Quote:
Originally Posted by
addabox 
It's true that relentless minimalism gives Apple fewer options for "holy shit" type case upgrades, but that doesn't mean that they can't continue to refine the details in ways that are compelling.
The thing about such refinement, however, is that it doesn't translate well to leaked pictures on the internet, with the payoff being when you actually touch and use the device.
Remember how folks were bitching about the bezel on the iPad? Don't really hear much of that now, I would say because once you pick one up it all makes sense.
The other thing about Apple's touch devices is that it's not really about the device, it's about the screen. The rest of it is just there to present the screen and get out of the way. The way the tech is moving is towards literally that-- nothing but a screen.
Which highlights an area that I think Apple could do a better job-- in what, exactly, you're seeing when you're just carrying your phone around. Currently the iPhone is associated with one of two images-- the unlock screen, with nothing but a wallpaper, slider and clock, or the home screen, with nothing but little tiles of apps.
Other touch handsets have moved to differentiate themselves with informative variants on the home screen, some of which are fairly appealing IMO. I think as case parts continue to become less important that the screen becomes more and more of the device, UI, graphics and software choices re what is displayed when you're not doing anything else will become more and more the "identity" of the phone and take on more and more importance in the consumer's mind.
Points taken, but here some more thoughts..
Because of Apple's crazy minimalism design in iPhone, thus create openings for third party manufacturers to create accessories for the aforementioned device. Such as case, skin, etc. It's something we all
unconsciously like and love very much from Apple..

*gasp!* OMG, is that mean these leaks of the next iPhone is for real then..?!?

Something just bumped into my head when you say:
"it's about the screen.", if Apple is to enhance the next iPhone then it'll be more into the screen, like giving it more pixels and IPS technology (like in the iPad's), then perhaps it's like the rumors have it that the name will be:
iPhone HD..

And about that home screen of iPhone.. Well, we all want to change it and add things we'd like to see, but the thing is Steve Jobs doesn't approve this. He believes that the original design, the simple homescreen with those cute icons, is the best. So that's why unless we jailbreak our iPhone, we won't be able to change it with themes and add lots of widgets as we like.

So, I wouldn't put my hope too high on seeing customization option on the next iPhone's homescreen..