WSJ: Apple to increase iPhone screen size to 'at least' 4-inches

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Jeff-DSA said:
How so? I've had both and have enjoyed the widescreen ratio better. I'm sure it's just a preference thing though.
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The iPhone and iPad are the last bastion of not-widescreen aspect ratios in mobile devices and I'd prefer them to stay that way --- you know for diversity's sake.

You want an example of 16:9's disadvantage? Take a look at Android/Windows 8 tablet apps, they're mostly landscape orientated because holding the tablets in portrait mode is awkward as hell.
 
Kosmo said:
People who find the iPhone screen too small are the same one's who found The Duke controller in the original Xbox a reasonable size.
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Not necessarily. Having used a iPhone 3GS, after getting used to larger screens, I found it almost useless for viewing and watching media and web browsing. Seriously, having a larger screen is invaluable for these operations. The iPhone on screen keyboard is usable, but I couldn't stop thinking about how much better it'd be if the screen was larger. Less autocorrect mistakes.
 
Greyface said:
I'm trying to make sense of your posts and failing badly :/

earlier:


and now
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I don't see how either of those are contradictory. If they can figure out how to add a bigger screen without bloating the phone, I'll be happy.

I don't care about screen size in and of itself, but how it affects the size and feel of the phone.
 
Urgh, I still don't think they'll do it but the swell of rumours is difficult to ignore. Would they bump the resolution to maintain 'retina' status? Either way, how does it effect app scaling?

I've had my 3GS for nearly 3 years now and was 100% commented to getting a 5 in October, but if they do bump the screen size to over 4 inches I may actually consider looking elsewhere. Well no actually because Android phones also only come in enormous sizes! Are iPhone owners really dissatisfied with 3.5"? I thought Apple was above the pathetic size war thats been going on on Android.
 
Good Job Bob said:
The iPhone and iPad are the last bastion of not-widescreen aspect ratios in mobile devices and I'd prefer them to stay that way --- you know for diversity's sake.

You want an example of 16:9's disadvantage? Take a look at Android/Windows 8 tablet apps, they're mostly landscape orientated because holding the tablets in portrait mode is awkward as hell.
Click to expand...

I prefer to hold things in landscape mode unless I'm browsing. Most apps and media I like in widescreen mode. And really, I like browsing in landscape mode too (it matches the desktop experience better), aside from typing out stuff, which I will rotate to portrait if it's a longer message.
 
Minus the teardrop design, i'm willing to bet it'll be along the lines of this;

iphone5-specs.png


iphone-5-teaser1-625x408.jpg


iphone-5-teaser-2-625x338.jpg


iphone-4inch_1.jpg


58049.jpg


17-iPhone-5-case.jpg


iphone-5-ipod-case.jpg


cc496a86fc20dd57b751-L.jpg


Rather than that elongated pos.
 
Jeff-DSA said:
I prefer to hold things in landscape mode unless I'm browsing. Most apps and media I like in widescreen mode. And really, I like browsing in landscape mode too (it matches the desktop experience better), aside from typing out stuff, which I will rotate to portrait if it's a longer message.
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Thats just the thing, lack of vertical space makes browsing in landscape mode on widescreen devices sub-par.
 
Tobor said:
I don't see how either of those are contradictory. If they can figure out how to add a bigger screen without bloating the phone, I'll be happy.

I don't care about screen size in and of itself, but how it affects the size and feel of the phone.
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It's not hard to do tobey, many companies have done it already.

That's why people are jumping on the apple heads for now reconciling and saying "ok, bigger phone is fine cause they'll do it right", when it's already been done and pretty much proven.
 
As long as they are proportionally larger, and not just vertically elongated like ILounge rumor was saying, I'm fine with 4" screens.
 
Jeff-DSA said:
Wait...why not?
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Personal choice, though most people typically use a phone in portrait mode. The longer you make it, the harder it is to one-hand.


The other issue is in terms of apps and OS. Changing the aspect ratio would require some fairly significant UI changes. Stuff won't just magically flow to fill in the space.
 
Good Job Bob said:
You want an example of 16:9's disadvantage? Take a look at Android/Windows 8 tablet apps, they're mostly landscape orientated because holding the tablets in portrait mode is awkward as hell.
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If you are an adult with normal motor skills, it is not a problem. Ever see a book? Is it portrait or landscape?

If you are a child with poor motor skills, then maybe you have a point. Ever see a children's book? Is it portrait or landscape?
 
Tobor said:
I don't see how either of those are contradictory. If they can figure out how to add a bigger screen without bloating the phone, I'll be happy.

I don't care about screen size in and of itself, but how it affects the size and feel of the phone.
Click to expand...

I was specifically responding to this:

Tobor said:
I'm not worried about my pants, I'm worried about how the phone will feel in hand, and how well it can be operated with one hand.
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If you care about how well it can be operated with one hand then you care about the screen size—or you should anyway. Apple has thrice changed how 'bloated' the iPhone is (directly related to the design of the phone) without changing how how well it can be operated with one hand (directly related to the size of the screen).
 
Copernicus said:
It's not hard to do tobey, many companies have done it already.

That's why people are jumping on the apple heads for now reconciling and saying "ok, bigger phone is fine cause they'll do it right", when it's already been done and pretty much proven.
Click to expand...

Not in any Android phone that I've had a chance to play with. We'll see.
 
Raistlin said:
Personal choice, though most people typically use a phone in portrait mode. The longer you make it, the harder it is to one-hand.


The other issue is in terms of apps and OS. Changing the aspect ration would require some fairly significant UI changes. Stuff won't just magically flow to fill in the space.
Click to expand...

I think the idea was that if they keep the horizontal dimensions while upping the vertical that it would make the design changes a bit simpler. We're really not talking that much bigger. It's half an inch, diagonally. There are things they could do with the spacing at the top and bottom of the bezel to minimize the actual increase in footprint.
 
Tobor said:
Not in any Android phone that I've had a chance to play with. We'll see.
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That's just your fan bias affecting your point of view.

The fact of the matter is that Apple fans will take whatever they are given. They don't have a choice.
 
Greyface said:
If you care about how well it can be operated with one hand then you care about the screen size—or you should anyway. Apple has thrice changed how 'bloated' the iPhone is (directly related to the design of the phone) without changing how how well it can be operated with one hand (directly related to the size of the screen).
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I always took it a given that posters like Tobor only opposed larger screen sizes up till the point that Apple eventually moved past 3.5". Then of course they would like it - after all, Apple manufactured it.

It never mattered when it was argued that a larger screen didn't have to translate to a larger phone size, but I digress. The argument always fell down as a direct comparison to the iPhone 4 and some HTC monstrosity. It's unfortunate that thumbs might now have to stretch unnaturally while traveling from the lowest quadrant of the screen to the furthest. Imagine the hand cramps that will happen that first week!
 
Never thought I'd say this about an Apple product but DO NOT WANT! I've heard all the arguments and not all people are the same for some of us 4" is too big! Heck, I wish the iPhone was smaller. Zune HD size would be perfect. What I love most about my Zune HD is how pocketable it is, my iPhone I have to wrestle it in.
 
Good Job Bob said:
The iPhone and iPad are the last bastion of not-widescreen aspect ratios in mobile devices and I'd prefer them to stay that way --- you know for diversity's sake.

You want an example of 16:9's disadvantage? Take a look at Android/Windows 8 tablet apps, they're mostly landscape orientated because holding the tablets in portrait mode is awkward as hell.
Click to expand...


I can say as a a former Xoom owner, 16:9 is uncomfortable as hell with a tablet that size (not just because of weight distribution, but eye fatigue in portrait).

Now something at 7" ? I have no issue with. Its not so big that weight distribution becomes a major factor. Small enough to make extended use comfortable, while retaining the display benefits for video and books/comics.
 
andycapps said:
I think the idea was that if they keep the horizontal dimensions while upping the vertical that it would make the design changes a bit simpler. We're really not talking that much bigger. It's half an inch, diagonally. There are things they could do with the spacing at the top and bottom of the bezel to minimize the actual increase in footprint.
Click to expand...
You're probably right in terms of ergonomics (one-handing it).

However the issues for redesigning the UI are very real.
 
amrihua said:
Never thought I'd say this about an Apple product but DO NOT WANT! I've heard all the arguments and not all people are the same for some of us 4" is too big! Heck, I wish the iPhone was smaller. Zune HD size would be perfect. What I love most about my Zune HD is how pocketable it is, my iPhone I have to wrestle it in.
Click to expand...

Can you please post a picture of the jeans you wear on a normal basis?
The Zune HD was a great device. :'(

Raistlin said:
You're probably right in terms of ergonomics (one-handing it).

However the issues for redesigning the UI are very real.
Click to expand...

I don't think Apple gives a shit whether developers will have to produce new assets for their phones. If it's going to make a better phone, Apple will do it. And the developers will follow the money trail.
 
tfur said:
That's just your fan bias affecting your point of view.

The fact of the matter is that Apple fans will take whatever they are given. They don't have a choice.
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Lol. No matter what I say, you'd say that.

I agree on the second part. That's why SmokeyDave is so anguished. Whatever they do, we have to buy it, the alternatives are worse.

scorcho said:
I always took it a given that posters like Tobor only opposed larger screen sizes up till the point that Apple eventually moved past 3.5". Then of course they would like it - after all, Apple manufactured it.

It never mattered when it was argued that a larger screen didn't have to translate to a larger phone size, but I digress. The argument always fell down as a direct comparison to the iPhone 4 and some HTC monstrosity. It's unfortunate that thumbs might now have to stretch unnaturally while traveling from the lowest quadrant of the screen to the furthest. Imagine the hand cramps that will happen that first week!
Click to expand...

All this tells me is that you haven't been reading my posts on the subject, and making your mind up based on perception.

That makes me sad.
 
andycapps said:
I don't think Apple gives a shit whether developers will have to produce new assets for their phones. If it's going to make a better phone, Apple will do it. And the developers will follow the money trail.
Click to expand...
It's not assets, devs would need to redesign the layouts of all their apps. And it isn't just them ... Apple would have to do the same with the OS UI as well.


And why would it 'make a better phone' exactly? If Apple thought a wider aspect ratio would be better they would have designed it that way from the start. There was no technical constraints preventing a different aspect ratio. They choose this one because they obviously feel it's the best
 
amrihua said:
Never thought I'd say this about an Apple product but DO NOT WANT! I've heard all the arguments and not all people are the same for some of us 4" is too big! Heck, I wish the iPhone was smaller. Zune HD size would be perfect. What I love most about my Zune HD is how pocketable it is, my iPhone I have to wrestle it in.
Click to expand...


Wrestle in an....iPhone?!?

Pic of your pants, please.
 
The rumor alone of a change in screen size on the iPhone can generate a multi-page thread on GAF. Is this really such surprising or big (non-) news?
 
Raistlin said:
You're probably right in terms of ergonomics (one-handing it).

However the issues for redesigning the UI are very real.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that, literally, no one would give a shit about a 7% wide 4% tall stretching of layouts.

Especially after Apple headlines their new fangled "Relative Intelligent Reflow Engine(RIRE)" to make the apps fully optimized for their new 300ppi proven Retina™ resultion screen.
 
Raistlin said:
It's not assets, devs would need to redesign the layouts of all their apps. And it isn't just them ... Apple would have to do the same with the OS UI as well.


And why would it 'make a better phone' exactly? If Apple thought a wider aspect ratio would be better they would have designed it that way from the start. There was no technical constraints preventing a different aspect ratio. They choose this one because they obviously feel it's the best
Click to expand...

I'm not saying it'd necessarily make a better phone. I'm just saying that during this prototyping phase, they've likely made hundreds of prototypes. If they think that it's going to be a good idea, I think they've earned the trust from most people to do so. I'm not saying it's a sure thing, nobody knows yet. As far as developers having to re-do the layouts of their apps, unless they're Apple exclusive, they're used to doing this for Android.

As far as Apple redoing their OS UI? Yeah, they'd have to tweak it some. But all of the above doesn't really bother me. I just want the best phone possible because I'm a customer. I don't care what they have to do to get it there.
 
Raistlin said:
It was a joke.


I'm hoping they offer 2 sizes. Then everyone is happy.
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Hell no. Time for the schadenfreude. 3.5 inchers have had Apple on their side for too long and lorded it over the rest. Now the 3.5 inchers will get their comeuppance and 4 inchers will get their revenge.

/jest

I don't really care what screen size the next iPhone has as long as it's a retina display.
 
Good Job Bob said:
WSJ reporting it pretty much makes it official.
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Not official until Apple says so, and WSJ has been wrong in the past. But even going on the premise that they are accurate, which they usually are, is this really that big of news? The rumors of a larger screen were all over the place last year leading up to the 4S launch. This really shouldn't be much of a surprise.
 
Tobor said:
I agree on the second part. That's why SmokeyDave is so anguished. Whatever they do, we have to buy it, the alternatives are worse.
Click to expand...
Yup. I'll put my hands up to this. There is no design change they can make that will make me drop the iOS ecosystem entirely so eventually, I'll have to upgrade.

Doesn't mean I'll be happy about it though, especially if the phone becomes noticeably bulkier.

I am completely aware of how stupid it is to be 'anguished' over the design of my phone. I feel very lucky to be in that position.
 
Raistlin said:
I don't understand what you're saying here
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Bigger screen will need backward compatibility, they'll add a fill to screen option, and be done with it. The stretching would be minimal(if they choose a different ratio), the hardware can handle the resizing of assets(for both same AR and different AR). Responsible devs will add an additional layout and get high praise for updating in a timely manner and then everyone can get back to making fun of android tablet apps.
 
Kung Fu Jedi said:
Not official until Apple says so, and WSJ has been wrong in the past. But even going on the premise that they are accurate, which they usually are, is this really that big of news? The rumors of a larger screen were all over the place last year leading up to the 4S launch. This really shouldn't be much of a surprise.
Click to expand...
Has WSJ been wrong in the past? I thought their "people familiar with the matter" pretty much means a certainty.
 
Copernicus said:
Bigger screen will need backward compatibility, they'll add a fill to screen option, and be done with it. The stretching would be minimal(if they choose a different ratio), the hardware can handle the resizing of assets(for both same AR and different AR). Responsible devs will add an additional layout and get high praise for updating in a timely manner and then everyone can get back to making fun of android tablet apps.
Click to expand...

iPhone apps that are run on the iPad just appear the size of the iPhone app on that large screen, so I can see this being the case. Probably a fill border around it.
 
numble said:
Has WSJ been wrong in the past? I thought their "people familiar with the matter" pretty much means a certainty.
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I will admit that they tend to be more accurate than not, but they also predicted a smaller version of the iPhone 4, with an edge-to-edge display last year. That didn't come to pass. At least not yet.
 
Here we go again. You'll either love or you'll hate it and 90% of those of you complaining now WILL love the new iPhone. That's just how it works when it comes to apple products, and to the 10% that don't the the new iphone, the 4S isn't going anywhere for a while. How can you not like something you have yet to see? lol
 
I don't get the resistance to a slightly bigger screen. I used an iPod touch for 2 years before I got a smart phone and on wifi it was great. I don't want a huge monthly bill so I got virgin mobile. I got the Motorola Triumph it has a 4 inch screen I believe its 16:9 and its fine. A little wider than the touch and longer so in portrait mode you have more verticle space which works great scrolling thru mobile gaf. Landscape is great for games and video. Personally I love the black monolith that is the Triumph I just wish the data wasn't so slow, but hey $35 a month. Actually the extra realestate would work great with Safaris's touch controls at the top and bottom of the screen.
 
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