Will Apple increase the size of the iPhone screen this year by making a larger device or by changing the aspect ratio ?

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shauns April 07, 2012

Will Apple increase the size of the iPhone screen this year by making a larger device or by changing the aspect ratio ?

I love the iPhone but feel the screen size is too small. I have read that the retina display would be effected by simply increasing the size of the device and wonder whether making the screen taller (think another row of icons) would be something that Apple would consider doing. I feel the extra real estate would be useful, but would this be possible or likely and would it have a significant impact for iOS developers ?

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froSTed1030 2012-04-07 14:13:53

As a developer I can tell you that it is HIGHLY unlikely for the screen size to change. Try an iPad if you need a larger screen. If you want more functionality and adding more icon rows and such, consider jailbreaking.

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shauns 2012-04-08 11:15:05

Thanks for reply. I have an iPad but still feel the iPhone needs a larger screen. From a developer point of view why do you think its highly unlikely ? Could older apps run in a window on a larger iPhone like iPhone apps do on the Ipad ?

froSTed1030 2012-04-08 11:26:02

First, the iPhone form factor is very successful, in fact, it's almost perfect. There is just enough room to reach across the whole screen with one thumb while holding the iPhone in one hand for the average consumer. Second, the screen resolution has just changed on the iPad, and the iPhone to double the original resolution. Adding anything more would complicate development as now we have 4 screen sizes to develop for. Changing the aspect ratio (like android) would lead to the majority of apps having to be reworked for a new screen size, leaving many older abandon apps looking like crap on the new form factor.
Older apps are doubled on the iPad, this is scaling, so you don't gain any resolution by doing it. Instead you have a built in magnifying glass type effect that again, looks bad. Apple pushes an aesthetic, and it is frowned upon to try to submit apps that do not work across all devices and look good.
A larger iPhone would also require a whole new manufacturing process and new screen sizes, this makes replacements more difficult. The most common issue has always been a damaged screen. Having to manufacture, in bulk, a new size screen, along with the current 4 sizes would cost Apple quite a bit more than they would want to spend, and if the product were not developed specifically for, it would not be profitable for Apple to risk.

nitehawk 2012-04-10 09:23:11

Unfortunately, I think Apple will eventually grant your wish. I don't want a bigger iPhone, but I think it's coming. What I would much rather have is a more durable iPhone. I insure mine with Squaretrade for accidental damage, have a bumper (currently on my 2nd one) and use a InvisiShield. Though I paid close to $200 for all this, I find it worth it since busting my iPhone would cost me nearly $650 + the irreparable loss of data.

I loved how Apple has come out with Siri, though I don't have a 4S, I like the direction of that move. I realize it's more beneficial for people who drive long distances, but simplifying tasks by talking to the phone makes sense. In introducing Siri, Apple closed an open gap with Android, but not necessarily an obvious one. I expect that not many people use Siri, similar to Facetime and other Apple generated novelties.

I love durability. If I wanted a bigger iPhone screen, I would know that the battery life would suffer and the phone would likely get bigger, just like that new iPad. I don't want either and hope Apple isn't simply battling back with the competition in measuring their girth.

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