Removing the bezels and Home button so it can look like every other Android phone out there? No.
And...do people here not understand aspect ratios? The iPhone has almost no side bezel as it is. You can't just remove the top and bottom bezels and add more screen. You'd still have to make the phone WIDER in order to make the screen itself any taller. And no one wants them to be any wider than they are.
Aspect ratios are irrelevant: Apple made e.g. 16:10 sceens despite 16:9 being "standard": iPad screens are not 16:9, either. So if Apple gets rid of the home button and makes an edge to edge screen in a same sized phone, the might make an 17:9 or 18:9 screen. Apple also for the longest time had screen resolutions that have nothing to do with "standard resolution", but that bothers only a few people, none of which are decision makers at Apple.
Wrong! Non-standard resolutions still retain same aspect ratio (16:9 for 5, 6, 6+...and 3:2 for previous generations). iPad intended use is different since it targets standard/office legal ratio...(4:3).
If the rumor is true, it's possible Apple realizes that it's iPad business is pretty much ruined thanks to the rapid proliferation of cheap Android and Windows tablets. Apple may as well roll its iPad business into the iPhone business which Wall Street regards so highly. Of course, that will only help foster the notion that Apple truly is the one-trick iPhone pony company that Wall Street considers it to be. Nothing else Apple has in terms of unit sales will change that belief anyway. I don't concern myself about Apple rumors. If it happens, it happens. It seems like a harmless enough rumor. Far less worse than the constant supply channel checks.
Actually, the iPad business has been ruined because everyone who wants an iPad has already got one, and there's no reason to upgrade because the iPad they have is so damn good.
Just to warn folk: off-topic gripe coming up
I've just taken delivery of a brand new Windows laptop. This machine will only be used for testing, so it'll see very little use in comparison to my old Macbook (late 2008).
In the seven years I've been hammering the old Macbook, I've worn out THREE Windows machines which didn't get nearly as much use.
Now, a lot of people complain about Apple using older, less powerful, components on their relatively expensive machines (yes, they are more expensive – sorry). That is a fair comment, but before replacing my last Windows laptop, I wondered if there was more to this than simple price-gouging. Apple's designs to a fine balance, and I think they may be favouring longevity over outright performance. In my experience, high end graphics card seem to be less reliable. Probably because they run hotter than the sun, I don't know…
Where was I?
Yes, Wall Street would prefer Apple to make devices that wore out or become obsolete at the same rate as the competition. Apple tends to listen to its customers needs over the baying of Wall Street analysts and the armchair CEOs who huddle in forums wailing about how Apple can only survive if they produce a machine just for them (eight top of the line graphics card built in, 10 yottabytes of RAM – and if I can't have it for $299 then NO SALE!).
As many have observed, and AI apparently as not, it's quite possible to gain 0.3" of display without making the phone bigger by shrinking the bezel. It's absurd to declare something absurd without due consideration.
Apple has the money and resources to support 4 form factors. Hell Samsung has been supporting 10+ for years.
And how has that been working out for them? Profit-wise I mean?
You can't spend half your life running down Samsung's business model then turn around and hold it up as a shining example of how things should be done, just because it suits your argument.
If there is anything to this rumour then I suspect Apple will simply increase the size of the screen on the 'plus' model, rather than introduce a whole new line for a screen that is only slightly bigger.
As many have observed, and AI apparently as not, it's quite possible to gain 0.3" of display without making the phone bigger by shrinking the bezel. It's absurd to declare something absurd without due consideration.
It's absurd because the screen size is ridiculous while 5.5" is around. Why would Apple want to increase a stupid .3" screen by reducing bezels instead of keeping the same screen size but smaller form? Increasing .3" screen adds little to no benefit while costing developers a lot to resize the damn apps!
People have been saying this about developers since when the screen was 3.5 inches. Fuck those developers who don't update to whatever the screen size is. Who cares? They will adapt or die and someone else will come along and replace them.
Removing the bezels and Home button so it can look like every other Android phone out there? No.
And...do people here not understand aspect ratios? The iPhone has almost no side bezel as it is. You can't just remove the top and bottom bezels and add more screen. You'd still have to make the phone WIDER in order to make the screen itself any taller. And no one wants them to be any wider than they are.
No need to make it wider. The bezels are huge compared all high end phones now.
Rather than build bigger iPhones, I would like to see the ability to make/receive phone calls using wireless ear buds on iPads and iPhones (as well as Mac's at home). Heck I can use my Apple Watch as a phone, but it is inconvenient and looks dorky. So the technology is there. Why should I carry a phone when I have a perfectly good iPad in my backpack or briefcase that could perform the function of initiating phone functions when pairs to wireless earbuds?
Wireless earbuds are the worst idea ever. Assuming a reasonable battery could be made for such a thing, you're effectively sending wireless signals through your head. Like the concept of a wireless headset in itself is a bad idea.
Like it makes far more sense to attach an iPod Nano to a DJ style headset than it does to use one with an iPhone. The original 3.5" iPhones were the right size to be a phone and music player. Current models are too large to be used in this way.
Comments
Actually, the iPad business has been ruined because everyone who wants an iPad has already got one, and there's no reason to upgrade because the iPad they have is so damn good.
Just to warn folk: off-topic gripe coming up
I've just taken delivery of a brand new Windows laptop. This machine will only be used for testing, so it'll see very little use in comparison to my old Macbook (late 2008).
In the seven years I've been hammering the old Macbook, I've worn out THREE Windows machines which didn't get nearly as much use.
Now, a lot of people complain about Apple using older, less powerful, components on their relatively expensive machines (yes, they are more expensive – sorry). That is a fair comment, but before replacing my last Windows laptop, I wondered if there was more to this than simple price-gouging. Apple's designs to a fine balance, and I think they may be favouring longevity over outright performance. In my experience, high end graphics card seem to be less reliable. Probably because they run hotter than the sun, I don't know…
Where was I?
Yes, Wall Street would prefer Apple to make devices that wore out or become obsolete at the same rate as the competition. Apple tends to listen to its customers needs over the baying of Wall Street analysts and the armchair CEOs who huddle in forums wailing about how Apple can only survive if they produce a machine just for them (eight top of the line graphics card built in, 10 yottabytes of RAM – and if I can't have it for $299 then NO SALE!).
Pretty much my first thought.
And how has that been working out for them? Profit-wise I mean?
You can't spend half your life running down Samsung's business model then turn around and hold it up as a shining example of how things should be done, just because it suits your argument.
If there is anything to this rumour then I suspect Apple will simply increase the size of the screen on the 'plus' model, rather than introduce a whole new line for a screen that is only slightly bigger.
No need to make it wider. The bezels are huge compared all high end phones now.
Like it makes far more sense to attach an iPod Nano to a DJ style headset than it does to use one with an iPhone. The original 3.5" iPhones were the right size to be a phone and music player. Current models are too large to be used in this way.