Everyone's certainly entitled to like the size they like and there's nothing wrong with Apple making a variety of screen sizes to fit different needs, but I don't understand what the problem is with the size of the iPhone 6. It fits quite comfortably in all the same pockets my iPhone 5 and iPhone 3G fit in, including relatively tight jeans. And I keep it in a relatively thick leather case and I still have no problems storing it where I want to.
I look at the iPhone 3G, which I now use as a remote control and wonder how I ever got by with such a small screen, even though I found the phone miraculous when I first purchased it.
The difference between Apple's current smallest phone, the 5s, and the 6 is only a third of an inch in width and .57" in height. I don't get why this is such a big deal. In return you get another 1.5" in diagonal screen space. Personally, I'd never go back to a smaller screen. I can understand resistance to the 6 Plus because there would be some pockets that phone couldn't fit into.
Eventually, I think Apple will find a way to use the entire front surface as a screen. Then we'll get an even larger screen size in the same sized phone as today or we'll get the same screen size in a smaller phone.
Most of my family have iphone 5S's or 6's. The ones who have the 6 and the others who don't who have held it to try it out all agree the 6 is slightly too big. I'm in the boat where I'm not a fan of the size but want the new features, so I'd probably end up getting the next one regardless. I like the size of the 5. Somewhere around 4-4.2 is my sweet spot.
Most of my family have iphone 5S's or 6's. The ones who have the 6 and the others who don't who have held it to try it out all agree the 6 is slightly too big. I'm in the boat where I'm not a fan of the size but want the new features, so I'd probably end up getting the next one regardless. I like the size of the 5. Somewhere around 4-4.2 is my sweet spot.
Yes, but it doesn't have to the cheap model. Cheaper perhaps than the bigger phones, but like the MacBook Pro Line the 4" device does not have to be inferior.
Price it at the same level as the 4.7 inch screen version but put more memory in the base model to compensate for the smaller screen and graphics processor. Why does it have to be cheaper?
Glad to see that common sense has partially returned to Apple.
What would Apple do without your "common sense" advise? No doubt they'd be lost in the woods. I also like the fact that you completely missed the fact that this is a complete rumor, not a fact, as you always do with every single story, good or bad. I lost count of how many "Cook needs to go" posts you've made based on an unsubstantiated rumor. Not that difficult to parse fact from rumor, but not shocking that you have a complete inability to do it.
Glad to see that common sense has partially returned to Apple.
What would Apple do without your "common sense" advise? No doubt they'd be lost in the woods. I also like the fact that you completely missed the fact that this is a complete rumor, not a fact, as you always do with every single story, good or bad. I lost count of how many "Cook needs to go" posts you've made based on an unsubstantiated rumor. Not that difficult to parse fact from rumor, but not shocking that you have a complete inability to do it.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that Apple would be lost in the woods without my advice; that would be the height of arrogance.
More likely, they take on board feedback from me and others like me, and plan accordingly. In this case, that means the return of an optimum-sized iPhone, which is good news for all of us.
as a mute switch it was useless, as an orientation lock it was not. the ipad gets used on a sofa and in bed, so turning is common and locking the orientation for reading on your side was useful to do rapidly via the switch w/o even taking your eyes off the sentence you were reading. now the use case requires you to take your attention away from the content and focus on several UI interactions to achieve the same goal.
That's the reason I'm unhappy that the switch is gone on my iPad Air 2 also. I never used it as a mute switch on my earlier iPads - always and only (redundant for emphasis) as an orientation lock. I thought I could live with it removed (and I am living without it) but I am not happy that the switch is gone. Otherwise I really love the iPad Air 2 and I wouldn't go back to an earlier iPad just to get the switch back but I would love to see it restored to a newer model. With the switch I could lock the orientation without changing focus on the screen. Actually the three moves versus one to lock the screen don't bother me as much as the necessity of changing focus does. JM2C
slurpy ("but I haven't met a single one in the real world. ")
You haven't met my wife who has yet to move to a 6 because it's too uncomfortable in her hand.
Reality is that people come in all sizes and Apple can well serve them with 3 iPhone sizes. Most important is that many of these people with small sized hands will be wanting the top of the line iPhone - not the plastic version. Why would Apple limit the revenue potential of the 4" by going plastic instead of a real 6S?
Price it at the same level as the 4.7 inch screen version but put more memory in the base model to compensate for the smaller screen and graphics processor. Why does it have to be cheaper?
AH!!!! Good point - I would be glad (maybe not the best word; "ok") to pay the same (maybe a little less, $) for the smaller!
My wife has a 4s and loves the size. When I got my 6 plus she stated that it was way too big for her. Our son just recently got his 6, and she held it for a bit, and said that the 6 would work for her just fine. We'll be upgrading her soon, but I may wait until the 6s for her, if her 4s holds out. She initially said that she wouldn't even upgrade to the 5 or 5s when I had mine because of the bigger size, but holding the 6 changed her mind. You really need to make the decision of what works best for you, but don't discount the slightly larger 6 until you've actually had one for a bit. I do understand that the 6 plus is definitely not for everyone, but I have large hands for my size, and the 6 plus fits perfectly.
Why not make it 3.5 inches? The iPhone 4s is a great size; imagine it sleeker with updated circuitry. Being the only phone maker with a high end compact device would help distinguish the lineup from the bevy of big screen barges. It could be the start of a revolution.
I agree. The 3.5 inch phone has much better proportions. The 4 inch phone looks stretched in comparison.
Oh, and Apple should call it the "iPhone mini". "Six C" sounds horrible.
LOL. I dunno. Depends where you're standing. In German "Six C" is spoken "Sechs see" for the anglophone majority that's indistinguishable from "sexy".
And in German, the "O" stands for Orgasm. But I suspect that you knew that when you chose your Nick on AI.
Regardless of size I hope Apple moves the power button back to the top. Having it on the side, exactly where I hold the phone when I'm taking landscape photos, is a pain in the butt. There's nothing quite as irritating as whipping out your phone to take a picture, swiping up on the camera icon on the login screen while in portrait mode, simultaneously raising the phone while rotating to landscape mode, and WHAM - just as the phone reaches eye level your hear the bummer "click" that tells you the phone is off. Geezus....
Could Apple have not tested this scenario while they were contemplating moving the button from the top to the side? Maybe on the smaller iPhone 6 it's not a problem but with the 6+ you're going to want to keep both hands on the phone while taking landscape pictures. Apple optimized the placement of the power button to perfectly cause the irritating behavior I've described.
The fact that the 6+ takes such beautiful pictures eases the pain somewhat but I've missed more than a few candid shots because of the poor button placement.
The 4 inch iPhone is an abomination. It was a haphazard response to the large screen phenomenon while attempting to maintain one-handed dexterity. The answer was not to split the baby, but to create an entirely new class of device as Apple finally did with iPhone 6. While these newer phones are indeed solid choices, they in no way diminish the viability of the original 3.5 inch model. If Apple were to truly think different, this is the path they would choose.
The strong sales of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus would appear to back your conclusion up, but as an iPhone 6 user, I have found it is definitely unwieldy to use single-handedly. I would chose the 5s form factor if it was feature complete with the current gen iPhone 6.
I'm so happy that useless mute switch is gone. So un-Apple like to have a near useless hardware button.
Mute switch is still welcome and need for many. I am sure it can be replaced by software function to flip on and off quick when muting is needed in meeting, church, class, etc places.
They can incorporate it into the volume buttons, like so:
It might be better sliding the lower button up to mute but it depends on which way round it is in the pocket. I assume people would generally have it upwards so pushing a button down in the pocket would be easier. That would still give you a visual indicator and allow you to use the shutter button while it was in mute and for people who never use mute, they'd never see it. Another route could be press-hold lower volume and the button can lock into a pressed-in state. This would force people to tap multiple times to lower the volume but there's not many steps.
They could then put the power button over on the same side to prevent people pressing it accidentally and move the sim slot up to prevent weakening the structure.
Concerning the size, I don't like the idea of having too many sizes. I think small and large would be ok. With an edge-to-edge design like the following:
[VIDEO]
they could fit a 4.3-4.4" into the 5S form factor. They could then make a larger 5" model. The current 4.7" buyer would split one way or the other, not all current 5.5" buyers would like dropping to 5" but 5" is still a big phone.
I'm so happy that useless mute switch is gone. So un-Apple like to have a near useless hardware button.
Mute switch is still welcome and need for many. I am sure it can be replaced by software function to flip on and off quick when muting is needed in meeting, church, class, etc places.
They can incorporate it into the volume buttons, like so:
It might be better sliding the lower button up to mute but it depends on which way round it is in the pocket. I assume people would generally have it upwards so pushing a button down in the pocket would be easier. That would still give you a visual indicator and allow you to use the shutter button while it was in mute and for people who never use mute, they'd never see it. Another route could be press-hold lower volume and the button can lock into a pressed-in state. This would force people to tap multiple times to lower the volume but there's not many steps.
They could then put the power button over on the same side to prevent people pressing it accidentally and move the sim slot up to prevent weakening the structure.
Concerning the size, I don't like the idea of having too many sizes. I think small and large would be ok. With an edge-to-edge design like the following:
[VIDEO]
they could fit a 4.3-4.4" into the 5S form factor. They could then make a larger 5" model. The current 4.7" buyer would split one way or the other, not all current 5.5" buyers would like dropping to 5" but 5" is still a big phone.
I liked the 5c plastic models. I didn't buy one personally but I thought they were cool when I saw them while out and about. Seemed to cater to college students and artistic types.
Speaking of names -- "C" is for "compact". The 6C will be smaller than the 6S. But not necessarily made out of plastic.
I truly expect Apple to transplant the 5S into the 5C case, for the "5SC" so that every phone in the lineup has touch ID. So I seriously doubt that they would offer another phone with the same sized screen, or larger, for more money in a plastic case. Plastic is free, $100 gets you a compact aluminum iPhone. $200 gets you the latest technology and a bigger screen.
Why not? We've got two 5c's here and the plastic case has been completely without issue. Stiff, no scratches or dings, no problems at all. Might could do with a black color option, but that's about it.
Good point. And there will be people who will buy an iPhone and matching Sport watch. Maybe we'll finally see an update of colors, dropping yellow for black to unify the entire product line. I'd love to know which were the biggest sellers by color.
Why does Mercedez only offer the best options on their S class cars and not on the smaller C class cars?
A lot of what's offered in the S class can be had in a fully loaded C Class no? Or a C AMG. I'd pay (more than US $549) for a high end 4" -er! Much like I'd pay for an M3 (not an M4! ) instead of an M5, AMG C Class instead of an AMG E Class, RS 4 instead of an RS 6, etc. (Clearly, I love sedans! )
Just accept that yes, there are trolls, but then there is also a (good/substantial) set of people (who love Apple hardware) w or w/o small hands who prefer the 4" and that 4" isn't a "bad" size to keep around. There was a time when Apple wasn't going to do large phones right? Now all of a sudden, only large phones are options...
If Apple stopped making 4" phones, I again would be sad, but I'd live on with what ever new device they released. #FirstWorldProblems ?
I don't think Apple would spend $$$ on developing a third tier version after the 6/6+. I see them perhaps re-casing the 5S with a better cam but not put the rest of the internals on par with the 6 or 7.
Comments
I look at the iPhone 3G, which I now use as a remote control and wonder how I ever got by with such a small screen, even though I found the phone miraculous when I first purchased it.
The difference between Apple's current smallest phone, the 5s, and the 6 is only a third of an inch in width and .57" in height. I don't get why this is such a big deal. In return you get another 1.5" in diagonal screen space. Personally, I'd never go back to a smaller screen. I can understand resistance to the 6 Plus because there would be some pockets that phone couldn't fit into.
Eventually, I think Apple will find a way to use the entire front surface as a screen. Then we'll get an even larger screen size in the same sized phone as today or we'll get the same screen size in a smaller phone.
Most of my family have iphone 5S's or 6's. The ones who have the 6 and the others who don't who have held it to try it out all agree the 6 is slightly too big. I'm in the boat where I'm not a fan of the size but want the new features, so I'd probably end up getting the next one regardless. I like the size of the 5. Somewhere around 4-4.2 is my sweet spot.
"my man"! With you 100%
Yes, but it doesn't have to the cheap model. Cheaper perhaps than the bigger phones, but like the MacBook Pro Line the 4" device does not have to be inferior.
Price it at the same level as the 4.7 inch screen version but put more memory in the base model to compensate for the smaller screen and graphics processor. Why does it have to be cheaper?
Glad to see that common sense has partially returned to Apple.
What would Apple do without your "common sense" advise? No doubt they'd be lost in the woods. I also like the fact that you completely missed the fact that this is a complete rumor, not a fact, as you always do with every single story, good or bad. I lost count of how many "Cook needs to go" posts you've made based on an unsubstantiated rumor. Not that difficult to parse fact from rumor, but not shocking that you have a complete inability to do it.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that Apple would be lost in the woods without my advice; that would be the height of arrogance.
More likely, they take on board feedback from me and others like me, and plan accordingly. In this case, that means the return of an optimum-sized iPhone, which is good news for all of us.
That's the reason I'm unhappy that the switch is gone on my iPad Air 2 also. I never used it as a mute switch on my earlier iPads - always and only (redundant for emphasis) as an orientation lock. I thought I could live with it removed (and I am living without it) but I am not happy that the switch is gone. Otherwise I really love the iPad Air 2 and I wouldn't go back to an earlier iPad just to get the switch back but I would love to see it restored to a newer model. With the switch I could lock the orientation without changing focus on the screen. Actually the three moves versus one to lock the screen don't bother me as much as the necessity of changing focus does. JM2C
You haven't met my wife who has yet to move to a 6 because it's too uncomfortable in her hand.
Reality is that people come in all sizes and Apple can well serve them with 3 iPhone sizes. Most important is that many of these people with small sized hands will be wanting the top of the line iPhone - not the plastic version. Why would Apple limit the revenue potential of the 4" by going plastic instead of a real 6S?
Price it at the same level as the 4.7 inch screen version but put more memory in the base model to compensate for the smaller screen and graphics processor. Why does it have to be cheaper?
AH!!!! Good point - I would be glad (maybe not the best word; "ok") to pay the same (maybe a little less, $) for the smaller!
My wife has a 4s and loves the size. When I got my 6 plus she stated that it was way too big for her. Our son just recently got his 6, and she held it for a bit, and said that the 6 would work for her just fine. We'll be upgrading her soon, but I may wait until the 6s for her, if her 4s holds out. She initially said that she wouldn't even upgrade to the 5 or 5s when I had mine because of the bigger size, but holding the 6 changed her mind. You really need to make the decision of what works best for you, but don't discount the slightly larger 6 until you've actually had one for a bit. I do understand that the 6 plus is definitely not for everyone, but I have large hands for my size, and the 6 plus fits perfectly.
Why not make it 3.5 inches? The iPhone 4s is a great size; imagine it sleeker with updated circuitry. Being the only phone maker with a high end compact device would help distinguish the lineup from the bevy of big screen barges. It could be the start of a revolution.
I agree. The 3.5 inch phone has much better proportions. The 4 inch phone looks stretched in comparison.
Oh, and Apple should call it the "iPhone mini". "Six C" sounds horrible.
LOL. I dunno. Depends where you're standing. In German "Six C" is spoken "Sechs see" for the anglophone majority that's indistinguishable from "sexy".
And in German, the "O" stands for Orgasm. But I suspect that you knew that when you chose your Nick on AI.
Could Apple have not tested this scenario while they were contemplating moving the button from the top to the side? Maybe on the smaller iPhone 6 it's not a problem but with the 6+ you're going to want to keep both hands on the phone while taking landscape pictures. Apple optimized the placement of the power button to perfectly cause the irritating behavior I've described.
The fact that the 6+ takes such beautiful pictures eases the pain somewhat but I've missed more than a few candid shots because of the poor button placement.
Please fix it!
The strong sales of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus would appear to back your conclusion up, but as an iPhone 6 user, I have found it is definitely unwieldy to use single-handedly. I would chose the 5s form factor if it was feature complete with the current gen iPhone 6.
They can incorporate it into the volume buttons, like so:
It might be better sliding the lower button up to mute but it depends on which way round it is in the pocket. I assume people would generally have it upwards so pushing a button down in the pocket would be easier. That would still give you a visual indicator and allow you to use the shutter button while it was in mute and for people who never use mute, they'd never see it. Another route could be press-hold lower volume and the button can lock into a pressed-in state. This would force people to tap multiple times to lower the volume but there's not many steps.
They could then put the power button over on the same side to prevent people pressing it accidentally and move the sim slot up to prevent weakening the structure.
Concerning the size, I don't like the idea of having too many sizes. I think small and large would be ok. With an edge-to-edge design like the following:
[VIDEO]
they could fit a 4.3-4.4" into the 5S form factor. They could then make a larger 5" model. The current 4.7" buyer would split one way or the other, not all current 5.5" buyers would like dropping to 5" but 5" is still a big phone.
That sounds like a good plan.
iPhone 6C sounds like iPhone Sexy
iPhone 6S sounds like iPhone Success
iPhone 6S Plus sounds like iPhone Success Plus
Hopefully these names live up!
Speaking of names -- "C" is for "compact". The 6C will be smaller than the 6S. But not necessarily made out of plastic.
I truly expect Apple to transplant the 5S into the 5C case, for the "5SC" so that every phone in the lineup has touch ID. So I seriously doubt that they would offer another phone with the same sized screen, or larger, for more money in a plastic case. Plastic is free, $100 gets you a compact aluminum iPhone. $200 gets you the latest technology and a bigger screen.
Why not? We've got two 5c's here and the plastic case has been completely without issue. Stiff, no scratches or dings, no problems at all. Might could do with a black color option, but that's about it.
Good point. And there will be people who will buy an iPhone and matching Sport watch. Maybe we'll finally see an update of colors, dropping yellow for black to unify the entire product line. I'd love to know which were the biggest sellers by color.
Why does Mercedez only offer the best options on their S class cars and not on the smaller C class cars?
A lot of what's offered in the S class can be had in a fully loaded C Class no? Or a C AMG. I'd pay (more than US $549) for a high end 4" -er! Much like I'd pay for an M3 (not an M4!
) instead of an M5, AMG C Class instead of an AMG E Class, RS 4 instead of an RS 6, etc. (Clearly, I love sedans! 
)
Just accept that yes, there are trolls, but then there is also a (good/substantial) set of people (who love Apple hardware) w or w/o small hands who prefer the 4" and that 4" isn't a "bad" size to keep around. There was a time when Apple wasn't going to do large phones right? Now all of a sudden, only large phones are options...
If Apple stopped making 4" phones, I again would be sad, but I'd live on with what ever new device they released. #FirstWorldProblems ?