“There has been chatter of late around Apple’s plans for the iPhone,” Ben Bajarin writes for TechPinions. “Some suggest they need to make a more affordable version of the iPhone.”
“The other speculation as of late is that Apple could make an even larger iPhone than the current 4” iPhone 5,” Bajarin writes. “This would fall into the larger phone category (some call it Phablets) and would give Apple a competitive iPhone for those who desire larger screens in the 4.7-5.5-inch range.”
Bajarin writes, “No matter how you slice it, I believe the time has come for Apple to expand the current iPhone line. This would mean releasing two or three current generation devices in the same year each targeted at different audiences… Although I think the idea of a more affordable iPhone is compelling, if I had to choose the strategy for either the more affordable iPhone or a larger screen size version for the first product to expand the lineup, I would choose the larger iPhone.”
Much more in the full article here.
Related articles:
iPhone 5S and 5-inch iPhone 6 to launch in 2013, source says – February 8, 2013
Scaling the interface for a 5-inch ‘iPhone Plus’ – February 3, 2013
Apple prepping ‘iPhone Plus’ with 5-inch display? – February 2, 2013
Apple to launch low-cost iPhone with 5-inch display for emerging markets in 2H13, sources say – January 8, 2013
Yes, they should. I want one and have wanted to get iPhones for my parents, but they have trouble using mine due to the small screen, yet do fine with their iPads. I have good vision, as do they, but the print is small. Zooming everything is a pain if reading, changing font size leads to messy rendering and doesn’t work everywhere. A better question might be, do I really need such a smart phone any longer? I seldom use any of those smart functions on the iPhone, but rather on the iPad as I’m doing now. Instead i grab my iPad, if I know such smart features wold be needed and keep the iPhone around for a backup device and oh, yes, a phone! But, I wold care for a smaller iPad either and I like my 17″ MBP quite well and doubt I will ever purchase a 15 inch laptop for myself. You see these thoughts sound like they are coming from a potential defector, but that isn’t true, I just think they need to realize that losing some of their base would be much more significant than losing a much larger percentage of more average, less kool-aid drinking Apple fans. They call us the base for a reason, cause were the base. Cheers Fellow Apple Heads!
After my 2 year data contract expired, I’m just using my iPhone as a phone, without data. I access WiFi at home and at work. I’ve found the constant email access a distraction rather than a help. Who needs to check Facebook, personal emails etc. Admittedly, there are times when I need on-the-road data for my notebook computer for work, so I have a pre-paid year subscription which gives me a fixed amount of data I can use over a 365 day period. I’m relieved to get away from the constant bombardment of internet data. I am really busy with work, and the net is a distraction. Take for instance, now, I should be working, and I’m replying to MDN 🙁
I don’t think I want a bigger phone in my pocket! The Galaxy-nam Style pocket bulge is great for girth but…. No. iPhone owners’ taste is not just in their mouth, we use the device on the Internet for things other than baby pictures and Gantt charts. I’m no size queen but many are. Are they profit generators, too? Samsung-Style’s profit numbers say ani!
Well I would really like a larger iPad before a larger iPhone. It doesn’t need a new name too like the Mini. Like MacBooks it just needs become available in several sizes.. 11.7 or 13.3 wide maybe if they go wide. And lighter with better bettery etc of course 🙂 And freaking stereo speaekers in lanscape mode FCOL. Can’t believe the speaker config on iPad 4 is still so lame..
People are heavily into mobile computing than making phone calls. A large screen is a much better experience for internet and multimedia. Some people have big hands and fingers can be manipulated for one handed use. I rest my case.