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What's next for the iPhone design?

v0lume4

v0lume4

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jul 28, 2012
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Though the iPhone 6s was just released, I've been thinking--what sort of design is Apple going to adopt for the presumed iPhone 7? We've seen round iPhones, square iPhones, and now a hybrid of the two (the current 6 & 6S phones). In my opinion, the current iPhone design is the best yet. The curved glass gets me every time.

Do you think Apple is going to try something radically different with the iPhone 7, or do you think they may revisit some of their previous design philosophies? I, for one, think that an iPhone with the design of the current iPad Air/iPad Pro could make for a mean-looking iPhone.

There's only so much that you can do with the slab form factor. Thoughts?
 
If you trim down the fat bezels, it will be perfectly fine to use a 5.5" phone with one hand.

sprint_sharp_aquos_crystal_full-e1408542030583.jpg
 
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hutrebug said:
If you trim down the fat bezels, it will be perfectly fine to use a 5.5" phone with one hand.
Click to expand...

True. Look at the Nexus 6--it has a hulking 6" screen, yet it's footprint is only marginally larger than the iPhone 6+, which has a 5.5" screen.
 
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I sure hope reducing the bezels is part of the thought process by Apple.

I'm not sure why Apple has considered the ridiculous size of the bezels to be a selling point. Probably the same people who thought preschool primary colors, white and flatness was a great idea for iOS 7.
 
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eyoungren said:
I sure hope reducing the bezels is part of the thought process by Apple.

I'm not sure why Apple has considered the ridiculous size of the bezels to be a selling point. Probably the same people who thought preschool primary colors, white and flatness was a great idea for iOS 7.
Click to expand...

Because it's nice to hold when viewing things that are best in a horizontal format.
 
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In fine with bezels myself. I'm even fine with the design, really. I would really like to see wireless charging though. That's just a convenience factor that would be really rather nice for me. In the brief period I had a lumia it was my favorite thing about it. Thinking of the lumia I would certainly love to be able to use the phone with gloves too. The 920 dos that relatively well (wouldn't be typing out a text but can swap music, activate cortina, etc)
 
Warbrain said:
Because it's nice to hold when viewing things that are best in a horizontal format.
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I agree with this. I watch enough videos, generally before bed, that I actually like the bezels. But I can see other points as well. The phone could theoretically be about an inch shorter. Thad definitely not nothing.
 
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iPhone 8. I honestly don't think Touch ID will be implemented into the touch screen for the 7. I just don't think there's been enough time since they acquired the firm to do so. Especially with reports that Samsung is working on doing the same thing scheduled for a 2017 release. Apple also just revised Touch ID sensors for the 6S, I can't imagine them giving that up all within a year. It would be nice if they did since the iPhone design has been stagnant for a while.
 
mrex said:
Rumours has told us that iphone6s might be the last aluminium phone and iphone7 might be something else including dust and waterproof...
Click to expand...

I saw something about that too (here on MR actually). I hope that Apple doesn't abandon metals altogether. Perhaps they will finally do something big with that Liquid Metal company that they acquired? One can dream.
 
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I think Apple is going to have an iPhone 4/6 mashup next year. Sapphire glass back and front with a rounded liquidmetal band.
 
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I guess i'm in the minority that likes the bezels.

I know I'm not going to accidentally touch the screen.

Personally, I like the 6 design the most. I wouldn't care if we even got a 6S 2, in terms of design.
 
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hectorocks said:
I think Apple is going to have an iPhone 4/6 mashup next year. Sapphire glass back and front with a rounded liquidmetal band.
Click to expand...
Please God no.

I absolutely hate the 4/4s design, particularly the metal band around the middle of the phone. If we get a 4/4s in the size of the 6/6s/6+/6s+ I'll hold off upgrading again just like I did to get my 5 instead of the 4s!

<Shudder!>
 
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v0lume4 said:
Though the iPhone 6s was just released, I've been thinking--what sort of design is Apple going to adopt for the presumed iPhone 7? We've seen round iPhones, square iPhones, and now a hybrid of the two (the current 6 & 6S phones). In my opinion, the current iPhone design is the best yet. The curved glass gets me every time.

Do you think Apple is going to try something radically different with the iPhone 7, or do you think they may revisit some of their previous design philosophies? I, for one, think that an iPhone with the design of the current iPad Air/iPad Pro could make for a mean-looking iPhone.

There's only so much that you can do with the slab form factor. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Apple's long term plan is to have a bezel-free, button-free phone. This will begin with the iPhone 7 when they take away the Home button.
 
I'd rather see them make it narrower and thicker with a slightly curved back. Fits better in hand and easier to use one handed. They also need to make it less slippery so a case isn't a necessity out of fear of dropping the damn thing.
 
Before I got the Plus, I had an iPhone 6 as my personal and a 2013 Moto X as my work phone. The X had a 4.7 inch screen and barely any bezels. Fit perfectly in the hand while still having a large screen to enjoy.

That would be nice if Apple could implement that design into the 7.
 
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