As 'iPhone 6c' rumors heat up, 20% of US consumers say they prefer 4-inch smartphones
A new survey of U.S. smartphone users has revealed that 20 percent of consumers prefer a smaller handset in the 4-inch range, potentially signaling the market size for a refreshed entry-level iPhone from Apple.
Responding to the recent flurry of rumors suggesting Apple is working on a revamped 4-inch handset, investment firm Piper Jaffray polled 1,077 U.S. consumers to find out their preferred screen size. Of those surveyed. 20.3 percent said they prefer a 4-inch handset, which is the size of Apple's current iPhone 5s.
Larger screened offerings proved more popular in the poll --?31.2 percent said Apple's 4.7-inch form factor found in the iPhone 6s is ideal, while 27.2 percent said they prefer the larger 5.5-inch size of the iPhone 6s Plus. The remaining 21.2 percent said they would like a different screen size outside of 4, 4.7 and 5.5 inches.
To analyst Gene Munster, the poll suggests that a new 4-inch iPhone won't have a major effect on Apple's sales. He predicts that most consumers will find that they prefer the larger screen sizes once they become accustomed to them.
"We believe that part of the reason that over 20% of smartphone users still say they prefer a 4" screen size is they still have older model iPhones," Munster wrote. "When they upgrade to a 4.7" screen with an only slightly bigger footprint in the pocket, we expect those users would be converts to the larger screen size."
Munster predicts that a new 4-inch iPhone would be Apple's low-end model, priced at $450 off-contract, and replacing the outgoing iPhone 5s at that size and price. He expects that the so-called "iPhone 6c" will feature Touch ID and Apple Pay, but will not have 3D Touch input.
By recycling old components found in previous-generation iPhone models, he believes the company will be able to maintain its current high margins on a new iPhone model.
Most of Munster's predictions align with current rumors, except for timing. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple could launch a new 4-inch iPhone in early 2016, but Munster doesn't believe that the company would launch a new handset so soon.
"If a 6C does launch, it seems more likely to come out with the iPhone 7 in fall 2016 rather than in early 2016," Munster said. "Further, we believe a smaller iPhone would not seem to have enough clout to carry a special event by itself, thus if it were to launch in early 2016, we believe it would have to happen in conjunction with the new Apple Watch, as that seems to be the spring event moving forward."
Responding to the recent flurry of rumors suggesting Apple is working on a revamped 4-inch handset, investment firm Piper Jaffray polled 1,077 U.S. consumers to find out their preferred screen size. Of those surveyed. 20.3 percent said they prefer a 4-inch handset, which is the size of Apple's current iPhone 5s.
Larger screened offerings proved more popular in the poll --?31.2 percent said Apple's 4.7-inch form factor found in the iPhone 6s is ideal, while 27.2 percent said they prefer the larger 5.5-inch size of the iPhone 6s Plus. The remaining 21.2 percent said they would like a different screen size outside of 4, 4.7 and 5.5 inches.
To analyst Gene Munster, the poll suggests that a new 4-inch iPhone won't have a major effect on Apple's sales. He predicts that most consumers will find that they prefer the larger screen sizes once they become accustomed to them.
"We believe that part of the reason that over 20% of smartphone users still say they prefer a 4" screen size is they still have older model iPhones," Munster wrote. "When they upgrade to a 4.7" screen with an only slightly bigger footprint in the pocket, we expect those users would be converts to the larger screen size."
Munster predicts that a new 4-inch iPhone would be Apple's low-end model, priced at $450 off-contract, and replacing the outgoing iPhone 5s at that size and price. He expects that the so-called "iPhone 6c" will feature Touch ID and Apple Pay, but will not have 3D Touch input.
By recycling old components found in previous-generation iPhone models, he believes the company will be able to maintain its current high margins on a new iPhone model.
Most of Munster's predictions align with current rumors, except for timing. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple could launch a new 4-inch iPhone in early 2016, but Munster doesn't believe that the company would launch a new handset so soon.
"If a 6C does launch, it seems more likely to come out with the iPhone 7 in fall 2016 rather than in early 2016," Munster said. "Further, we believe a smaller iPhone would not seem to have enough clout to carry a special event by itself, thus if it were to launch in early 2016, we believe it would have to happen in conjunction with the new Apple Watch, as that seems to be the spring event moving forward."
Comments
(I personally am in that second category)
I'm thinking about going to the 6S+ b/c I have the watch as well, but I don't think it's a pocket phone anymore.
But to the person above. The iPhone 6's thinness was no accident. Neither was their release of larger phones. Apple didn't wanna release a larger phone until it can be this slim.
They could have released a bigger phone 4 years ago but they knew a big bulky phone like the Note was a bad idea. The technology wasn't ready yet. When I saw the thinness of the 6 it all made sense to me.
I do not like this study because if Apple is developing a smaller phone, the competition will just rush something out. This study fuels the fire and you can bet Sammy and company are keeping a close eye. Right now there's no new small phones on the market.
This is an obvious open market that Apple can take all by itself.
A mid cycle "C" iPhone would disrupt the market and give the competition zero breathing room as they're constantly bombarded with new iPhones and iPhone hype.
I have really big hands yet the 6 feels just a tad too big even for my huge mits.
A smaller phone would be great for when I replace the 6 and I have to give the 5s back for a crappy Lumina Yuk!
If they come out with a smaller phone that otherwise has all of the same power and features as the larger models, it would be a tough decision for me: slightly easier readability and typing vs. better portability and easy one-handed use.
With this, it will get the latest tech like VOLTE, ApplePay, VOWiFi, more LTE bands for seamless roaming, faster processor and possibly more RAM, better camera..etc..etc
i want my phone to unobtrusively fit in my pocket.
i may have second thoughts when presbyopia sets in, but for now i want small.
Trade-offs.
4"
4.7
5.5
8
10
12
I think Apple has all the sizes covered. I moved from a 4s to a 6s, and it was like 32" SD to 47" 1080P smartTV.
64bit, M7, TouchID, Apple Pay, Watch integration, strong LTE (always connected)... that's the baseline stuff. The rest is just edge case candy.
https://youtu.be/GbL39Vald9E
I wonder if Apple would make the iPhone even smaller, something in between 3.5 inch and 4 inch.
(it fit in my Levis jacket breast pocket perfectly)
If I could only have a single device, the 6s would be the best choice. But many people have multiple devices. In that case, I'd prefer that the one device I will always have on me, my phone, be as portable as possible. I participate in many activities where carrying a 6+ would be completely absurd.
As far as suggestions: "buy screen protector and case", do you buy slick and nice iPhone then to get any of those ugly protection means to put on it and to make it ugly and bulky?
iPhone 6 is better for many people (bigger keyboard and fonts so you do not need to have small and precise fingertips to type) so it is more practical for e-mails as communication means than 5S, but it is last model that fits most of shirt pockets without any case or protectors.
So be practical when you talk about sizes. It is not abstract subject. Not everybody treats it as hand gadget to walk with and many treat it as just a tool that has to be carried somewhere in pocket where it may meet even things like home or car keys.