New iPhone with bigger display predicted to be a major success in China
With reports continuing to claim Apple is experimenting with screen sizes as large as 6 inches for a future iPhone model, one analyst has noted that jumbo-sized smartphones are currently in high demand in the world's biggest market: China.
Brian White of Cantor Fitzgerald issued a note to investors on Friday in response to a new report that claimed Apple has been toying with screen sizes measuring up to 6 inches diagonally for future iPhones. The company is said to have become particularly interested in the 4.8-inch screen size.
White believes Apple will release a larger iPhone next year. He believes Apple will stick around the 5-inch range, as anything bigger would be "more like an 'iPhad' than an iPhone," he said.
The analyst has taken numerous trips to China over the last 18 months, during which he's noticed that consumers in that country have increasingly been preferring smartphones with larger displays. Though he has in the past called some of the more jumbo-sized handsets at 6 inches or more "embarrassingly large," White believes an iPhone approaching 5 inches would help Apple gain traction with new customers.
According to White, especially large smartphones are viewed as something of a fashion statement in China. Users there also feel that a bigger screen helps them consolidate devices, having less of a need for a separate tablet or computer.
Next week, Apple is expected to introduce a more affordable iPhone model with a plastic back in a range of colors ??something that is expected to have considerable appeal in developing markets like China.
White believes Apple's so-called "iPhone 5C" will help the company gain market share in China, but that a larger iPhone is also needed. He noted that total revenue in greater China fell 14 percent year over year in the third quarter of the company's fiscal year 2013.
China is the largest smartphone market in the world, representing about a third of annual shipments. White estimates that 3G users in China will grow by 78 percent this year to 415 million.
Cantor Fitzgerald has maintained its "buy" rating for AAPL stock, with a price target of $777.
Brian White of Cantor Fitzgerald issued a note to investors on Friday in response to a new report that claimed Apple has been toying with screen sizes measuring up to 6 inches diagonally for future iPhones. The company is said to have become particularly interested in the 4.8-inch screen size.
White believes Apple will release a larger iPhone next year. He believes Apple will stick around the 5-inch range, as anything bigger would be "more like an 'iPhad' than an iPhone," he said.
The analyst has taken numerous trips to China over the last 18 months, during which he's noticed that consumers in that country have increasingly been preferring smartphones with larger displays. Though he has in the past called some of the more jumbo-sized handsets at 6 inches or more "embarrassingly large," White believes an iPhone approaching 5 inches would help Apple gain traction with new customers.
According to White, especially large smartphones are viewed as something of a fashion statement in China. Users there also feel that a bigger screen helps them consolidate devices, having less of a need for a separate tablet or computer.
Next week, Apple is expected to introduce a more affordable iPhone model with a plastic back in a range of colors ??something that is expected to have considerable appeal in developing markets like China.
White believes Apple's so-called "iPhone 5C" will help the company gain market share in China, but that a larger iPhone is also needed. He noted that total revenue in greater China fell 14 percent year over year in the third quarter of the company's fiscal year 2013.
China is the largest smartphone market in the world, representing about a third of annual shipments. White estimates that 3G users in China will grow by 78 percent this year to 415 million.
Cantor Fitzgerald has maintained its "buy" rating for AAPL stock, with a price target of $777.
Comments
When Apple makes a 5" display I will have to change my name from Ex iPhone Owner to Current iPhone Owner
I wonder what the average selling price of these larger screened phones is in China. Are they buying high priced models or lower-cost Chinese models?
Fwiw, battery life is stellar!
Pretty much confirms that larger sized phones are the most popular with people who don't already own a tablet. It's a bridge device, i.e., an acceptable compromise for some consumers in the short term.
It's about time Apple plays catch up. Many consumers prefer a larger screen and Apple needs to change their mindset and stop using "trade offs" as a foolish excuse. These are more video consuming devices vs. phones so let's go.
I'd prefer a larger screen as well, but the current trade off of a shitty Android experience is a giant deal breaker. My Nexus 7 has the latest shiney Android OS, and it seems to be getting worse with each interation (not to mention Google real made a mess of the YouTube app).
I think this is becoming a vocal majority - Apple needs a larger-screened iPhone, and SOON. My iPhone 5 is fine, but I'd love an iPhone with more a spacious keyboard in portrait. I hate typing in landscape. That's way too much, even using two thumbs.
I'll continue to buy iPhones, because that's what I prefer, but I really, REALLY want a larger screen.
iPhone with yet smaller display predicted to be a huge hit in Denmark!
is this really an article? Big screen predicted hit. Bigger screen not so hit. But even bigger screen can be a huge hit.
What is this?
My eyes are to the point where I'd be happier with a slightly bigger display. If Apple wants to keep it a one hand device I'd say cluster controls in a lower corner in reach of a thumb. There is a certain size where the phone is comical, and I think I'd rather see a 3:2 ratio return, or maybe the 4:3 screen but that's just my preference.
If I had 297 un opened emails like the phone in the photo, I'd prolly wait until I was home and use my iMac to go through them..
I personally would not get a mobile phone any larger than my iPhone 5.
However, for a desktop/counter/wall phone, I can see even a larger format, e.g., ~7" X 10".
In fact, I set up my old first generation iPad as an additional display for my Macbook Pro using the "DisplayPad" app, and with Skype to make international phone calls.
I intend to get my wife the new iPad2 mini and use her current mini as a desktop video-phone. As such, I can see the use of a "Mobile iPad [B]macro[/B]". But certainly, not one that I would want to put it up to my ear to use.
For some maybe, but for most it's more a matter of what's the biggest size that is still useable. I know trying to surf the web on my pre iPhone devices seemed ok until going back to them later and realising how awkward it was.
iOS has proved popular on both iPad sizes, and for myself and others I know when we get home the iPad is used in preference to the phone, just because of the bigger screen area, and I don't think that would change with a bigger phone.
I think change of screen size comes down to what is the most functional for iPhone.
It's got to fit in pockets easily, be held in one hand for phone calls, and I guess the major difference with iPhone v iPad is the ability for quick 1 handed use.
There's got to be a max size for carrying it around - a phablet might fit in a suit jacket pocket, but is too big for the front pocket of your jeans?
Phones similar size to the S4 do fit in the front pocket, but without much room to spare, and only really because of the thinness of phones these days - put a solid case on it and it becomes too bulky & noticeable.
For me it comes down to what is the biggest screen that I can take out and about - I'd be happy with a bigger size iPhone, and I think when it is eventually offered then many here who ridicule people for wanting a bigger screen will relax because it won't be an iPhone vs android thing any more , it'll just be choose what suits you best.