Why ‘only’ an Apple iPhone 4S would be anything but disappointing

“I wish I never sold my original iPhone,” Buster Heine writes for Cult of Mac. “Being seen around town using an iPhone with a brushed aluminum back would make others jealous of my uniqueness.”

“My original iPhone can’t even create folders or multitask, but no one else has one so it makes me like fifty times more awesome than anyone using an iPhone 3GS,” Heine writes. “You’re probably snickering at this ridiculous idea that a unique design completely trumps functionality. I don’t blame you. However, a lot of Apple fans are falling into the trap of this same ideology that claims the looks of the new iPhone are more important than the functionality it will bring with it. Many claim that if Apple “only” releases an iPhone 4S it will be a huge disappointment to fans. ‘We’ve waited 16 months for a new iPhone and all they’re giving us is a minor spec bump? This is crap!'”

Heine writes, “What some Apple fanboys don’t understand is the iPhone 4S isn’t ‘just a spec bump.’ The new iPhone, regardless of its physical appearance, will be a significant improvement to the greatest phone ever made. One thing to consider regarding the delay of the next iPhone is whether Apple has been waiting 16 months for the hardware to be perfected or whether they’re trying to get iOS 5 right. Clearly the delay has been software related and not about hardware. The absence of an upgrade to the iPhone’s exterior looks doesn’t matter because the software upgrades from iOS 5 are huge.”

Much more in the full article – recommended – here.

[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Fred Mertz,” “Dow C.,” and “Sarah” for the heads up.]

28 Comments

  1. Haters gonna hate… having said that, the only time I haven’t bought the new iPhone was the 3G to 3GS update. Perhaps it was because of the lack of physical change.. maybe it was that the specs that didn’t change didn’t appeal to me (compass, video recording, voice control, ram/processor)… I think the “spec bump” jump from A4 to A5, 512 RAM to 1GB RAM, 5MP to 8MP and the iPhone 4S-only features (all based on rumours) might be enough to tempt me. Though I wonder if seeing all of the case designs for a new shape are just leads that didn’t turn out, or a hint at what’s next? I’d probably be disappointed if I got the 4S and then a 5 came out next summer – even with a moderate spec bump from the 4S

    1. apple’s had well over a year to work on this, whatever they show tomorrow, you’ll buy it. why? because they are always a step ahead of the competition. they consistently put out new features and amazing technology. why would you think this time would be any different? because you couldn’t confirm it on the rumor wheel?

    2. I’m buying one, and maybe 5. I don’t give a rat’s ass that the form factor hasn’t changed (if that turns out to be true). I actually like the iPhone 4 slab, and think its symmetry makes much more sense than a teardrop design for a device that is used in multiple orientations.

  2. Right now two models of the iPhone 4 exist (GSM & CDMA). The 4S will be a 4 with the ability to be used on AT&T, Verizon & Sprint. Having only one 4 will simplify matters greatly and reach more customers. Verizon customers that wanted a cheap 3GS were out of luck, that was GSM-only, the 4S solves that issue.

  3. From here on out the iPhone and all iOS devices will be about the software, not the hardware specs. This is where the iPad is and where the iPhone will head.

    The iPhone 4 is massively popular, Apple’s best selling device ever! Why change it now, when most people will be more interested in the capabilities of the software, not the hardware.

    There’s no reason to get upset if an iPhone 4S is released rather than an iPhone 5, especially if it comes with a much faster processor, more memory and better camera and a “world” radio.

    If this is the case expect Apple to keep the current iPhone 4 GSM and CDMA models for the low end.

  4. They just described me. I’m still sporting my original iPhone. I’m proud of myself for it.
    Although, the battery is beginning to fail, and of course, the software is officially out of date. That is why I concluded that I would get whatever the newest iPhone comes out of 2011. I didn’t realize I would need to wait till October!!!

    Anyway, I’m buying it based on a firm, pre-release decision. God, I’m excited 😀

  5. I had the original, which I thought and still believe is gorgeous. I then went to the 3G, and then 3Gs which I thought were great. I skipped he 4 because I thought it was clunky. I’m speaking strictly aestics. I loved the brushed metal, I hope the new iPhone that comes out is more tapered and easier to hold. I will kill for it!! I’m sure Apple will turn out something spectacular tomorrow. They will blow the competition away for sure and make millions of us happy!

  6. I’m not saying I agree, but I think the general perception by customers will be, “Oh, no 4G and same 16 month old design? I’ll pass.” In the days of the iPhone 3G and 3GS, Apple could get away with this because they we’re so far ahead of the competition. Today, when there are dozens of alternatives, some with 4″ or 4.5″ screens and 4G, Apple is going to lose the perception that they are the market leaders. I think the iPhone 4S will sell well, but fact of the matter is a proper iPhone 5 would sell significantly more. I wonder if they will continue to adjust their product release roadmap and release a proper iPhone 5 in less than a year. May make sense for them to synchronize their iPad and iPhone release schedule, since they are essentially the same hardware. Tomorrow should be telling.

        1. Since they only need one tower in a metro city to claim that they serve that “market”, yes, it’s only a few. I’m only 9 miles from a major city in a “served market” and I can’t get LTE.

          It’ll get there, but even first ring suburbs seem to be out right now.

  7. if apple doesn’t release an iphone 5 (new form factor) tomorrow expect the stock to drop 10%. i know we all want to rationalize why an iphone 4s would still be great but no matter what: no new, better form factor after 16 months will be hard to swallow for a lot of people.

  8. Regardless of appearance, I think Apple should call it the iPhone 5.

    The new iPhone will be a lot more powerful than the iPhone 4, may accommodate both GSM/CDMA and will support an all-new operating system, including artificial intelligence.

    So it will be completely different than the iPhone 4 even if it’s wrapped in essentially the same package.

  9. Lots of people will buy an iPhone 4S, but I know I won’t, simply because after using one for a while I still don’t like the shape. The first iPhones got it right, and so right that every other maker has copied the basic smooth lozenge shape. Hopefully the iPhone 5 will return to the original shape.

    Prediction: NO iPhone5 tomorrow, just a 4S. That’s why they are announcing it on the 4th.

  10. 16 months was 4 months too long for a start android bring news phones out every 3 months and for me a 2 year contract waiting for something really special since i got my 3GS has been agonising the 4s is just such a let down, I Wont re-new my contract for it, very disappointing

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