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

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WELL THEN CELL PHONES I THINK MY CELLPHONE IS BETTER THAN YOUR CELLPHONE WHAT YOUR CELLPHONE IS ONLY 4 INCHES MY CELLPHONE IS 4.75 INCHES WHAT ABOUT THOSE CELL PHONES CELL PHONES CELL PHONES
Thank you. I almost bothered reading the thread but you summed it up perfectly.
 
Over the years I was eagerly waiting for OLED screens to appear. Pure blacks, brilliant colours. New technology. Awesome.

Now that they're here, every single phone I've seen with one has a screen that's way too "warm", and all the colours are blown out.

You have to give the technology time to mature, I for one am grateful Samsung and others are using their Android phones as guinea pigs for their OLED tech.
 
4.3-4.5 seems like the sweet spot to me. My 4.7" Titan isn't bad, but it just feels a tad bit too big. After using it, 4" seems a little small though. So something right between them would be great.

Not that I'm really interested in an iPhone, but it's good that they're making the screen a bit bigger. At 4" I don't think anybody will have any complaints after using it unless they have abnormally tiny hands.

Nobody will be complaining as soon as it comes out. You may have a couple that complain just to be different, but most everyone will adapt and grow to love whatever Apple puts out. As a friend of mine put it, he doesn't want a bigger phone, but he'd buy whatever they put out next whether it was smaller or bigger and he'd love it either way.

TreeFingers said:
4" is a good size.

That's what I keep telling myself.
 
You have to give the technology time to mature, I for one am grateful Samsung and others using their Android phones as guinea pigs for their OLED tech.


Ha! Android owners are practically guinea pigs for the features and hardware you eventually see finalized and used for the next iPhone iteration. Feels beta man.
 
Can't wait. Handled one of those Nokia Windows 7 phones this weekend and was absolutely blown away by the screen. An absolute beauty and so much room.. hunnngghhh.
 
If the phone itself isn't any bigger, than I suppose this isn't the worst news imaginable. It's still pretty dumb, though. All technology shrinks except for smartphones for some reason.
 
If the phone itself isn't any bigger, than I suppose this isn't the worst news imaginable. It's still pretty dumb, though. All technology shrinks except for smartphones for some reason.

Rumors are it's going to be a millimeter thinner.. So there's that. The internals of the phones are shrinking. I think you're seizing on one aspect of the phone and saying that increased screen size is bad while they're also maintaining battery life (or maybe improving it), adding LTE, and reducing thickness. I'd say that's progress.
 
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Rumors are it's going to be a millimeter thinner.. So there's that. The internals of the phones are shrinking. I think you're seizing on one aspect of the phone and saying that increased screen size is bad while they're also maintaining battery life (or maybe improving it), adding LTE, and reducing thickness. I'd say that's progress.

Goddamnit. It's as if they're designing the iPhone 5 deliberately to troll me. If they announce a shiny curved back, I'll know I'm in a nightmare.
 
If the phone itself isn't any bigger, than I suppose this isn't the worst news imaginable. It's still pretty dumb, though. All technology shrinks except for smartphones for some reason.

When it comes to display size, Smartphones are getting bigger for the same reason the tablet market took off...Smartphones are replacing PC's for average daily computing needs. As such, a larger screen offers somewhat of a better experience for web surfing.


For those who want their devices to stay smaller, worry not. There'll always be a device or two on the market that tries to appeal to your segment. And if you simply prefer Apple's devices, rest assured Apple won't stop supporting the 4S anytime soon.
 
the 4s just feels so good to hold, the design is pretty much perfect for me

it will be interesting to see what they do, it always is.
 
This is the right choice, IMO.

I've been an iPhone user since it launched, but last years I switched for a Galaxy Note. At first the size was unconfortable, but by now, I don't see myself ever using a phone smallers than 4.5.

So, I really hope Apple delivers a bigger screen option, and they can maintain the current model as a Nano version or something like that.
 
Goddamnit. It's as if they're designing the iPhone 5 deliberately to troll me. If they announce a shiny curved back, I'll know I'm in a nightmare.

You don't want a thinner phone? These are all rumors until Apple announces the real deal at their conference, so take everything with a grain of salt. I just don't see Apple making a phone that's thicker, they like to make things more efficient. Rumors are a mini dock connector as well, which is going to piss a lot of people off.. Though I'm sure you'll be able to buy adapters from them if this makes it's way into the product.
 
The solution is NOT changing the aspect ratio while retaining the screen width, to achieve what in my opinion would be a faux 4". The solution is to increase the width of the device by just a few millimeters in order to fit in a real 4" screen with the same aspect ratio. You can practically fit a 3.8" on the current device, so by just widening the body a millimeter or two on each side, they could definitely fit in a 4" without an issue.

But I fully believe, whether or not they actually go with 4", that the backing will be iPad-like in curvature and material. Makes all the more sense with iOS 6's silver UI assets as well. ;p
 
Finally, I'd at least consider an iPhone for my next phone if it hits 4.3

A bajillion apps is nice, but I could never get used to that small baby screen.

I might be OK with a 4" display.

Only things left to implement before I consider the iPhone as my next smartphone:

Turn by turn nav with a lattitude-esque service built in.

Allow notification icons to stay persistant at the top of the phone.

Better sharing between applications (why the fuck can I not share YouTube links from the app, with anything but email or twitter!?).

And finally, a Widgets PAGE. Fuck that limited pull down notification shit. I want my calendar viewable in my home screen, and a scrollable list of topics from my news reader (or social services updates for that matter).

Soooo close, maybe by ios 7.
 
I guess there's really no getting around that you need a bigger battery for LTE, and since even Apple needs to abide by the laws of physics and chemistry and whatever, the phone simply has to be bigger. It'll be interesting if the phone really is thinner and even if it is thinner if the new phone's volume will be greater than the 4.
 
The solution is NOT changing the aspect ratio while retaining the screen width, to achieve what in my opinion would be a faux 4". The solution is to increase the width of the device by just a few millimeters in order to fit in a real 4" screen with the same aspect ratio. You can practically fit a 3.8" on the current device, so by just widening the body a millimeter or two on each side, they could definitely fit in a 4" without an issue.

Or just make the longer side longer and position older apps within that so they look identical as on iPhone 4S or older devices until they're updated.
 
You don't want a thinner phone? These are all rumors until Apple announces the real deal at their conference, so take everything with a grain of salt. I just don't see Apple making a phone that's thicker, they like to make things more efficient. Rumors are a mini dock connector as well, which is going to piss a lot of people off.. Though I'm sure you'll be able to buy adapters from them if this makes it's way into the product.

What I want is completely unreasonable. I want exactly the same shape, size and weight as the current phone using exactly the same materials. I consider the iPhone 4 to be the perfect consumer electronics device from a design standpoint. Perfect. It's just stunning. I don't want it to be bigger, smaller, fatter or thinner. I want it exactly as it is but with upgraded internals.

I consider the iPhone 4 to be a 'Marantz' in a sea full of 'Phillips'. A 'Breitling' in a world full of 'Casio'. I honestly can't see the next phone being an improvement. Of course, 'new' sells so the iPhone 4 was always destined to be replaced :(
 
Better sharing between applications (why the fuck can I not share YouTube links from the app, with anything but email or twitter!?).
this is supremely lame. creating a email draft just to get the link so I can use it somewhere else is dumb. not sure who is to blame for that one (did apple make the app? I don't know), but it's still dumb.
 
3.5 always seemed too small for me.

Pretty much. I've been waitin for a larger screen since the 3GS. Then again... The larger form factor and increased heft (and that's not even taking into account a case) makes me second guess whether I would want that extra real estate...

I do agree with Dave though, durability aside, the 4 is a supremely nicely designed phone. I can't see how they'd improve on the design with a new numbered phone.
 
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.
 
I hope the screen size doesn't go a millimeter over 4 inches. I have small hands, and any larger a screen and I'll have a hard time reaching parts of it with my thumb.

I plan on replacing my iPhone 4 this fall, so I hope I like this design.
 
I have no idea. I really can't see it being a genuine issue until you get to something like the Galaxy Note and I assume that's designed with that fact in mind (I've held one but not used one so I'm not sure).



At a point, it is true. I can't go diagonal to diagonal on a Note and I have big hands. Thing is, I can't imagine that ever being an issue in normal usage.
The Note is an exception. I would say 4"-4.3" is a comfortable size for most people. 3.5" is not bad but it limits the device's media capabilities.


I would rather use an iPhone day to day compared to a Note, but my ideal is somewhere in between.

I also agree the iPhone 4S is just about the best consumer device ever designed. It is beautiful.
 
Pretty much. I've been waitin for a larger screen since the 3GS. Then again... The larger form factor and increased heft (and that's not even taking into account a case) makes me second guess whether I would want that extra real estate...

I do agree with Dave though, durability aside, the 4 is a supremely nicely designed phone. I can't see how they'd improve on the design with a new numbered phone.

I'd bet anything its much lighter.
 
What I want is completely unreasonable. I want exactly the same shape, size and weight as the current phone using exactly the same materials. I consider the iPhone 4 to be the perfect consumer electronics device from a design standpoint. Perfect. It's just stunning. I don't want it to be bigger, smaller, fatter or thinner. I want it exactly as it is but with upgraded internals.

I consider the iPhone 4 to be a 'Marantz' in a sea full of 'Phillips'. A 'Breitling' in a world full of 'Casio'. I honestly can't see the next phone being an improvement. Of course, 'new' sells so the iPhone 4 was always destined to be replaced :(

I hear that, and from a design standpoint, I think it is a perfect device. It's a phenomenal design and is tops in the industry. There are several that are good, but nothing that good. I just think you're used to it and that once you get the new one, you'll think the same thing about it. It's going to be a great design, and it's not going to be huge size change, if at all.
 
What I want is completely unreasonable. I want exactly the same shape, size and weight as the current phone using exactly the same materials. I consider the iPhone 4 to be the perfect consumer electronics device from a design standpoint. Perfect. It's just stunning. I don't want it to be bigger, smaller, fatter or thinner. I want it exactly as it is but with upgraded internals.

I consider the iPhone 4 to be a 'Marantz' in a sea full of 'Phillips'. A 'Breitling' in a world full of 'Casio'. I honestly can't see the next phone being an improvement. Of course, 'new' sells so the iPhone 4 was always destined to be replaced :(

Oh ye of little faith.

JonathanIve.jpg
 
What I want is completely unreasonable. I want exactly the same shape, size and weight as the current phone using exactly the same materials. I consider the iPhone 4 to be the perfect consumer electronics device from a design standpoint. Perfect. It's just stunning. I don't want it to be bigger, smaller, fatter or thinner. I want it exactly as it is but with upgraded internals.

I consider the iPhone 4 to be a 'Marantz' in a sea full of 'Phillips'. A 'Breitling' in a world full of 'Casio'. I honestly can't see the next phone being an improvement. Of course, 'new' sells so the iPhone 4 was always destined to be replaced :(

Perhaps Apple will treat the iPhone 4S like they did the iPad 2 and provide a silent upgrade when the new iPhone is released? I''d be surprised if Apple offered 2 new phones in a 3.5" and 4" version though. It would be indecisive to go with such models when there really isn't that much of a difference.
 
Perhaps Apple will treat the iPhone 4S like they did the iPad 2 and provide a silent upgrade when the new iPhone is released? I''d be surprised if Apple offered 2 new phones in a 3.5" and 4" version though. It would be indecisive to go with such models when there really isn't that much of a difference.
The difference between 3.5" and 4" is very noticeable.
 
What I want is completely unreasonable. I want exactly the same shape, size and weight as the current phone using exactly the same materials. I consider the iPhone 4 to be the perfect consumer electronics device from a design standpoint. Perfect. It's just stunning. I don't want it to be bigger, smaller, fatter or thinner. I want it exactly as it is but with upgraded internals.

I consider the iPhone 4 to be a 'Marantz' in a sea full of 'Phillips'. A 'Breitling' in a world full of 'Casio'. I honestly can't see the next phone being an improvement. Of course, 'new' sells so the iPhone 4 was always destined to be replaced :(

Dude you're being overdramatic. Wait and see. It might be as good or better.
 
I hear that, and from a design standpoint, I think it is a perfect device. It's a phenomenal design and is tops in the industry. There are several that are good, but nothing that good. I just think you're used to it and that once you get the new one, you'll think the same thing about it. It's going to be a great design, and it's not going to be huge size change, if at all.

I hope you're right because I'm bound to end up with one sooner or later!

Perhaps Apple will treat the iPhone 4S like they did the iPad 2 and provide a silent upgrade when the new iPhone is released? I''d be surprised if Apple offered 2 new phones in a 3.5" and 4" version though. It would be indecisive to go with such models when there really isn't that much of a difference.
I doubt it because once they introduce the new hotness, people won't be so keen on the old hotness. It's different with the iPad because the appearance has stayed generally the same. Still, it's another glimmer of hope!

Dude you're being overdramatic. Wait and see. It might be as good or better.
Dude, I kid you not, I've been worrying about this since the day I picked up my i4. Seriously.
 
Or just make the longer side longer and position older apps within that so they look identical as on iPhone 4S or older devices until they're updated.
And thus change the aspect ratio. I want a real 4" rather than an elongated thing with the same screen width. That solution isn't something I could see Apple getting behind, tbh.

What I want is completely unreasonable. I want exactly the same shape, size and weight as the current phone using exactly the same materials. I consider the iPhone 4 to be the perfect consumer electronics device from a design standpoint. Perfect. It's just stunning. I don't want it to be bigger, smaller, fatter or thinner. I want it exactly as it is but with upgraded internals.

I consider the iPhone 4 to be a 'Marantz' in a sea full of 'Phillips'. A 'Breitling' in a world full of 'Casio'. I honestly can't see the next phone being an improvement. Of course, 'new' sells so the iPhone 4 was always destined to be replaced :(
Yeah, like I said months ago when this was brought up, you just have to BELIEVE. Ive knows what he's doing, and things are going to move forward whether you like it or not.

How you can complain about something being a bit thinner whilst sexier, I don't know. :lol
 
You don't want a thinner phone? These are all rumors until Apple announces the real deal at their conference, so take everything with a grain of salt. I just don't see Apple making a phone that's thicker, they like to make things more efficient. Rumors are a mini dock connector as well, which is going to piss a lot of people off.. Though I'm sure you'll be able to buy adapters from them if this makes it's way into the product.

Thing is, the 4S fits perfectly in my hand and its weight is properly distributed throughout its body. Tinkering with the size of the phone too much would break that perfect combination.

If this redesign does not constrain the device's tried-and-true proportions just to add a slightly bigger screen, I'm sticking with the 4S.
 
I can see this being true, if only so Apple can release a retina version a year later and make more money off suckers.

Disclaimer: I own an iPhone.
 
What I want is completely unreasonable. I want exactly the same shape, size and weight as the current phone using exactly the same materials. I consider the iPhone 4 to be the perfect consumer electronics device from a design standpoint. Perfect. It's just stunning. I don't want it to be bigger, smaller, fatter or thinner. I want it exactly as it is but with upgraded internals.

I consider the iPhone 4 to be a 'Marantz' in a sea full of 'Phillips'. A 'Breitling' in a world full of 'Casio'. I honestly can't see the next phone being an improvement. Of course, 'new' sells so the iPhone 4 was always destined to be replaced :(

Why would you go and compare the iPhone to Marantz and Breitling? They both make ugly-ass products. Give me a Casio any day of the week.
 
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