Apple Plans to Reduce iPad Bezel Sizes, Just Like on iPhone 15 Pro Models

[xpxp2002]

With the smaller phones available not having all the flagship features, ppl compromised on size preference in order to get those features.

Then when the smaller phones sold less, Apple said “see, I guess ppl don’t want smaller phones!” And the cycle continues

Exactly what happened. I even had those conversations with people I know -- they liked the size but wanted the better camera. Personally, having a 13 mini and 13 Pro right now, I was quite conflicted on the ProMotion display. I love the way it feels when scrolling, but it's a big compromise to carry that lead brick around just for the tele lens and better display. Over the past year and a half, the 13 mini's size and weight won out and it's what I use as my daily driver. I just bring the 13 Pro when I go to events where I'll use the telephoto lens.

If they had made a "Pro mini" by swapping out the ultrawide lens for the telephoto and put the ProMotion display in, many of us would've paid the Pro/Pro Max price for it. I'd take that any day over these 6+" models. People just want the Pro models with the best features, and they were willing to put up with the inconvenience of the Pro's size and weight for it because that was the choice.

In the premium/flagship smartphone segment, big phones will sell well no matter what because that's all you can get anymore. You can't say, "people aren't buying smaller flagships" because they haven't made one in nearly 4 years now. Arguably, the 11 Pro was the last "small-ish" flagship, though I found the iPhone 7/8 size more palatable as a good size. You either compromise by getting a now almost two-year-old 13 mini, which was already inferior to the 13 Pro as described above, or you buy a 14 Pro (or wait for the 15 Pro in a month and a half).

 

[Royksöpp]

I don’t think they need to be thin, but they could be thinner. The bezel does help with grip and accidental touches.

 

[retta283]

I also miss the wedge-design of the iPad. It felt so premium, sturdy, and exclusive.

View attachment 2239601

It may have looked cool but it was absolutely terrible to use. On a table the whole tablet rocked constantly when pressing anywhere other than dead center. You can literally spin the iPad it's that unstable. The curved edges of the iPad 2 design were much more practical.

 

[symphony]

Opt for virtual bezels

I notice when I hold my iPad Pro, my thumbs aren’t actually on the display despite it appearing to be from my point of view

 

[turbineseaplane]

Horrible trend

Tablets benefit from some bezels so you can comfortably hold them and have little to no risk of screen interactions (or blocking content)

 

[lars666]

Why do you all need bezels? I hold my iPad with a hand on the back and/or the side and it works perfectly. The can eliminate the bezels to a minimum for more screen space for me.

 

[TallManNY]

And the products will only become 20% more fragile and 20% more expensive to repair!

Count me in the camp of iPads need a place for your hands to hold them by the side. My iPhone will have a case around it, so that will give me a place to hold it. But bezels are already very small.

 

[Westside guy]

I just tried holding my 12.9” M1 iPad Pro with my left thumb on part of the screen. When I tried to scroll this web page with the other hand, iPad acted like I was trying to pinch to zoom with two fingers instead of scrolling with one.

Gotta agree. "Accidental touch rejection" has not worked nearly as well for me - on any iOS / iPadOS device - as Apple claims.

 

[svish]

Good to hear about this. Wonder whether the redesigned iPad will have dynamic island.

 

[subjonas]

Unlike a phone the bezel on a tablet is an ergonomic feature and needs to be preserved.

I agree tablets really need bezels, but even on a phone I appreciate having at least one bezel. Always having to handle a phone by its edges can be less convenient or secure in certain situations. For example, taking pics/video with one hand in landscape—it’s nice to be able to pinch the phone bezel with your thumb to hold it securely.
I don’t really care that bezels take away potential screen real estate, in light of the practical benefit they add, but I’m probably in a small minority, for phones at least.
I suppose the best of both worlds would be a digital bezel option that the user can toggle off and on based on their preference, and apps would have to accommodate both screen sizes. That would be ideal for tablets too.

 

[_Spinn_]

But the bezels make sense on an iPad. How else am I supposed to hold it?

 

[Stiksi]

WOW!!!

I forgot the original iPad had the 30 pin connector.

Lightning wasn’t introduced until the 4th gen iPad. I still have a working 3rd gen.

 

[dilbert99]

- In high esteem?
- iLevitate?
- In its box?
- Out of reach?

I had the exact same question by the way, not making fun of you.

I have my iPads in cases and usually hold them from the sides of the ipad with fingers around the back. Or if typing have leaning against something or hold it from behind or via the lid/flap.