The idea of Apple launching an iPhone larger than its present day siblings before the WWDC event seemed quite remote given Apple’s bias for the iPhone being a one hand held gadget. That changed post WWDC. That was where Apple launched its iOS 7. Now that the new OS has gesture support features in it, Apple would sure change its stand on the one hand held compulsion to a semi one hand held one. An iPhone with a 4.8 inch display can now be expected.
Just a swipe is all that is required by the user to return to a previous position of the screen or application. By swiping, for example, a user can get back to the settings page though there is a button at the top left of the screen for the same job. Android phones have the swipe feature for unlocking the screen where a user needs to only swipe left to right for unlocking. The new OS from Apple also introduces this feature for its gadgets running the OS.
There is an issue when typing with one hand on gadgets with large screen. This has been experienced by users of the 5 inch display based Samsung Galaxy S4. To cater for this aspect Apple once again resorts to the swipe action in the message app, where this action would take the user from one conversation to another. Moving between messages and contact also would be possible with swipe actions.
There are some apps which reside at the control center and needs frequent access. The new OS features the swipe action to get to these apps like the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or flashlight and setting volume of the music player.
When it comes to the browser of the iPhone — the Safari — the iOS7 would give carousel tab view which makes it convenient to work with in single hand mode. Some important buttons have also been relocated at the bottom of the screen which makes for easier access.
There are millions of users who would vouch for the 4 inch or 3.5 inch display of the present and old iPhone given their ease of reach with a single hand operation. But there is the new emerging fact that users like the big screen as the Phone has turned into an all in one device. To watch movies etc is also a common task being performed on the phone and there a larger screen is better.
Apple may therefore decide on the iPhone 6 having larger screen that is based on retina technology as that would be the winning and demanding mix.