytime soon without a really good reason.

That what it used to be. Apple is now in the tiny screen catigory. 4"-4.3" seems to be the main spot. 4.5 seems acceptable.
Also remember the Galaxy Next 4.65 is more like slightly wider 4.3 in phone. The missing .3 in is in the fact that the buttons are all on screen so they can use that for screen space now.

Apple has a lot of wasted space on their phones. They could easily increase screen size with only a minor change in the foot print of the phone size.

I don't know too much about this, but I imagine it's because it would screw up the aspect ratio.

The aspect ratio is the most important parts. It is fairly easy to deal with different resolutions but dealing with aspect ratio changes is a complete hell. Dealing with increase resolution at most you might have issues with your pictures but if the developer is smart they have a much large resolution files on hand that can easily be rescaled for the new res.
Anything that is vector base it would be a non issue.

 

[Xtremehkr]

Wirelessly posted

A 4" screen is plausible, a 4.6" screen is not very plausible. The iPhone is a nice size as it is but a 4" screen would also be nice. It would make it easier to fit a larger battery behind as well.

 

[nfl46]

Cool. We shall see later on this year.

 

[faroZ06]

I would like to see the screen size stay the same but make better use of the UI. There are a lot of wasted space that could be hidden only when needed.

gestures really need to come into play. swipe for navigation in safari etc.

It gets annoying when seemingly meaningless motions you do cause stuff to happen. My aunt would freak out.

 

[Fukui]

Honestly, I am waiting for a bigger screen before a buy another iPhone or iPod touch. The screens are just too small, its a problem, fix it.

I would prefer a larger screen, the one on the samsung galaxy 2 is great, though it is too big for me... if they did that for the iPhone, they'd have to get rid of the bezel and home button completely for it to be small enough (for me that is)...

 

[faroZ06]

Commence the immature comments below.

^^^
The boundary must be inclusive.

 

[kylera]

I forget which blog I saw this off of, but apparently with the current screen size, the majority of users can reach the entire screen including opposite borders with the thumb of the hand they're using to hold the iPhone, therefore making one-handed operation a cinch.

 

[iSRS]

Somewhat off topic, but it would be fascinating to get my hands on a prototype of the teardrop shape.
I hope they get the battery figured out for the next iPhone.

I'd need to try a 4+" iPhone before I make a decision on whether I like it. Can anyone calculate what the PPI would be on a 4" display assuming the same resolution?

I think the next iPhone will something on the order of 3.7" in size. Apple could keep the same size case and still increase the size of the screen. Have to balance the battery life with the hardware upgrade.

I think you are right, Taz. 3.7" still hits the magic 300 dpi for "retina" And that is about right.

I read a lot on the web about the "NEED" for a 4+" screen, but the few people I know with them? Hate them. They complain they are too big to handle.