Supplier Chatter Pointing to Redesigned iPhone with 4-Inch Display, 'Sleek Look'

[Funkymonk]

Still hoping for a 4.5" at least.

 

[bawbac]

I keep reading smaller is preferred & it all depends on how you use it.

 

[Lynn Belvedere]

Where did you buy that case? I want one!

It comes free with the iPhone. It's completely indestructible... unless you drop it.

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I mean there really isnt anything I do on my phone that a size increase would make better.

You don't type or look at things on your iphone? Pretty sure a size increase would improve both of those activities.

 

[ChrisTX]

Tim Cook couldn't pull a rabbit out of a hat much less pull off one of Steve's trademark "one more things!!" He didn't even really introduce the iPhone 4S, one of his subordinates did!!

I hate his delivery style. I hate his accent/drawl. He's just one overall uncharismatic dude.

Let's be mindful of the circumstances that he, and the rest of Apple were dealing with. They knew Steves passing was near.

Its a sad sad day, as i completely agree with the above. I've shared the queues with you all
on release day for many years but my patience has finally run out.

I am genuinely disappointed at Apple in relation to the upgrade cycle of iPhone. And after
30+ iPhones since the iPhone 2G in July 2007 i've finally come to the realization that i've
been looking at the same old iPhone 4 design since the 24th of June 2010 and that is long
enough!

Apple used to be fresh, they used to be the best but having looked at some other
smartphones i've watched in the hands of friends over the last 18 months i think they
really have lost their edge. Now its us, 'Apple fans', with the old technology in our hands
as others look on with brand new devices.

I sold my last iPhone today and until Apple start working to my timetable and giving me
what i want and need in a handset, i cant see myself coming back anytime soon. Shame
on you Apple!

Cool, thanks for sharing.

 

[faroZ06]

I believe 4.5 inch is the biggest and nicest fit for our pockets 5 inch is getting closer to this rumoured iPad mini.

4.5" will not work on accessories like my alarm clock. I think 4" might work for many of them, though.

 

[Lynn Belvedere]

Just hold it closer to your eyes.

Will that be the new Apple slogan? "Buy our phone with a small screen and hold it closer to your eyes."

But think about the cases, accessories, etc that will no longer work if they make it bigger. That's the real problem.

Problem? Apple and their partners are in the business of selling things. They *want* people to buy new cases and accessories.

 

[Dionte]

LTE, bigger screen, 1 GB RAM ?
This might be the iPhone I've dreamed about.
Wake me up in Oct!

We must have had the same dream.

 

[gatortpk]

1024x768 won't work (4:3 ratio)

Maybe it is time for a new screen resolution on the iPhone.

1024 X 768 at 4 inches is 320 ppi

That resolution won't work as it is 4:3 ratio (1.33:1). The iPhone is 3:2 ratio (1.5:1). (unless you want non-square pixels for 1024x768 or a 4:3 shaped iPhone)

I saw in another post that that resolution would be great for the new iPhone because it is the original iPad resolution so it could run iPad apps, well, that would violate UI rules as the size of the touch buttons, etc. would be way too small on a 4" screen. It would reasonably work on a 7.85" screen I've heard rumored.

Something that isn't unprecedented is a much higher resolution screen (~500 dpi, perfect for small Chinese characters as well as anything else). It would be nice if quadrupling the resolution yet again for the 4" screen. It would then be 1920x1280. That would be Full HD with 100 pixels (4.4 mm) on the top and bottom for letter boxing while watching video. (A second mobile device after the 3rd iPad, capable of full 1080p video viewing, though 4" is too small unless you're young or have strong reading glasses). The resolution density at 4" would be 577 dpi. (500 dpi with a 4.615 inch screen)

 

[MythicFrost]

That resolution won't work as it is 4:3 ratio (1.33:1). The iPhone is 3:2 ratio (1.5:1). (unless you want non-square pixels for 1024x768 or a 4:3 shaped iPhone)

I saw in another post that that resolution would be great for the new iPhone because it is the original iPad resolution so it could run iPad apps, well, that would violate UI rules as the size of the touch buttons, etc. would be way too small on a 4" screen. It would reasonably work on a 7.85" screen I've heard rumored.

Something that isn't unprecedented is a much higher resolution screen (~500 dpi, perfect for small Chinese characters as well as anything else). It would be nice if quadrupling the resolution yet again for the 4" screen. It would then be 1920x1280. That would be Full HD with 100 pixels (4.4 mm) on the top and bottom for letter boxing while watching video. (A second mobile device after the 3rd iPad, capable of full 1080p video viewing, though 4" is too small unless you're young or have strong reading glasses). The resolution density at 4" would be 577 dpi. (500 dpi with a 4.615 inch screen)

It wouldn't be necessary to go to 1920x1280, an iPhone app is coded for 480x320 points, so any multiple of that will be fine. The next step in resolution is 1440x960. On a 4 inch display that'd be 432 PPI.

 

[Ugg]

I keep reading smaller is preferred & it all depends on how you use it.

It all depends upon how it fits your hand

 

[Canaan]

I think the size of the current iPhone is excellent if not about perfect. Phones are made to be portable, which is why I'm sick of all the thick phones coming out. If they want to stretch the screen closer to the edge by reducing the bezel, that's cool with me.

 

[William.Mantle]

Its a sad sad day, as i completely agree with the above. I've shared the queues with you all
on release day for many years but my patience has finally run out.

I am genuinely disappointed at Apple in relation to the upgrade cycle of iPhone. And after
30+ iPhones since the iPhone 2G in July 2007 i've finally come to the realization that i've
been looking at the same old iPhone 4 design since the 24th of June 2010 and that is long
enough!

Apple used to be fresh, they used to be the best but having looked at some other
smartphones i've watched in the hands of friends over the last 18 months i think they
really have lost their edge. Now its us, 'Apple fans', with the old technology in our hands
as others look on with brand new devices.

I sold my last iPhone today and until Apple start working to my timetable and giving me
what i want and need in a handset, i cant see myself coming back anytime soon. Shame
on you Apple!

Let me get the door for you... Don't rush back now

 

[gatortpk]

It wouldn't be necessary to go to 1920x1280, an iPhone app is coded for 480x320 points, so any multiple of that will be fine. The next step in resolution is 1440x960. On a 4 inch display that'd be 432 PPI.

That's a good point. I figured most apps are already 960x640, increasing the linear resolution by 1.5 times would more difficult. But if developers start from the original resolution and use 9 pixels (3x3) for every single pixel then it should be just as easy as doubling the linear resolution as with the iPhone 4.

433 PPI would be much more reasonable too, rather than 577 PPI. I've read about a 6.1" display with 495 PPI (2560x1600), so that is doable. Though it may be more difficult to achieve 433 PPI and maintain clarity, contrast ratio, and color gamut as in the new iPad. (the new iPad actually measured at 99% color gamut!)

 

[Funkymonk]

I am sick of tiny screens!! You tiny handed miscreants need to hit the human growth hormone or something. I want the 4.5-5" screen dammit and I want it running iOS so don't tell me to get something else.

 

[cognient]

iPhone 5 screen size

The iPhone 5 will be one of the following from a screen size standpoint.

4.07 inch diag. 1104x736 resolution. Same PPI as 4s
4.16 inch diag. 1128x752 resolution. Same PPI as 4s
4.25 inch diag. 1152x768 resolution. Same PPI as 4s

My guess is 4.07 diag, because it allows for the overall device dimensions to remain similar, yet affords a much larger screen display (32.25% more screen area).

It's a clean 15% upscale on the vertical and horizontal screen dimensions, maintaining the current 3/2 aspect ratio.

 

[MuppetGate]

The next iPhone needs to be between 3.8" and 4.3" else Apple will lose a majority of its customers.

Really?

The screen hasn't changed size for a couple of releases now, and the sales still keep going up. Could it be that Apple's typical demographic doesn't hang out in forums all day long, and are happy with the screen size?

 

[jjd]

Polycarbon

I wonder if they'll design something that doesn't require a case. I saw a post on twitter from someone who got to meet Jony Ive and said Ive hates iPhone cases with a passion. Yes most cases out there are quite ugly but there's no way I'd go naked.

I am totally with you on this. As gorgeous as the iPhone 4/4s is, 99% of them look hideous given the horrible cases people put them in. HTC has proven that they can produce an equally gorgeous handset with polycarbons. The build quality on the One X is the equal (not better) of the iPhone. And, they launched it by throwing it in a clothes dryer for hours bouncing around at high temps with no damage.

I have replaced the screen on my iPhone twice.

I would love a larger screen with LTE in a beautiful package that doesn't need a case. Who knows, with a 4.3" screen they might even roll out iPhone smartcovers?

 

[MuppetGate]

I am sick of tiny screens!! You tiny handed miscreants need to hit the human growth hormone or something. I want the 4.5-5" screen dammit and I want it running iOS so don't tell me to get something else.

Have you thought that perhaps you should get something else?

 

[malias4]

i hope the screen goes 4 inch bs im a bit fed up with 3.5 inch

 

[MuppetGate]

Apple has to give the customer what they want, and in my opinion (and likely 99% of
others)

Okay, let's stop there a second. Where did you get that figure?

What folk tend to forget is that Apple doesn't really cater for the gadget freaks like you and me. If they did then we'd all be holding the phone the size of an iPad to our ears.

Believe it or not, they have a better idea than you when it comes to what people do and do not want. And they have a better idea than you when it comes to where to focus their attention.

The answer really is simple: if you are not in their target market then buy something else. That's why I don't have an AppleTV, or a Macbook Air.

Folk need to remember that 99% of the people here do not represent 99% of Apple's customers.

 

[JohnDoe98]

433 PPI would be much more reasonable too, rather than 577 PPI. I've read about a 6.1" display with 495 PPI (2560x1600), so that is doable. Though it may be more difficult to achieve 433 PPI and maintain clarity, contrast ratio, and color gamut as in the new iPad. (the new iPad actually measured at 99% color gamut!)

How are either of those resolution densities reasonable? It sounds like overkill and a gross waste of money to design screens with those PPIs. If the limit for the eye is around 300, you shouldn't be wasting money going much higher than that. Not to mention the fact that having that much density will require stronger CPUs and GPUs, larger HDs, require more data consumption, all generating far more heat and wasting much energy, that is, draining the batteries. I honestly can't think of anything dumber from a design and business standpoint. Apple would never do that.

 

[mrklaw]

That resolution won't work as it is 4:3 ratio (1.33:1). The iPhone is 3:2 ratio (1.5:1). (unless you want non-square pixels for 1024x768 or a 4:3 shaped iPhone)

I saw in another post that that resolution would be great for the new iPhone because it is the original iPad resolution so it could run iPad apps, well, that would violate UI rules as the size of the touch buttons, etc. would be way too small on a 4" screen. It would reasonably work on a 7.85" screen I've heard rumored.

Something that isn't unprecedented is a much higher resolution screen (~500 dpi, perfect for small Chinese characters as well as anything else). It would be nice if quadrupling the resolution yet again for the 4" screen. It would then be 1920x1280. That would be Full HD with 100 pixels (4.4 mm) on the top and bottom for letter boxing while watching video. (A second mobile device after the 3rd iPad, capable of full 1080p video viewing, though 4" is too small unless you're young or have strong reading glasses). The resolution density at 4" would be 577 dpi. (500 dpi with a 4.615 inch screen)

and if apple are really looking to put the A5X in it (see other rumor), which doesn't have much of a CPU bump but a big GPU bump to support the ipad 3 resolution increase, that might support the idea of another resolution bump for the iphone

 

[Zxxv]

Be funny if it's bigger and everyone is seen holding it further away. Then all that will benefit is people with bigger hands and gamers who use two.
Everyone else will complain its no longer a one handed mobile device.

 

[Dublinstiofán]

Apple is on an annual release cycle, not two years

Well theres your first mistake, last i looked the iPhone 4 is the iPhone 4's with a new chip,
enhanced camera and with an antenna that actually works. This doesn't class as an update
in my book. It was also the same with the 3GS. This is most definitely a two year update
cycle for a 'NEW' handset as i clearly stated.

Oh, and the only reason why the other manufacturers are releasing so many products every year is because they are all, when you consider the total package and not just stats and useless extras, trash. They are throwing all they can at the wall hopping something will stick. It smacks of desperation

I disagree, maybe you've had your head stuck in an iPhone for the last five years (which
i can admit to myself) but some of the latest phones on the market are very solid, with
strong operating systems and with features Apple haven't though of yet. And just because
these companies decide to give the user a choice between design, screen size, price and
internal chip speed doesn't mean they're wrong. I will admit that Apple release a phone
that will still be able to hold a candle up to the competitors for the cycle of the device
but this doesn't mean they're doing the right thing, just doing things their way.

Apple releases new products, and updates their current line of products, when they have some legitimate improvements to offer. The emphasis is on quality of the product, in every aspect. That doesn't just mean having inflated stats, i.e. useless hardware, in a constant upgrade cycle.

Apple updates its products at the furthest possible time it can get away with to maximise
profits for that device. Don't make the mistake of thinking they give a **** about offering
you or i legitimate improvements.

Dozens of improvements in the interim? Care to mention anything concrete, or is this just another artificial talking point? And Apple will likely keep the same screen size and phone design, it is still the most elegant and well crafted phone, from a build-quality perspective, on the market, and that isn't even taking into consideration nothing competes right now with iOS and the diversity of Apps it offers.

Almost every competitor has a better camera for starters. Nokia has free Maps on every
device. Most have a choice of screen size and incremental price points with more advanced
hardware accordingly. Some are offering 3D camera's and technology. Some offer free
music tracks. Or to go back to basics an FM radio and expandable memory. The list does
go on i just cant think of anymore at the moment

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Let me get the door for you... Don't rush back now

Ha thanks newbie Lets be very clear, i'm loosing the iPhone i still adore my other Apple stuff.

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What folk tend to forget is that Apple doesn't really cater for the gadget freaks like you and me. If they did then we'd all be holding the phone the size of an iPad to our ears.

Believe it or not, they have a better idea than you when it comes to what people do and do not want. And they have a better idea than you when it comes to where to focus their attention.

So what your telling me is Apple know what i want more than i do myself,

Brilliant, let me write that down so i don't forget it

Folk need to remember that 99% of the people here do not represent 99% of Apple's customers.

At current market prices i've spent the guts of €40,000 on Apple stuff in the
last five years alone. I'd say i'm an important customer and a better than
typical one to say the least.

 

[needfx]

iPhonepad Pro