[Just jotting down some thoughts quickly here, apologies for any typos!]
There have been conflicting reports on this, but the WSJ published something today indicating that Apple is likely going with a 4-inch or larger screen for the next iPhone (online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405270230336050457...). We heard these rumors last time around, and Apple stuck with a 3.5-inch display, so I certainly would not be surprised if the screen on the next iPhone remains the same.
Personally, I would prefer a larger screen. I find the 3.5-inch screen on the iPhone to be too small to type on comfortably. I use both the One X or Galaxy Nexus, both of which have pretty large displays, and have never found either to be too big to carry around or use one-handed. I'm not saying that there aren't plenty of people for whom a 3.5-inch screen works perfectly, but I don't buy the argument that Apple has permanently settled on 3.5-inches because that is naturally the ideal size for a smartphone. I can tell from using lots of different phones of lots of different sizes that it simply isn't. (In fact, given the range of different hand sizes, I'd argue that it is simply impossible for one screen size to be "perfect" anyway.)
So I don't think Apple is wedded to 3.5-inches forever. They could easily up the screen size to 4-inches (or even 4.3-inches, just check out the HTC One S) without increasing the size of the handset that much, but the more interesting question may be whether they end up increasing the resolution of the iPhone's screen.
Now Apple has tried very hard not to fragment the iOS device experience for developers more than necessary, which is almost certainly why the resolution of the iPhone jumped from 480x320 straight to 960x640 with the introduction of the iPhone 4 a couple of years ago. Scaling the resolution like that -- rather than, say, upping it to 640x480 -- makes it easier for developers.
Right now iOS has four resolutions it supports: two for iPhones (480x320 and 960x640) and two for iPads (1024x768 and 2048x1536). If Apple does increase the size of the screen for the next iPhone, it has to decide whether to introduce a fifth supported resolution to the mix or not. Here are some different possibilities:
1. They could simply keep the current resolution of 960x640 but increase the screen size. This would decrease the pixel density, which might make it harder for them to market it as having a Retina display, depending on which size they end up going with. This would be the easiest choice, and would keep things simple for developers.
2. Opt for another quadrupling (i.e. to 1920x1280). Appealing -- the PPI would be insane -- but pushing that many pixels would be very processor intensive. Combine that with an LTE radio and you're looking at a device with very poor battery life. I also haven't heard of anyone building displays with this resolution in this size range, though that doesn't automatically rule it out. But either way, this just seems unlikely, at least for now.
3. Increase the resolution to 1024x768 to harmonize it with that of the first two iPads. Keeps the overall number of supported iOS resolutions at four, but this would mean that iPhone app developers would have to worry about three different resolutions rather than two. Also, there may not be that many advantages to be gained from being the same resolution as the iPad 1 and 2, since the screen sizes are so different (though I would defer to any iOS developers out there with respect to this issue). Kevin Tofel has some thoughts on this here: gigaom.com/mobile/why-a-4-inch-iphone-makes-sense-...
4. Raise it to a higher resolution like 1440x960 which preserves the aspect ratio and keeps the PPI high, but doesn't make things as easy for developers since it's harder to upscale apps. This would keep Apple just ahead of the 720p phones we're seeing from the major Android OEMs (and will see from Nokia with Windows Phone 8 later this year), and is certainly within the realm of possibility from a manufacturing standpoint. It does fragment iOS a bit, but I really doubt it'd be enough for any developers to seriously consider abandoning the platform.
5. Up the resolution, but change the aspect ratio to 16:9 and then use black bars for apps formatted at 960x640. Certainly possible, and there have been rumors going around about this one, but it does seem like a big break from the iPhone's current 3:2 aspect ratio.
I don't know which path Apple will take, but I am curious to get everyone else's thoughts on this.
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Will the next iPhone have a larger screen?
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I think option 1 is the most viable. Increasing the screen size will allow Apple to calculate the retina threshold at a farther distance, keeping a lower PPI within the retina "envelope". It's also the simplest and most streamlined option, which is very Apple.
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I still think that a larger screen on the iPhone will make many tasks more uncomfortable. I realize people have different size hands, but for me, I can reach all four corners of the screen. If the screen was larger, I would have to shift my grip to reach the top and bottom.
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Option 1.
That said, I'm still in the "I'll believe it when I see it" when it comes to changing the 3.5" iPhone screen size. If either the aspect ratio or the resolution changes, developers are going to have to rebuild their apps to fit to the new phone. Apple isn't going to do this to their ecosystem.
It would be interesting if Apple does come out with a 4" New iPhone, retaining the 960x640 screen resolution. In this scenario developers wouldn't have to go back and update their apps to make sure they're supported on the new devices. This would lower the DPI to about 288, which is greater than the New iPad (264 dpi). I think existing apps would "stretch" a little bit to fit the new screen, but overall they'd keep their dimensions.
Personally, I'm good with the 3.5" screen; gigantic Android phones look like a 1960's parody vision of the future to me.
That said, I'm still in the "I'll believe it when I see it" when it comes to changing the 3.5" iPhone screen size. If either the aspect ratio or the resolution changes, developers are going to have to rebuild their apps to fit to the new phone. Apple isn't going to do this to their ecosystem.
It would be interesting if Apple does come out with a 4" New iPhone, retaining the 960x640 screen resolution. In this scenario developers wouldn't have to go back and update their apps to make sure they're supported on the new devices. This would lower the DPI to about 288, which is greater than the New iPad (264 dpi). I think existing apps would "stretch" a little bit to fit the new screen, but overall they'd keep their dimensions.
Personally, I'm good with the 3.5" screen; gigantic Android phones look like a 1960's parody vision of the future to me.
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I honestly like the size and feel of current iPhones. If they made it bigger without increasing resolution, I'd probably stick with an older model unless there was some epic feature on the new one I couldn't live without. The option that most caught my eye that seems like it would work best IMHO is option 5. This won't break older apps and it will allow iPhone to play 16:9 video without cutting anything off all while not getting rid of retina resolution.
edit: MacRumors put this video out and it's exactly what I'm hoping for. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvYya4ZUZH0
edit: MacRumors put this video out and it's exactly what I'm hoping for. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvYya4ZUZH0
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I personally think they'll do this:
(via Verge forums)
Make it 4", but make it taller instead of wider.
(via Verge forums)Make it 4", but make it taller instead of wider.
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A phone is too big for you if you can't reach the far corner with your thumb. The Galaxy Nexus screen size is great for consuming, but terrible for using one handed to type or even hit buttons. If I'm driving (legal in Iowa), I'll grab my iPhone because I can reach every part of the screen without having to look at it. A bit bigger might be fine, but GNex size is too much for Apple to accept for usability.
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There are 2 primary factors that prevent me from even considering an iPhone at this point: the screen size and the closed file system. After using an EVO and a Photon, I can never go back to a smaller screen unless it has a slider qwerty so I don't have to type on the screen. If they up the screen size, it gets them a good way closer to my consideration list again. I watch people fight with that little screen all the time and am so glad I don't have to deal with that anymore.
The bigger problem for me, even than the screen, though, is the closed file system. I hate the routine of having to use iTunes to get music onto the device and having the device slaved to a single computer. Granted, I don't connect my Android device to a computer by USB often, but when I want to load up epub or music files, I want a standard file system. It also makes life easier for getting stuff off the phone that I have downloaded directly from the phone's browser. I get Apple's reasons for keeping the file system closed, but this just doesn't fit within the realm of things I'm willing to tolerate any more. I guess I am becoming a cranky old man (even at such a young age). :/
The bigger problem for me, even than the screen, though, is the closed file system. I hate the routine of having to use iTunes to get music onto the device and having the device slaved to a single computer. Granted, I don't connect my Android device to a computer by USB often, but when I want to load up epub or music files, I want a standard file system. It also makes life easier for getting stuff off the phone that I have downloaded directly from the phone's browser. I get Apple's reasons for keeping the file system closed, but this just doesn't fit within the realm of things I'm willing to tolerate any more. I guess I am becoming a cranky old man (even at such a young age). :/
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As a developer, option #4 would be my preference, especially if they made it as easy as using "@3x" on image names. Yes, we will need to make some graphics slightly larger, but not ridiculously larger as option #2 (thinking file size of full screen graphics), and we've already started making them at iPad 3 size, so we will actually be down sizing them from there. Options #3 and #5 would be the most work on us devs and would make us consider dropping support for older devices faster if we now have to build for 3 differing layouts (remember that designing for both iPhone and iPad sizes are 1 layout each)/
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OPTION 1
This option makes the most sense to me. if history is any indicator, with the next "New iPhone" we will see the 3gs discontinued (and also possibly left out of the next iOS update) the 8gb iPhone 4 becoming the free on contract option with the iPhone 4s and New IPhone rounding out the lineup. All three "current" models would share the same resolution.
I'm personally hoping for a larger screen, I've had an iPad now for some time and I enjoy it at home but I almost never take it out of the house, and when I do I still find myself doing a great deal of work/play/stuff on my iPhone 4. I'm ready for a larger screened phone and as much as I am invested in iOS, if the New IPhone stays 3.5" I may be in the market for an Android device. I'm one of the people who likes the Galaxy Note, and envies Galaxy Nexus and HTC One X users' screen real estate.
I'd also be interested in a smaller iPad or larger screened iPod touch (which I think will just be called the New IPod whenever it gets refreshed along with what will be a whole MacBook line up refresh very soon, also what I.m guessing will just be called the New MacBooks.
This option makes the most sense to me. if history is any indicator, with the next "New iPhone" we will see the 3gs discontinued (and also possibly left out of the next iOS update) the 8gb iPhone 4 becoming the free on contract option with the iPhone 4s and New IPhone rounding out the lineup. All three "current" models would share the same resolution.
I'm personally hoping for a larger screen, I've had an iPad now for some time and I enjoy it at home but I almost never take it out of the house, and when I do I still find myself doing a great deal of work/play/stuff on my iPhone 4. I'm ready for a larger screened phone and as much as I am invested in iOS, if the New IPhone stays 3.5" I may be in the market for an Android device. I'm one of the people who likes the Galaxy Note, and envies Galaxy Nexus and HTC One X users' screen real estate.
I'd also be interested in a smaller iPad or larger screened iPod touch (which I think will just be called the New IPod whenever it gets refreshed along with what will be a whole MacBook line up refresh very soon, also what I.m guessing will just be called the New MacBooks.
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I remain opposed to the continued inflation of smartphone screen sizes. Hopefully the width (in portrait) remains the same and they extend the length of the screen somewhat to account for the size increase. Being able to use the phone one handed should be a guiding principle of iOS.
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I would guess 4 is the most likely answer. Marco Arment, developer of instapaper, has said he would not find it significantly more difficult to change to a different PPI. I don't think need to worry or are worried about developer backlash on this. I think the current aspect ratio is the best on balance for multiple applications and that's why apple have stuck with it for so long and will continue to stick with it.
For me 4" would be acceptable, but no bigger. I have average to large hands. It's certainly possible for me to reach my thumb across a larger screen, but it's not comfortable, especially after prolonged use. If they do increase the screen size, I hope the can shrink the surrounding material and maintain a similar device width.
For me 4" would be acceptable, but no bigger. I have average to large hands. It's certainly possible for me to reach my thumb across a larger screen, but it's not comfortable, especially after prolonged use. If they do increase the screen size, I hope the can shrink the surrounding material and maintain a similar device width.
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By the time the "iPhone 6" is released, Apple can probably, with little complaint, scrap the lower res iPhone resolutions completely. That is, not allow app submissions at those resolutions.
What would be interesting is if they went ahead and did this now, with the release of the iPhone 5/iOS6. This would come with a good deal of complaint (especially since people are still, inexplicably, buying 3GSs), but it would at least simplify the development process a little. This is obviously not a "solution" to the "how to make a larger iphone" question, but it's a partial solution for fragmentation.
What would be interesting is if they went ahead and did this now, with the release of the iPhone 5/iOS6. This would come with a good deal of complaint (especially since people are still, inexplicably, buying 3GSs), but it would at least simplify the development process a little. This is obviously not a "solution" to the "how to make a larger iphone" question, but it's a partial solution for fragmentation.
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I suspect one of the reasons for the increased screen size on Android phones is to enable the inclusion of a larger battery to support LTE. Given that the next iPhone will probably keep pace with the iPad and add LTE it may need a larger battery and then a bigger case - but not much more screen resolution or the battery advantage would be lost.
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The iPhone 5 will sell fine without an increase in screen real estate. I honestly doubt that any size change will be made until at least the iPhone 6 (or whatever that version is called). The iPhone's size is almost as iconic as its shape and UI. That might be an exaggeration, but even so, I would suspect a size change to come with version 6 at earliest.
For now, expect another seemingly innovative feature, such as the rumored liquidmetal case, which apparently will make the phone lighter. Or perhaps a new leap in battery life. I certainly don't know what Apple will come up with next, but for now I suspect they are happy to let other smartphones occupy the XL market.
Personally, I have large hands, and I have a real problem using the iPhone. I've never tried one of the larger phones, but size is one of the main aspects of the iPhone which causes me not to enjoy using it. Navigation is difficult, and typing is downright impossible for me, even with the phone turned on its side. I'll stick with real buttons for now.
For now, expect another seemingly innovative feature, such as the rumored liquidmetal case, which apparently will make the phone lighter. Or perhaps a new leap in battery life. I certainly don't know what Apple will come up with next, but for now I suspect they are happy to let other smartphones occupy the XL market.
Personally, I have large hands, and I have a real problem using the iPhone. I've never tried one of the larger phones, but size is one of the main aspects of the iPhone which causes me not to enjoy using it. Navigation is difficult, and typing is downright impossible for me, even with the phone turned on its side. I'll stick with real buttons for now.
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Hehe, I would personally choose option 3. Or the next iPhone could be mixed with the New iPad and the current iPhone4S. However, a larger screen requires larger size, it maybe not so easy or convenient to hold it in hands. :)
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I have no problem using my Xperia Arc S, which is 4.3 inch in size. It fits my hand perfectly and somehow I feel 3.5 is pretty small.
Option 4 may be a wise choice, who on earth need to worry about iphone 3s =))
Option 4 may be a wise choice, who on earth need to worry about iphone 3s =))
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I could care less.....I'll continue to enjoy my beautiful Nokia Lumia 900 4.3" screen in all its goodness!!!
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I would love to see a new larger screen. so would go for option 4.
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The other aspect is that with their current model, they can take a page form the upcoming Macbook Pro's. These are rumoured to have interchangeable resolutions, and they'll be presented as low, medium, high and optimal, and if they do this for the Macbook Pro's, they'll do it for the iPad's and iPhone's, continuing their streamlined interface preferences. If i had to chose one of the above options,I would take Option 1 because I do not think they are yet ready to change everything and mess it up for developers, who will already be tasked with changing app dynamics to match with probable faster processors etc.
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I don't see apple creating a new resolution and making it more difficult for developers to support another resolution, at least not this time around. My guess is that the resolution and screen size will stay exactly the same.I think at this point apple needs to focus on making the phone more robust and ensuring excellent battery life with an LTE radio.
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NOT a fan of gigantic screens. I really don't want my phones to start competing with my lunch paninis for size. FWIW I'm perfectly happy with the size of the current iPhones and wish e.g. there were flagship Windows Phones and Androids in the same form factor instead of something I could use as a backup sandal.
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Personally I hope they put in at least a 4.3" display, as hard as it is for me to say "my HTC One X has rendered my iPhone 4s useless". What's more, I feel Its time for Apple to refresh iOS making it more robust and further closing the gap between iOS and Mac OS. I know an iPhone like this isn't for everyone, but for me an iPhone Pro with these features would be a welcome addition.
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I certainly hope so! The latest rumors I heard seem to validate the prediction made on the verge www.theverge.com/2012/4/9/2937265/the-4-inch-iphon...
That the screen will get taller but not wider. Great read for those who haven't seen it.
That the screen will get taller but not wider. Great read for those who haven't seen it.
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"Will the next iPhone have a larger screen?"
Yes it does, I am glad for this. I do see a higher resolution in the works.
Yes it does, I am glad for this. I do see a higher resolution in the works.
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