“Apple is working on not just one but two new iPhones, both with larger screens, according to The Wall Street Journal,” Sam Mattera writes for The Motley Fool. “Other publications, notably Bloomberg and Digitimes, have made similar claims in recent months. Although I’ve been a longtime critic of Apple, there’s nothing negative that can be said about larger iPhones. Assuming these reports prove true, bigger iPhones should be a boon to Apple shareholders, allowing Apple to cash in on a market that’s been dominated by Google and Samsung.”
“The most significant selling point [of higher-end Android phones] could be their larger screens — the [Samsung] Galaxy S4 has a screen size of about 5 inches, while Galaxy Note III sports a 5.7-inch screen; both phones absolutely dwarf Apple’s 4-inch iPhone 5s,” Mattera writes. “Anecdotally, I’ve met a number of people who either have, or considered, switching over to an Android-powered phone based on nothing more than the screen size. Firsthand accounts of such Android converts consistently mention the larger screen as a key advantage.”
“But that advantage vanishes once Apple joins its competitors in offering larger handsets. Buyers of Samsung’s expensive handsets could be enticed to switch to Apple, knowing that they won’t have to sacrifice their larger screen in the process,” Mattera writes. “Given the popularity of Samsung’s flagships — the company shipped 40 million Galaxy S4s in the first six months and 10 million Galaxy Note IIIs in the first two months — Apple has a large opportunity.”
“At the same time, the iPhone’s average selling price should be expected to increase,” Mattera writes. “Apple CEO Tim Cook has said the company plans to release several new products this year. If one of them is a phablet — and it seems that will be the case, given the growing number of reports indicating as much — it will emerge as Apple’s most important product.”
And yet again, they fail to mention that even in the Samsung world, many more people buy small phones than phablets.
The 5S is plenty big enough for me. The point of mobile is — uhhhh — mobile. I don’t want to have to have a brief case or a “man bag” to carry my phone around! The 5S fits unobtrusively in the pocket of my bike shorts; a 5.7″ screen would not.
The iPhone sells more because it’s a polished, high end product offered by Apple at a reasonable price. People don’t choose the iPhone over the Galaxy because they think the Galaxy’s screen is too big. As I said in a
The iPhone sells more because it’s a polished, high end product created by Apple and sold at a reasonable price. People don’t choose the iPhone over the Galaxy because they think the Galaxy’s screen is too big. Many iPhone 5s owners like myself suppress our desires for a larger screen as a compromise in order to have what’s otherwise a far superior product. But if the choice was between a 4 inch iPhone 5s and a 4.7 inch version, the larger iPhone would outsell the smaller one by a wide margin.
And if you don’t like the rumored 5.7 inch model then you can just not buy it. There’s no way Apple would have a 5.7 inch phone as their base model, not even Samsung is that foolish.
Different stroke sizes for different folks ’tis true. Buy the size that fits you best and don’t knock those who want larger. After all, why does ANYONE care what someone else’s phone preference is? If the larger phone doesn’t work out they can go small again. Personally I am starting to feel tempted by at least a 5″ phone and I was vociferously defending Apple’s smaller size along with the rest of you for a long time previously. It will be interesting to have the option. As a stockholder I would like to see all those disingenuous Fragmendroiders not have anything to talk about and pull the rug out from under premium Android phones even more. Maybe relegating it to the ghetto crowd. Good luck with that then Google!
I have been an Apple/Mac user since ’86 and a Mac evangelist in my local area. Still, I do not understand what Mac/Apple users get incensed and insulted when someone else suggests something different and want it from Apple.
Why does it insult you guys intelligence when a 4.5 or 5 inch iPhone is suggested by others who want one? It is OK to like what you have, but don’t get insulted when someone else wants and suggests a larger one.
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Very true about using what you like and like what you use. 90% of Mac users agree.
It’s the few apple haters that post that declare that anything they do not LOVE is horrible. Tim Cook MUST come out with Huge screens and every new toy idea out there or else ” Apple Sucks”. And anyone who disagrees is an idiot!!
Most of are just enjoying what we have. Ps. I would love for iPads to read Bluetooth mice. Please Tim.
What if its much thinner ? My iPhone 5 fits better in my pocket than my iPhone 4 because it is thinner, but it has a larger screen.
I think MDN take says it all, over 50% want a larger screen that today’s model. Although …I would like to see the same poll which can only voted from an iOS devices. So there are no “misleading” votes by Samsung & Android shills / trolls.
I personally wouldn’t mind a slightly bigger iPhone screen (I have a 4s) however I would not like it to be too big or it’s going to be cumbersome and hard to use in one hand. I like to keep my phone in my front pocket and am afraid a phablet phone won’t fit. Also, I feel that if Apple goes too big on the phone then it will cut into iPad mini sales.
Cool story bro. You sound like someone I know who said there was no need for an iPad since there was a Mac & iPhone already which served his needs perfectly.
I got news for you. You don’t a larger phone, don’t buy it but why stop others from buying what they want?
All these analysts screaming for a larger iPhone conveniently ignore the fact that both the 5C and 5S each outsold the Galaxy S4 (and thus handily trounced the Galaxy SIII).
There are many, many reports of people who buy the S4 thinking they’ll like a larger screen, only to switch back to an iPhone because everything else about the iPhone is better.
If Apple introduces a larger iPhone, it will destroy the Galaxy S4 unless Samsung starts giving it away. I guess then Samsung can still cling to its “shipped” numbers, since it won’t have sold any.
Jesus, can you tell me in a material sense why shipped and sold should be treated differently? If there was a huge disparity between shipped and sold, who is paying for the inventory holding cost? Walmart? Best Buy? Your grandfather’s department store?
For goodness sake learn the difference between inventory control and stock ordering policy before going off on a tangent. In the real world, the only difference between shipped and sold would be stock in transit or on store shelves which will even out in the end.
What the hell are you talking about? Widgets shipped from manufacturers versus widgets sold to consumers are two extremely different measures and business indicators. Maybe, in the long run, the figures will even out—but the critical question is how long. The longer crap sits on store shelves, the more likely the widgets become obsolete, and the more likely it is discounts are going to be required to move inventory.
A 4.5 inch screen, which is rumored to be the smaller iPhone 6, would still allow for one-handed operation while enveloping the user in a more roomy atmosphere.
Nonesense (both you and R2)
I have large hands (I can easily hold the iPad one handed) and while I can reach the upper right corner of the iPhone 5 (with my thumb) one handed, I doubt I could get to the corner of a 4.5.
If I can still use it one handed Im ok with a bigger screen however every phoblet I have picked up and tried I either could make the upper right corner or it was almost painful to do so.
So if that my choice (limited one hand use) I’ll take the existing 5s, thanks.
I also think people keep being told they will like the big screens so they believe it, it’s only after you actually try to use it as a phone that they realize how clumsy the larger screen phones are.
Oh I should have said I can comfortably hold my iPad AIR one handed. While I can hold a regular iPad one handed it ‘aint comfortable to do so. (and yes I can also palm a basketball)
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People want the larger screen for viewing. Viewing. Viewing is what matters. Not one-handed or two-handed operation. Viewing. Viewing trumps everything else associated with a large or small phone. It’s really as simple as that. And you know that.
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No I don’t know that. I value my phone as… well, a phone. And as such I need to be able to pull out of my pocked and operate it easily -even if I an carrying something. The requirement of needing two hand to operate it make it much less of a phone.
If you remove the primary use of a smart phone as a phone, then yes I guess in that odd logic the phoblets are ok.
But really, given that argument shouldn’t you get a iPad mini (cellular) and a voyage account? (and perhaps a bluetooth earphone) Wouldn’t that be even better?
The mini blows all the ‘roid phoblets away in terms of viewing and tablet functionality.
It’s biggest issues would be that it won’t fit in a from pocket (but neither will a Phoblet) and that it requires two hand to operate it (but again so does a phoblet)
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Sorry autocorrect, A Vonage (not voyage) account
(or other VOIP provider)
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The author and you overstate the value of telephones with larger screens and that they are what’s uppermost in everyone’s mind.
If that were true Samsung and Google would have the financial earnings to back up those claims.
The iPad mini is as good as it gets, so why would they reduce the screen size? Because iPhone users want a smaller iPad mini to watch videos?
Get real.
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I see another cripple born one handed. If one handed use were so paramount, iPads would be sitting unsold on store shelves by the millions. And yet Apple is predicted to move 25 million of the suckers in the last quarter.
Another one of your logical fallacies. One handed use is important for phones—something you hold to your face, something that is even more mobile relative to a 9.7 inch tablet. Different use cases. You use a tablet on a couch; you use a phone anywhere, all the time.
No but women do and after all they are half the population. And from that chart it seems the majority do want a bigger screen. Both sizes should be offered in an ideal world.
Not I. That poll is self-selecting and unrepresentative and should not be used to adduce general consumer preferences. All it shows is the marked preference of MDN sidebar clickers for higher dimensions. Manufacturers do use polls but not ones like this.
Oh I don’t know. The current poll tells me one thing; there is a more seasoned crowd of professionals here who’s first exposure to Apple was between the years 85-89 and I’d like to think we have an affinity with all-in-one’s.
When iPhone was introduced, I looked at it and thought 600-bucks for an all-in-one with as many options and value as today’s desktop PC selling for relatively the same price.
Ever since Apple entered the mobile space, we’ve been witness to a decline in PC sales and though my Mac still kicks neck, my iPhone gets me more dates than the Mac ever did.
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The “seasoned crowd of professionals” is a scant 25% female at most. Just saying, that isn’t representative of the general population. Broader market research is required to convince a responsible manufacturer to pull the trigger.
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I wasn’t disagreeing with you, in fact, never gave it much thought until now. One has to ask what’s being done with the polling data anyway.
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No problemo, don’t buy one. You might be pleasantly surprised and a little sheepish though.
You mean you don’t have room in your skinny jeans for a phone that measures an increase of less than an inch in size diagonally (4″->4.7″)? You must be wearing your wife’s clothes then.
@hannahjs
It leaves his wife in the raw, the buff, in her birthday suit! get it!! 🙂
Ps I love MDN’s take on this occasion!
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BLN, he was talking about “phablets and ginormous phones.” A moto X doesn’t f’ing count. A 5.5 inch monstrosity does, and those are much more difficult to pocket than a 4 – 4.7 inch device.
What the hell are you talking about? Patently unreasonable, you.
What is everyone’s obsession with giant phones? You should be able to use a phone one handed, and be able to fit it in your pocket. I have an ipad so I use that if I want a bigger screen.
I agree you should be able to use a phone easily and it should fit in a pocket. However, it is not true to say you cannot do this with phones larger than the iPhone. I have had iPhones, Note 2 and 3 all fit in my pocket and are easy to hold. It takes a little time to get used to the extra size of the Notes, but after a while its fine and in some ways even more balanced in the the hand due to the shape. Once you have used the larger screen you will never want to go back to a tiny one, there are so many benefits.
OMG!!! I have a Note 2 and my boss has a Note 3, and both of us can use it one handed, no problems. I’ve had to use two hands to operate my iPhone 4, now 5, more times then I’ve ever had to with my Note, mostly thanks to the horrid keyboard. Being able to reach the entire screen with just your thumb, stationary in a single corner, is primarily a SALES PITCH. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be having the large screen conversation, and from what it is sounding like, getting rid of the 4″ screen.
I also never had to carry a bag for my Note as it fits in my pants pocket just fine. My boss has had none of these issues you people complain about as well. Really, I’ve never met a bigger bunch of whiners. Change happens, you adjust. Get over it!
I apologize to Colin for my poor placement of my previous comment.
The MDN poll results speak for themselves. These are some of the most highly discriminating Apple users and yet a whopping 65% want an iPhone that’s larger than 4 inches. Only 32% want an iPhone 4 inches or below. The percentage of people who literally want a giant iPhablet, a group of which I don’t consider myself apart, is more than double those who want to go back to 3.5 inches.
One would think Jony Ive himself saw those poll numbers and designed these rumored phones around them, they’re looking to be a perfect fit. Those who like the 5s/5c screen size will still feel at home with a 4.5 inch iPhone 6. The rest can get the larger model and those who would refuse to buy a 4.5 inch iPhone are statistically irrelevant.
me too, i think whiners click on bait like that poll more than happy people, so it is heavily skewed towards the settlers
Not just, Trolls and apple haters are far more desperate (than actual apple owners) to prove their point that Apple’s phone’s are somehow “less than” samedung’s (and screen size is one of their favorites) So I think that poll is also skewed by the large number of troll who inhabit this forum (actually I suspect that every troll has multiple “identities” so the poll may not even be a fair reflection of samedung trolls preferences.
Given that outside Korea the sales of phoblets are only about 7% of the entire market makes the of MDN’s poll results seem… well, unbelievable.
I am going to wait for the next gen and skip the 5C/5S. If Apple does not increase the size this time I am moving off.
Have been a loyal user since the first Iphone came out however this is getting ridiculous.
It would seem Apple is leaving a lot on the table for Android to feast in terms of growth by not at least offering a larger iPhone. A few million more iPhones sold per quarter certainly couldn’t hurt a company whose share price refuses to budge. Apple may truly have valid reasons for not offering a larger smartphone but it appears to everyone else as though Apple is merely being lazy. Apple may be simply following a size roadmap but who really knows for sure.
In my opinion, Wall Street’s perception of Apple needs to improve quite a bit. However, as long as Apple continues to at least slightly increase revenue and profits every quarter I suppose I shouldn’t complain too much if they at least increase dividends in proportion.
I think it was General Idi Amin who once said, “If you can’t beat ’em, eat ’em.”
Personally, I never considered that selling phones with larger screens was by itself indication of blindingly great innovation, and it puzzled me that Samsung has been lauded for doing so by fawning pundits, who then howled that Apple had lost touch with being innovative. These same pundits sniffed at the iPhone 5S and concluded that it was nothing new. Of course, the punditocracy never bothered to look inside, and that’s where the real creativity takes place.
But if making a larger phone will shut these miserable, cork-soaking bastiches up, I’m all for it. I guess they’ll go after Apple for not offering a curved phone body or curved screen (which serves what purpose is beyond my comprehension, perhaps except to get the girly-man snots at Gizmodo, BGR or The Verge feeling moist).
Then again, as well all know, Apple is doomed. Just look at the Macintosh: It’s been doomed for what – 30 years now?
Then why did Apple increase the size of the iPhone from the 4S to the 5? A fact that is conveniently avoided here. Why not just keep the original size? Why did they make it bigger? Size matters. Apple is just late to the party. It’s as simple as that.
That’s disingenuous. Just because Apple tries to do things perfectly and doesn’t rush things to market doesn’t mean that they didn’t misjudge the large phone market at least two years ago. One has nothing to do with the other in this situation. It happens. Apple isn’t perfect. They missed millions of sales and that’s just a fact. And the success or failure of competing larger phones has nothing to do with the upcoming larger iPhone/iPhones. Those are not larger iPhones. So their sales are irrelevant. Apple doesn’t need anyone to make excuses for them. The appearance of the larger iPhone/iPhones later this year will confirm the fact that the larger iPhone is desired by millions of people. It’s cut and dried. Either I’m right or I’m wrong. If they make the larger iPhone then I’m correct. If not, then I’m wrong. There is no middle ground. Although I can’t wait to see all the naysayers start coming up with excuses about the real reason for the larger iPhones when they go on sale. I’m sure the little gears are turning already. I can’t wait!
You’re right, but wrong to slap me across the face with the disingenuous glove. Back off. We ought to both agree that, in any event, the lion’s share of attention will go to Apple — which is what I meant when I said “it’s all about them.”
Wasn’t a slap across the face it was an appropriate comment. You hand it out with a style (meant to impress) so surely you can take it when it comes your way? Even if it’s in a plain wrapper. And you just tried again to act as though you weren’t defending Apple in your original statement. But you were. Apple isn’t late because of their meticulous attention to detail. Apple is, as I clearly stated, late to the party. Their fault. Not the fault of developing, manufacturing and testing a product before it is released. That’s not why they are late. They are simply late because they misjudged the market for a large iPhone. That’s all. It’s really that simple. Just like Apple, you make mistakes too. No one is perfect. Not even you. But it’s always best to admit your mistake and move on.
I simply objected to your use of the word disingenuous when, in fact, I had made a sincere statement, one that was ancillary to the main issue. I should not have jumped at you over a minor semantic detail. But enough about me. It does seem obvious that Apple missed the boat on the size issue, and they continue to act aloof about it. If and when they go large, I predict this: the narrative in tech forums will change, apologists will do a 180, and everything will be sunshiny.
Sure. It’s all good. I’ve had the Apple haters and the fanboys attempt to make a run at me many times here. Unsuccessfully I must add. Neither side can stand when one speaks objectively. But as a professional, I understand Apple. I know how to take the good with the bad. And I never mind pointing out the truth. I wonder sometimes how some of these people make it through life every day? I guess it’s dark and safe in mom’s basement? Yeah, it’s going to be hilarious watching these naysayers backtrack and try to make reasonable explanations about why Apple is going to introduce the larger iPhone later this year.
Hannah, don’t capitulate to the twit known as GM. He was (and absolutely knew) trying to start with you
Apple did not miss the boat on the size thing. They in fact created it. The only – I REPEAT ONLY – reason for those big screens is to house bigger batteries.
This was required for a couple of reasons. First was simply to match the batterylife of the more efficient iPhone. The second was to stuff faster processers with more ram and additional radio chips (like multiple radios for early 4G connectivity. Remember that and how the Fandroids howled about bieng first. But their phones were thicker, heavier and bigger and until recently had lower PPI resolution.
So they (Apple) aren’t late so much as it was unnecessary to have a larger screen. Call it a side effect or if you will an unintended consequence, that large screens became a hit.
Oh, by the way GM, I’ve just make a run at you. Now refute this! BOZO
If a phone with an increase in screen size isn’t blinding technological advancement, tell me this, why have people abandoned BlackBerry in droves if smaller screen sizes are not a determinant of sales?
You must be still living in the Middle Ages if you’re still using your phone as a phone. In that case you don’t need an iPhone. May I suggest a plain Jane Nokia Asha for you then? All you need is a dialler & a numpad it seems.
I plead guilty to membership in the Plain Jane cohort. I still use the iPhone 4S as a fashion accessory, more than as a communicator or an encyclopedia. It looks good when I deploy it with a smile in the foyer after excusing myself from a cocktail party with too many rude little men.
My dear, if you’re using your iPhone as a bling accessory, may I suggest a lanyard that allows you to wear it around your swanlike neck as jewellery. The case comes encrusted with Swarovski crystal which will suit your urbane, erudite features to a T. I just know it will.
That ought to save you a few precious seconds opening up your Prada handbag to take out the iPhone before repairing to the ladies room to adjust your makeup on your already flawless face.
Please send the bill to me.
Your cosmopolitan charm seems undiminished by your recent forays into unsavoury gang territories. You might profitably observe, in any case, that lanyards are eschewed in haute couture and are avoided by adopting appropriate accessories. Mine are never Prada but Louis Vuitton. Still, I appreciate your attention, a very rare commodity.
A lanyard. hannahjs, thank you for your class in dispatching another myopic comment of BLN.
I wonder BLN, repair to the ladies room?
Retire to the ladies room would be the apt usage of her majesty’s language or retyre for his excellency the El Presidente of you know where!
Now the issue of lanyards where to start? First used as a nautical kit to secure sails and still used as such until its migration as a part of a military costume or security i.e. to secure a pistol.
A big ass phone that does not fit into a pocket would of course require a lanyard to secure it to the person. If the person was big enough (and heaven knows there are plenty of such people on the shores of the US of A) then the said phone would need to be robust enough to withstand being accidentally sat on. I imagine hence the case for aluminum casings and or liquid metal/sapphire/gorilla glass displays.
As for bling? I will leave said nomenclature to the bowels from within which its derivation has arisen.
Ever considered the idea that people have abandoned the Blackberry not because of the screen size, (although that’s significant), but because Blackberry have steadfastly refused to develop the phone beyond just being a phone and email device, whereas owners of iPhones use them for a multitude of functions; navigation, photography, web surfing, reading ebooks, listening to music, communicating with friends via messaging, social networks, etc.
All of those things are what mine gets used for, and having the screen real-estate certainly helps, but it’s the OS, and the apps it contains, that allows the phone to be such a useful device.
I bought a Nokia N95, on the basis of numerous reviews that raved about what a great device it was, GPS/satnav, 5Mp camera, web browsing, etc. it was a total POS, utter crap.
The camera couldn’t focus even on a 100′ ship in the middle of an empty stretch of water, or a bike propped against a tree, the GPS couldn’t function without the keypad open, the OS was very difficult to navigate around.
When the iPhone 3G came out, it was everything the Nokia wasn’t, a fully integrated device that did everything I needed it to do, photography, navigation, web use, everything.
And it continues to get better.
Which the Blackberry really hasn’t done, just stagnated.
“…whereas owners of iPhones use them for a multitude of functions; navigation, photography, web surfing, reading ebooks, listening to music, communicating with friends via messaging, social networks, etc.”
And none of that would’ve been possible without the large 3.5 inch touchscreen. iOS owes its existence to that screen. If you tried to cram iOS into a Blackberry with that tiny screen and keyboard it would’ve made for an equally shitty creation. Watch the Macworld 2007 iPhone introduction video again. The screen size was more than merely significant, it was everything.
F it. Apple please make a 7.9″ phone to appease those with size compensation issues. Oh wait, there already is a 7.9″ Apple device that does everything but voice. And who uses voice anymore anyways. F’n phablet morons.
A rather stupid comment as the ipad mini definitely does not fit in ones pocket. There is a limit to the size of a smart phone, which is bigger than 4″ but less than 7.9″!
I expect the Phablet Phad will be like the bell bottom pants (trousers) fad of the 1970s. IOW: A great opportunity to politely cover one’s mouth as one laughs and laughs. But we shall see! I usually err on the side of utility over fashionability.
While Apple can make iPhones as large as they like (maybe one with a 13″ display) the potential for a iPhone Air is huge, IMO.
My wife fought for years to avoid an iPhone, simply because it was too wide to be comfortable for her hand. She stuck with a flip phone.
The wife is a very bright gal and there are going to be a lot like her who want a more comfortable phone in their hand and one that is easy to put in jean’s pockets.
My bet, therefore, is that apple might do a phablet (or BFP) but they will also be working hand to deliver an iPhone Air.
The Samsung phone you tried was most likely 5 inches (12.7 cm). That is the average size for big Android phones.
The current iPhone is 4 inches (10.16 cm). The iPhone 6 is rumored to be two sizes, the smaller being 4.5 inches (11.43 cm). I believe that the smaller iPhone 6 will fit you well. Apple highly values one handed use and I don’t think they would make only one phone where this is not possible.
The other iPhone 6 (it might be called something else) is rumored to be a much bigger phone like the Samsung you tried before.
I want a bigger iPhone, but I don’t want it to be the only option. I hope that Apple will continue to make smaller ones for people like you.
Those who desire a larger phone can use the old SCR-536 or for team-tag phone use, you could use the oh-so-easy-to-operate handy-dandy SCR-300-A. (For the “bigger is better” mentalists.)
I think some of the comments here are juvenile. Everything has a price and in engineering terms a move to 4.5/5″ for the iPhone is not three. Apple has always been in the habit of introducing “better” products when the engineering trade-off’s are lowest. This iteration of iPhone will be no different and will fit in with their tick-tock product plan.
They will have access to TSM 20nm process which will enable more performance AND lower power so there is no hit in usage time. They will have available new screen technology and new (more power efficient) and new (lighter) Sapphire Glass. All these things will ALLOW a bigger screen. Not competition.
Nothing more brilliant than giving away its operating system and apps for free to undercut competition even further, faster and more effectively. THAT is brilliant!
And if they measure it in centimeters, it’ll sound even bigger.
“Phablets”?…
I prefer “Tablones”
“both phones absolutely dwarf Apple’s 4-inch iPhone 5s”
And yet again, they fail to mention that even in the Samsung world, many more people buy small phones than phablets.
The 5S is plenty big enough for me. The point of mobile is — uhhhh — mobile. I don’t want to have to have a brief case or a “man bag” to carry my phone around! The 5S fits unobtrusively in the pocket of my bike shorts; a 5.7″ screen would not.
The iPhone sells more because it’s a polished, high end product offered by Apple at a reasonable price. People don’t choose the iPhone over the Galaxy because they think the Galaxy’s screen is too big. As I said in a
Damn this tiny 4 inch screen!
The iPhone sells more because it’s a polished, high end product created by Apple and sold at a reasonable price. People don’t choose the iPhone over the Galaxy because they think the Galaxy’s screen is too big. Many iPhone 5s owners like myself suppress our desires for a larger screen as a compromise in order to have what’s otherwise a far superior product. But if the choice was between a 4 inch iPhone 5s and a 4.7 inch version, the larger iPhone would outsell the smaller one by a wide margin.
And if you don’t like the rumored 5.7 inch model then you can just not buy it. There’s no way Apple would have a 5.7 inch phone as their base model, not even Samsung is that foolish.
Different stroke sizes for different folks ’tis true. Buy the size that fits you best and don’t knock those who want larger. After all, why does ANYONE care what someone else’s phone preference is? If the larger phone doesn’t work out they can go small again. Personally I am starting to feel tempted by at least a 5″ phone and I was vociferously defending Apple’s smaller size along with the rest of you for a long time previously. It will be interesting to have the option. As a stockholder I would like to see all those disingenuous Fragmendroiders not have anything to talk about and pull the rug out from under premium Android phones even more. Maybe relegating it to the ghetto crowd. Good luck with that then Google!
Agreed, different strokes . . .
I have been an Apple/Mac user since ’86 and a Mac evangelist in my local area. Still, I do not understand what Mac/Apple users get incensed and insulted when someone else suggests something different and want it from Apple.
Why does it insult you guys intelligence when a 4.5 or 5 inch iPhone is suggested by others who want one? It is OK to like what you have, but don’t get insulted when someone else wants and suggests a larger one.
Very true about using what you like and like what you use. 90% of Mac users agree.
It’s the few apple haters that post that declare that anything they do not LOVE is horrible. Tim Cook MUST come out with Huge screens and every new toy idea out there or else ” Apple Sucks”. And anyone who disagrees is an idiot!!
Most of are just enjoying what we have. Ps. I would love for iPads to read Bluetooth mice. Please Tim.
Yup .
5s screen big enough for me too, but it’s a no-brainer for Apple to offer a range of screen sizes.
My gf is a typical target customer – loves my iP, but likes a bigger screen, so has a Galaxy.
And that is why Apple will keep selling the smaller phone size, then watch closely to see which iPhone sells more.
What if its much thinner ? My iPhone 5 fits better in my pocket than my iPhone 4 because it is thinner, but it has a larger screen.
I think MDN take says it all, over 50% want a larger screen that today’s model. Although …I would like to see the same poll which can only voted from an iOS devices. So there are no “misleading” votes by Samsung & Android shills / trolls.
I personally wouldn’t mind a slightly bigger iPhone screen (I have a 4s) however I would not like it to be too big or it’s going to be cumbersome and hard to use in one hand. I like to keep my phone in my front pocket and am afraid a phablet phone won’t fit. Also, I feel that if Apple goes too big on the phone then it will cut into iPad mini sales.
You’ll love the 5/5C/5S screen size. I adapted very quickly from my 4S, and now my wife’s 4S seems small, bulky and heavy by comparison.
And how was it that samdung didn’t beat analysts expectations? Oh, they didn’t sell enough big ass phones, but lots of the little ones.
As a one-handed iPhone users, I liked the original size, more than I like the 4″ size. And, I have an iPad mini, no need for a phablet.
Cool story bro. You sound like someone I know who said there was no need for an iPad since there was a Mac & iPhone already which served his needs perfectly.
I got news for you. You don’t a larger phone, don’t buy it but why stop others from buying what they want?
Another nonsensical viewpoint.
It’s not a nonsensical viewpoint. It’s a f’ing buying preference, you loser.
Ah, yes. From the Arbiter of Nonsensical Viewpoints. Brah.
All these analysts screaming for a larger iPhone conveniently ignore the fact that both the 5C and 5S each outsold the Galaxy S4 (and thus handily trounced the Galaxy SIII).
There are many, many reports of people who buy the S4 thinking they’ll like a larger screen, only to switch back to an iPhone because everything else about the iPhone is better.
If Apple introduces a larger iPhone, it will destroy the Galaxy S4 unless Samsung starts giving it away. I guess then Samsung can still cling to its “shipped” numbers, since it won’t have sold any.
Jesus, can you tell me in a material sense why shipped and sold should be treated differently? If there was a huge disparity between shipped and sold, who is paying for the inventory holding cost? Walmart? Best Buy? Your grandfather’s department store?
For goodness sake learn the difference between inventory control and stock ordering policy before going off on a tangent. In the real world, the only difference between shipped and sold would be stock in transit or on store shelves which will even out in the end.
What the hell are you talking about? Widgets shipped from manufacturers versus widgets sold to consumers are two extremely different measures and business indicators. Maybe, in the long run, the figures will even out—but the critical question is how long. The longer crap sits on store shelves, the more likely the widgets become obsolete, and the more likely it is discounts are going to be required to move inventory.
Verizon once had an iPhone sales problem: millions of iPhones shipped, not many sold: http://www.newsfactor.com/news/Does-Verizon-Owe-Apple–14-Billion-/story.xhtml?story_id=033001WTB4DR
Oh yeah, that Microsoft device that sat on store shelves and eventually could not even be given away for $150USD? “Shipped, but not sold”(ms tm).
Nothing negative about a big screen? How about not being able to use it one-handed?
A 4.5 inch screen, which is rumored to be the smaller iPhone 6, would still allow for one-handed operation while enveloping the user in a more roomy atmosphere.
Jeez! You can’t manage a 5.7 inch phone with one hand? Just how small are your hands? Damn!
Nonesense (both you and R2)
I have large hands (I can easily hold the iPad one handed) and while I can reach the upper right corner of the iPhone 5 (with my thumb) one handed, I doubt I could get to the corner of a 4.5.
If I can still use it one handed Im ok with a bigger screen however every phoblet I have picked up and tried I either could make the upper right corner or it was almost painful to do so.
So if that my choice (limited one hand use) I’ll take the existing 5s, thanks.
I also think people keep being told they will like the big screens so they believe it, it’s only after you actually try to use it as a phone that they realize how clumsy the larger screen phones are.
Oh I should have said I can comfortably hold my iPad AIR one handed. While I can hold a regular iPad one handed it ‘aint comfortable to do so. (and yes I can also palm a basketball)
People want the larger screen for viewing. Viewing. Viewing is what matters. Not one-handed or two-handed operation. Viewing. Viewing trumps everything else associated with a large or small phone. It’s really as simple as that. And you know that.
No I don’t know that. I value my phone as… well, a phone. And as such I need to be able to pull out of my pocked and operate it easily -even if I an carrying something. The requirement of needing two hand to operate it make it much less of a phone.
If you remove the primary use of a smart phone as a phone, then yes I guess in that odd logic the phoblets are ok.
But really, given that argument shouldn’t you get a iPad mini (cellular) and a voyage account? (and perhaps a bluetooth earphone) Wouldn’t that be even better?
The mini blows all the ‘roid phoblets away in terms of viewing and tablet functionality.
It’s biggest issues would be that it won’t fit in a from pocket (but neither will a Phoblet) and that it requires two hand to operate it (but again so does a phoblet)
Sorry autocorrect, A Vonage (not voyage) account
(or other VOIP provider)
The author and you overstate the value of telephones with larger screens and that they are what’s uppermost in everyone’s mind.
If that were true Samsung and Google would have the financial earnings to back up those claims.
The iPad mini is as good as it gets, so why would they reduce the screen size? Because iPhone users want a smaller iPad mini to watch videos?
Get real.
I see another cripple born one handed. If one handed use were so paramount, iPads would be sitting unsold on store shelves by the millions. And yet Apple is predicted to move 25 million of the suckers in the last quarter.
Another one of your logical fallacies. One handed use is important for phones—something you hold to your face, something that is even more mobile relative to a 9.7 inch tablet. Different use cases. You use a tablet on a couch; you use a phone anywhere, all the time.
What the hell are you even saying BLN?
Brethren. Why are we infighting about screen preferences? The enemy is out there!
Why do people even respond to this guy? His comments make no logical sense. Just ignore ignorant post.
I laugh my ass off at phablets and ginormous phones. Where the hell am I gonna cary such a device? Surely not in my pocket, and I don’t carry a purse.
No but women do and after all they are half the population. And from that chart it seems the majority do want a bigger screen. Both sizes should be offered in an ideal world.
Not I. That poll is self-selecting and unrepresentative and should not be used to adduce general consumer preferences. All it shows is the marked preference of MDN sidebar clickers for higher dimensions. Manufacturers do use polls but not ones like this.
Oh I don’t know. The current poll tells me one thing; there is a more seasoned crowd of professionals here who’s first exposure to Apple was between the years 85-89 and I’d like to think we have an affinity with all-in-one’s.
When iPhone was introduced, I looked at it and thought 600-bucks for an all-in-one with as many options and value as today’s desktop PC selling for relatively the same price.
Ever since Apple entered the mobile space, we’ve been witness to a decline in PC sales and though my Mac still kicks neck, my iPhone gets me more dates than the Mac ever did.
The “seasoned crowd of professionals” is a scant 25% female at most. Just saying, that isn’t representative of the general population. Broader market research is required to convince a responsible manufacturer to pull the trigger.
I wasn’t disagreeing with you, in fact, never gave it much thought until now. One has to ask what’s being done with the polling data anyway.
No problemo, don’t buy one. You might be pleasantly surprised and a little sheepish though.
You mean you don’t have room in your skinny jeans for a phone that measures an increase of less than an inch in size diagonally (4″->4.7″)? You must be wearing your wife’s clothes then.
And that is wrong because… 😉
@hannahjs
It leaves his wife in the raw, the buff, in her birthday suit! get it!! 🙂
Ps I love MDN’s take on this occasion!
BLN, he was talking about “phablets and ginormous phones.” A moto X doesn’t f’ing count. A 5.5 inch monstrosity does, and those are much more difficult to pocket than a 4 – 4.7 inch device.
What the hell are you talking about? Patently unreasonable, you.
What is everyone’s obsession with giant phones? You should be able to use a phone one handed, and be able to fit it in your pocket. I have an ipad so I use that if I want a bigger screen.
I agree you should be able to use a phone easily and it should fit in a pocket. However, it is not true to say you cannot do this with phones larger than the iPhone. I have had iPhones, Note 2 and 3 all fit in my pocket and are easy to hold. It takes a little time to get used to the extra size of the Notes, but after a while its fine and in some ways even more balanced in the the hand due to the shape. Once you have used the larger screen you will never want to go back to a tiny one, there are so many benefits.
OMG!!! I have a Note 2 and my boss has a Note 3, and both of us can use it one handed, no problems. I’ve had to use two hands to operate my iPhone 4, now 5, more times then I’ve ever had to with my Note, mostly thanks to the horrid keyboard. Being able to reach the entire screen with just your thumb, stationary in a single corner, is primarily a SALES PITCH. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be having the large screen conversation, and from what it is sounding like, getting rid of the 4″ screen.
I also never had to carry a bag for my Note as it fits in my pants pocket just fine. My boss has had none of these issues you people complain about as well. Really, I’ve never met a bigger bunch of whiners. Change happens, you adjust. Get over it!
I apologize to Colin for my poor placement of my previous comment.
The MDN poll results speak for themselves. These are some of the most highly discriminating Apple users and yet a whopping 65% want an iPhone that’s larger than 4 inches. Only 32% want an iPhone 4 inches or below. The percentage of people who literally want a giant iPhablet, a group of which I don’t consider myself apart, is more than double those who want to go back to 3.5 inches.
One would think Jony Ive himself saw those poll numbers and designed these rumored phones around them, they’re looking to be a perfect fit. Those who like the 5s/5c screen size will still feel at home with a 4.5 inch iPhone 6. The rest can get the larger model and those who would refuse to buy a 4.5 inch iPhone are statistically irrelevant.
That’s because MDN is a hotbed of whiners.
/sdh
Kind of noticed that, but was hesitant to stick anyone with a thorn by bringing it up
me too, i think whiners click on bait like that poll more than happy people, so it is heavily skewed towards the settlers
Not just, Trolls and apple haters are far more desperate (than actual apple owners) to prove their point that Apple’s phone’s are somehow “less than” samedung’s (and screen size is one of their favorites) So I think that poll is also skewed by the large number of troll who inhabit this forum (actually I suspect that every troll has multiple “identities” so the poll may not even be a fair reflection of samedung trolls preferences.
Given that outside Korea the sales of phoblets are only about 7% of the entire market makes the of MDN’s poll results seem… well, unbelievable.
I am going to wait for the next gen and skip the 5C/5S. If Apple does not increase the size this time I am moving off.
Have been a loyal user since the first Iphone came out however this is getting ridiculous.
It would seem Apple is leaving a lot on the table for Android to feast in terms of growth by not at least offering a larger iPhone. A few million more iPhones sold per quarter certainly couldn’t hurt a company whose share price refuses to budge. Apple may truly have valid reasons for not offering a larger smartphone but it appears to everyone else as though Apple is merely being lazy. Apple may be simply following a size roadmap but who really knows for sure.
In my opinion, Wall Street’s perception of Apple needs to improve quite a bit. However, as long as Apple continues to at least slightly increase revenue and profits every quarter I suppose I shouldn’t complain too much if they at least increase dividends in proportion.
I think it was General Idi Amin who once said, “If you can’t beat ’em, eat ’em.”
Personally, I never considered that selling phones with larger screens was by itself indication of blindingly great innovation, and it puzzled me that Samsung has been lauded for doing so by fawning pundits, who then howled that Apple had lost touch with being innovative. These same pundits sniffed at the iPhone 5S and concluded that it was nothing new. Of course, the punditocracy never bothered to look inside, and that’s where the real creativity takes place.
But if making a larger phone will shut these miserable, cork-soaking bastiches up, I’m all for it. I guess they’ll go after Apple for not offering a curved phone body or curved screen (which serves what purpose is beyond my comprehension, perhaps except to get the girly-man snots at Gizmodo, BGR or The Verge feeling moist).
Then again, as well all know, Apple is doomed. Just look at the Macintosh: It’s been doomed for what – 30 years now?
Then why did Apple increase the size of the iPhone from the 4S to the 5? A fact that is conveniently avoided here. Why not just keep the original size? Why did they make it bigger? Size matters. Apple is just late to the party. It’s as simple as that.
Apple is always late to the party. And when they arrive, it’s all about them.
That’s disingenuous. Just because Apple tries to do things perfectly and doesn’t rush things to market doesn’t mean that they didn’t misjudge the large phone market at least two years ago. One has nothing to do with the other in this situation. It happens. Apple isn’t perfect. They missed millions of sales and that’s just a fact. And the success or failure of competing larger phones has nothing to do with the upcoming larger iPhone/iPhones. Those are not larger iPhones. So their sales are irrelevant. Apple doesn’t need anyone to make excuses for them. The appearance of the larger iPhone/iPhones later this year will confirm the fact that the larger iPhone is desired by millions of people. It’s cut and dried. Either I’m right or I’m wrong. If they make the larger iPhone then I’m correct. If not, then I’m wrong. There is no middle ground. Although I can’t wait to see all the naysayers start coming up with excuses about the real reason for the larger iPhones when they go on sale. I’m sure the little gears are turning already. I can’t wait!
You’re right, but wrong to slap me across the face with the disingenuous glove. Back off. We ought to both agree that, in any event, the lion’s share of attention will go to Apple — which is what I meant when I said “it’s all about them.”
Wasn’t a slap across the face it was an appropriate comment. You hand it out with a style (meant to impress) so surely you can take it when it comes your way? Even if it’s in a plain wrapper. And you just tried again to act as though you weren’t defending Apple in your original statement. But you were. Apple isn’t late because of their meticulous attention to detail. Apple is, as I clearly stated, late to the party. Their fault. Not the fault of developing, manufacturing and testing a product before it is released. That’s not why they are late. They are simply late because they misjudged the market for a large iPhone. That’s all. It’s really that simple. Just like Apple, you make mistakes too. No one is perfect. Not even you. But it’s always best to admit your mistake and move on.
I simply objected to your use of the word disingenuous when, in fact, I had made a sincere statement, one that was ancillary to the main issue. I should not have jumped at you over a minor semantic detail. But enough about me. It does seem obvious that Apple missed the boat on the size issue, and they continue to act aloof about it. If and when they go large, I predict this: the narrative in tech forums will change, apologists will do a 180, and everything will be sunshiny.
Sure. It’s all good. I’ve had the Apple haters and the fanboys attempt to make a run at me many times here. Unsuccessfully I must add. Neither side can stand when one speaks objectively. But as a professional, I understand Apple. I know how to take the good with the bad. And I never mind pointing out the truth. I wonder sometimes how some of these people make it through life every day? I guess it’s dark and safe in mom’s basement? Yeah, it’s going to be hilarious watching these naysayers backtrack and try to make reasonable explanations about why Apple is going to introduce the larger iPhone later this year.
Hannah, don’t capitulate to the twit known as GM. He was (and absolutely knew) trying to start with you
Apple did not miss the boat on the size thing. They in fact created it. The only – I REPEAT ONLY – reason for those big screens is to house bigger batteries.
This was required for a couple of reasons. First was simply to match the batterylife of the more efficient iPhone. The second was to stuff faster processers with more ram and additional radio chips (like multiple radios for early 4G connectivity. Remember that and how the Fandroids howled about bieng first. But their phones were thicker, heavier and bigger and until recently had lower PPI resolution.
So they (Apple) aren’t late so much as it was unnecessary to have a larger screen. Call it a side effect or if you will an unintended consequence, that large screens became a hit.
Oh, by the way GM, I’ve just make a run at you. Now refute this! BOZO
If a phone with an increase in screen size isn’t blinding technological advancement, tell me this, why have people abandoned BlackBerry in droves if smaller screen sizes are not a determinant of sales?
You must be still living in the Middle Ages if you’re still using your phone as a phone. In that case you don’t need an iPhone. May I suggest a plain Jane Nokia Asha for you then? All you need is a dialler & a numpad it seems.
I plead guilty to membership in the Plain Jane cohort. I still use the iPhone 4S as a fashion accessory, more than as a communicator or an encyclopedia. It looks good when I deploy it with a smile in the foyer after excusing myself from a cocktail party with too many rude little men.
My dear, if you’re using your iPhone as a bling accessory, may I suggest a lanyard that allows you to wear it around your swanlike neck as jewellery. The case comes encrusted with Swarovski crystal which will suit your urbane, erudite features to a T. I just know it will.
That ought to save you a few precious seconds opening up your Prada handbag to take out the iPhone before repairing to the ladies room to adjust your makeup on your already flawless face.
Please send the bill to me.
Your cosmopolitan charm seems undiminished by your recent forays into unsavoury gang territories. You might profitably observe, in any case, that lanyards are eschewed in haute couture and are avoided by adopting appropriate accessories. Mine are never Prada but Louis Vuitton. Still, I appreciate your attention, a very rare commodity.
A lanyard. hannahjs, thank you for your class in dispatching another myopic comment of BLN.
I wonder BLN, repair to the ladies room?
Retire to the ladies room would be the apt usage of her majesty’s language or retyre for his excellency the El Presidente of you know where!
Now the issue of lanyards where to start? First used as a nautical kit to secure sails and still used as such until its migration as a part of a military costume or security i.e. to secure a pistol.
A big ass phone that does not fit into a pocket would of course require a lanyard to secure it to the person. If the person was big enough (and heaven knows there are plenty of such people on the shores of the US of A) then the said phone would need to be robust enough to withstand being accidentally sat on. I imagine hence the case for aluminum casings and or liquid metal/sapphire/gorilla glass displays.
As for bling? I will leave said nomenclature to the bowels from within which its derivation has arisen.
Ever considered the idea that people have abandoned the Blackberry not because of the screen size, (although that’s significant), but because Blackberry have steadfastly refused to develop the phone beyond just being a phone and email device, whereas owners of iPhones use them for a multitude of functions; navigation, photography, web surfing, reading ebooks, listening to music, communicating with friends via messaging, social networks, etc.
All of those things are what mine gets used for, and having the screen real-estate certainly helps, but it’s the OS, and the apps it contains, that allows the phone to be such a useful device.
I bought a Nokia N95, on the basis of numerous reviews that raved about what a great device it was, GPS/satnav, 5Mp camera, web browsing, etc. it was a total POS, utter crap.
The camera couldn’t focus even on a 100′ ship in the middle of an empty stretch of water, or a bike propped against a tree, the GPS couldn’t function without the keypad open, the OS was very difficult to navigate around.
When the iPhone 3G came out, it was everything the Nokia wasn’t, a fully integrated device that did everything I needed it to do, photography, navigation, web use, everything.
And it continues to get better.
Which the Blackberry really hasn’t done, just stagnated.
“…whereas owners of iPhones use them for a multitude of functions; navigation, photography, web surfing, reading ebooks, listening to music, communicating with friends via messaging, social networks, etc.”
And none of that would’ve been possible without the large 3.5 inch touchscreen. iOS owes its existence to that screen. If you tried to cram iOS into a Blackberry with that tiny screen and keyboard it would’ve made for an equally shitty creation. Watch the Macworld 2007 iPhone introduction video again. The screen size was more than merely significant, it was everything.
F it. Apple please make a 7.9″ phone to appease those with size compensation issues. Oh wait, there already is a 7.9″ Apple device that does everything but voice. And who uses voice anymore anyways. F’n phablet morons.
A rather stupid comment as the ipad mini definitely does not fit in ones pocket. There is a limit to the size of a smart phone, which is bigger than 4″ but less than 7.9″!
I expect the Phablet Phad will be like the bell bottom pants (trousers) fad of the 1970s. IOW: A great opportunity to politely cover one’s mouth as one laughs and laughs. But we shall see! I usually err on the side of utility over fashionability.
While Apple can make iPhones as large as they like (maybe one with a 13″ display) the potential for a iPhone Air is huge, IMO.
My wife fought for years to avoid an iPhone, simply because it was too wide to be comfortable for her hand. She stuck with a flip phone.
The wife is a very bright gal and there are going to be a lot like her who want a more comfortable phone in their hand and one that is easy to put in jean’s pockets.
My bet, therefore, is that apple might do a phablet (or BFP) but they will also be working hand to deliver an iPhone Air.
It must be handy to have a working hand to work hand with! 🙂 Ha! ha!! haaaa!!!!
Noooooooo. Phablets are tacky as hell. Beauty > Everything. I thought Apple understood that. #disappointed
I don’t like bigger sized screen than current iPhone has. I tried samsung but it is too bulky too use it with my one hand, it is just impossible.
Those who have extra big hands and fingers would probably benefit from bigger sized screen.
The Samsung phone you tried was most likely 5 inches (12.7 cm). That is the average size for big Android phones.
The current iPhone is 4 inches (10.16 cm). The iPhone 6 is rumored to be two sizes, the smaller being 4.5 inches (11.43 cm). I believe that the smaller iPhone 6 will fit you well. Apple highly values one handed use and I don’t think they would make only one phone where this is not possible.
The other iPhone 6 (it might be called something else) is rumored to be a much bigger phone like the Samsung you tried before.
I want a bigger iPhone, but I don’t want it to be the only option. I hope that Apple will continue to make smaller ones for people like you.
Get out the ‘ole whip antennas,folks!
Those who desire a larger phone can use the old SCR-536 or for team-tag phone use, you could use the oh-so-easy-to-operate handy-dandy SCR-300-A. (For the “bigger is better” mentalists.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkie-talkie
I think some of the comments here are juvenile. Everything has a price and in engineering terms a move to 4.5/5″ for the iPhone is not three. Apple has always been in the habit of introducing “better” products when the engineering trade-off’s are lowest. This iteration of iPhone will be no different and will fit in with their tick-tock product plan.
They will have access to TSM 20nm process which will enable more performance AND lower power so there is no hit in usage time. They will have available new screen technology and new (more power efficient) and new (lighter) Sapphire Glass. All these things will ALLOW a bigger screen. Not competition.
Nothing more brilliant than giving away its operating system and apps for free to undercut competition even further, faster and more effectively. THAT is brilliant!