01-06-2013, 10:04 PM | #1 |
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Would Apple really make an iPhone mini?
Apple has overtaken LG as the #2 phone maker, but Samsung is still ahead. Samsung has a myriad of devices covering a wide range of customers while Apple has the iPhone a very high end expensive device.
The goal is to compete, and the question is how. Would Apple really make an iPhone mini? By Will Shanklin January 5, 2013 "For the last couple of years, analysts have waxed poetic about an iPhone mini. The logic is that Android's dominance of budget and emerging markets will "force" Apple to release the mythical budget iPhone. Is there anything to this, or is it just a bunch of hot air? On the surface, an iPhone mini looks like a no-brainer. The iPod mini, Mac mini, and iPad mini were all cheaper – and successful – versions of iconic Apple products. From a business perspective, each of these minis lowered the entry fee for its product line. But from a consumer perspective, they each added something else: The iPod mini (and, later, the iPod nano) added greater portability. Gym rats, commuters, and children loved its smaller form factor, and it went on to outsell the classic iPod. The Mac mini adds flexibility, as the only consumer Mac that isn't an all-in-one. It smooths the transition for Windows converts who already own a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The iPad mini adds portability and comfort. It's much lighter and easier to hold than the 9.7-inch iPad, which it is likely outselling (possibly by a large margin)." More |
01-06-2013, 10:06 PM | #2 |
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isn't the Iphone already a mini, compared to nearly all Android phones
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01-06-2013, 10:08 PM | #3 |
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Why?
Surely the iPhone does not need a smaller form factor than the 4S or even 5? I would be more worried about this Last edited by sabredog; 01-06-2013 at 10:10 PM. |
01-06-2013, 10:35 PM | #4 |
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iPhone mini: for people with very, very small fingers. Um, seriously there is already such a thing, it is called an iPod touch.
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01-06-2013, 11:16 PM | #5 |
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It's hard to tell what Apple needs to do in order to maintain its position in the market. If they don't address the needs of enough of the marketplace, it is possible for them to face a similar situation to the Mac in the 1990s.
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01-06-2013, 11:33 PM | #6 |
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I thought so as well... Since getting the Galaxy S2 X, everything else seems too small. Tried to read something on the iPod touch and it just seems like I have to strain my eyes a bit because of the smaller size.
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01-06-2013, 11:45 PM | #7 |
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An iPhone with a 3.5 inch screen would be nice. I can see that taking over top spot from Samsung
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01-07-2013, 01:22 AM | #8 |
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01-07-2013, 01:37 AM | #9 |
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They went to 4" due to market pressure (and at 4", the iphone 5 has a small screen by today's standards, and lowly resolution when you consider we are getting now 1080p screens). I can't see them going back to pre-iphone 5 screens; if you want 3.5", you might as well get an iphone 4s.
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01-07-2013, 02:15 AM | #10 |
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01-07-2013, 02:16 AM | #11 |
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01-07-2013, 02:32 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
Keep in mind, people have different expectations for their phones. Some people may demand 1080p. Other people may just want something to make phone calls with. Most people will be somewhere in between. |
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01-07-2013, 10:32 AM | #13 | |
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Quote:
Apple will need to produce an iPhone that sells unsubsidized in the $250-$350 range. |
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01-07-2013, 11:00 AM | #14 |
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I could see them releasing a phone version of the iPod Nano (iPhone Nano?).
Alongside the current iPhone line, not replacing it. The same thing happens with cars, over time a model gradually becomes bigger and bigger each year, until what was the smallest model in a companies line is now quite big, so they introduce a new smaller model beneath it. The iPhone has now gotten big enough that there might be room for a smaller model beneath it. |
01-07-2013, 11:23 AM | #15 |
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When I started this thread, the Gizmag article wasn't the first I saw.
When they say "mini" they don't just mean size where they could gain some savings in production costs, I think they mean also in capability. Visualize the new eiPhone for "economical" iPhone with smaller screen than the new 4" screen, MAYBE LIKE THE OLD 3.5" SCREEN, and some reduced internals. Personally, I expect to see a good camera in it so it can "sort of" replace the dedicated point and shoot cameras, GPS for driving instructions, etc. Really all they have to do is reintroduce the 3.5" or even a 3.2" iPhone and call it the new Mini. They could do like they did with the iPad mini and have less screen resolution, or they could try AMOLED. Anyway, the point would be to have a cheaper iPhone with whatever excuse they needed to compete with the Android phones AND not make their regular iPhone buyers feel over charged. Last edited by SeaKing; 01-07-2013 at 11:32 AM. |