14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s iPhone 6 is definitely a greater success than all previous models launched by the company, at least when it comes to first weekend sales.
According to Tim Cook, no less than 10 million iPhone 6 units have been sold during the first weekend, which is a new record for the Cupertino-based company.
I stated my opinion on it soon after both iPhone 6 models were officially introduced and I still think Apple’s decision to go for bigger screens for both versions of the smartphone is smart.
However, I also think Apple would have sold even more iPhone units if the company had launched a smaller iPhone 6 as well.
The largest iPhone model prior to iPhone 6 has a 4-inch display, so I think that a newer device with the same screen size but with the hardware of the latest smartphone would have scored another hit for Apple.
There are many Apple fans who did not want to upgrade to iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus because they did not like the larger display. On the 4.7-inch display, a user would not be able to reach the top of the smartphone with their thumb anymore, like it’s possible on the 4-inch displays.
“My thumb can't reach the address bar, so I want a smaller iPhone 6”
This seems to be the main concern for those who wanted to upgrade to a new iPhone model but held back due to the fact that a 4-inch iPhone 6 is not yet available.
Even though previous rumors claimed that Apple was considering a 4-inch iPhone 6, along with the already available 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions, it appears that the company either cut it from its roadmap or it simply decided to focus on the larger models.
With a 4-inch iPhone 6 launched this month, Apple would have been able to cover all size tiers and would have definitely achieved an even higher amount of sales during the first weekend, but also afterwards.
Obviously, it’s not yet too late for Apple to introduce a 4-inch iPhone 6, but if the company doesn’t consider this idea at all, then I think it would be a big mistake especially seeing how many people complain they don't want to upgrade due to the too large display.
For the moment, it seems to me that Apple wanted to cash in on the fact that lots of Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry users wanted to switch to iOS but were held back by the iPhone 5s’ too small display.
Another huge chunk of iPhone users who consider that the advantages of a bigger screen definitely outweigh the downsides immediately upgraded to either iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.
However, the other part that prefer smaller screens will probably remain on iPhone 5s or another previous version of the smartphone until Apple decides whether or not a 4-inch iPhone 6 is worth a risk.
The one-hand mode doesn't solve the problem for those who want a smaller iPhone 6
In order to make the transition smoother for iPhone users, Apple has included an one hand-mode with its iPhone 6 models, which drops the screen to the middle so that users can reach the address bar with their thumbs.
This is effective and can be enabled by quickly tapping the Touch ID button, but it doesn’t eliminate the issue of the iPhone 6 being bigger than any of the previous models.
A classic approach on the iPhone 6 would have made a lot of money for Apple, especially if the company had priced the 4-inch model much cheaper than the larger versions.
I am pretty sure Apple had a 4-inch iPhone 6 in mind at some point, but I don’t know whether or not the company is still thinking of releasing a “classic” iPhone 6 that will sport a 4-inch display. That will definitely make a lot of Apple fans happy.
What do you think about this crazy idea of a 4-inch iPhone 6? Do you think there are enough customers who would buy one to justify its release?