This is the thing with that - I agree totally with what you are saying. There is no doubt that smartphones like the Samsung Note and Galaxy SIII are hot. They are offering bigger screens, stylus, etc. The people at Apple are not stupid - they have to be seeing this trend. But at the same time, is making the iPhone look similar to the prior versions part of the plan? To keep the brand recognition there? Think about it - all iPads and iPhones look very much the same. There might be something to that.
I don't think Apple would ever come out with two models of iPhones, but if they did, I think it would satisfy those looking for the bigger screens. One iPhone with the "Job's" form factor, and another bigger iPhone/iPhablet. Maybe that is really what the rumors are about the iPad Mini - maybe its just a really big iPhone model.
It will certainly be interesting come release time. I know many were disappointed with the 4S when it was released. I do hope Apple can "wow" us again, but I do agree that from all the leaks I've seen so far, it's more like 'meh.
It's a fair point and I guess we won't really know until it drops, but it's fun to speculate all the same. If we look historically we had the first phone. Then a radical design change to iPhone 3G that then stayed another year to iPhone 3GS. Then another radical change to iPhone 4 and as per history they stuck with it again for another year with the iPhone 4s. A bold move given the march of android.
Logically then if they follow pattern, the iPhone 5 should be a big redesign which they will continue for an additional year with an iphone 5s version.
Of course this pattern is by no means a rule, Apple may redesign for 5 and then redesign again for 6 who knows but I'm almost certain they will shake it up this time around.
Let's wait and see. I must admit after having a 4 for two years, and now a 4s (all be it in a different colour) by the time I'm ready for early upgrade to a 5?I will have been rocking the same physical design for 3 years!
I know some people say if it ain't broke don't fix it - but if that were true we would all have old stool car shapes! Things evolve and in tech they evolve faster than ever. If it follows 4 and 4s again and i upgrade it will mean I will have had the same design for 5 years! That's just unacceptable to me and I'm betting to the millions of others in my position.
I like your idea on two new models though. Almost like an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 5 pro, one as a slight tweak the other more radical. This could work and would be an interesting change of tactic.
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