iPhone XR iPhone XR’s future

[The-Real-Deal82]

Bottom line: to me the XR just doesn’t feel like an iPhone X. I generally prefer aluminum to stainless steel as well, but I think there’s more to the X that when you see and feel it makes it feel like a premium next-generation device. Sadly a large part of that magic is the stunning OLED display, which unfortunately utilizes PWM flickering which at its current implementation can cause eye strain among other issues.

I actually think the XR would fit better in the lineup at a smaller iPhone SE-class size, and that the 326ppi would work better at that level. I didn’t complain about the resolution before using it and gave it a chance, but the resolution is the main dealbreaker to me — frankly it looks blurry compared to the 8+. I didn’t agree with the criticism until I tried it (as I always give Apple the benefit of the doubt) but in my opinion its current position in the lineup amongst the flagship devices warrants at least 401ppi.

It wouldn’t be a major loss if the iPhone XR is replaced with a smaller device designed for the average consumer. But to the XR’s credit it has been successful so far, and I do think there needs to be an iPhone in the lineup at a $749-$799 price point.

I think everybody’s ‘bottom line’ for perceptions of quality/premium are different, so it a difficult one to debate.

I don’t think I agree with you on making the XR an SE size device as that’s just going extreme in the opposite direction. There is a market for that size but it’s not the average consumer I don’t think. I think the iPhone 8 size or XS hits the sweet spot as it’s directly in between the SE and Plus models. We have become used to larger phones in recent years, but there are extremes in terms of size preferences. I wouldn’t buy an SE size device now as I’d find it awkward. Only offering that as the primary iPhone would be a massive gamble I think.

The biggest market for the iPhone is the XR line due to its affordability so it needs as much appeal as possible as far as I am concerned.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I think everybody’s ‘bottom line’ for perceptions of quality/premium are different, so it a difficult one to debate.

I don’t think I agree with you on making the XR an SE size device as that’s just going extreme in the opposite direction. There is a market for that size but it’s not the average consumer I don’t think. I think the iPhone 8 size or XS hits the sweet spot as it’s directly in between the SE and Plus models. We have become used to larger phones in recent years, but there are extremes in terms of size preferences. I wouldn’t buy an SE size device now as I’d find it awkward. Only offering that as the primary iPhone would be a massive gamble I think.

The biggest market for the iPhone is the XR line due to its affordability so it needs as much appeal as possible as far as I am concerned.

The size of the XR is perfect for the average consumer and it does have its place in the lineup today. It’s definitely the sweet spot of the current iPhone lineup and it justifies its existence. I should’ve probably clarified that in the future I think they should transition the XR features into a smaller phone and adjust the flagships so that it’s not really necessary. Though I do think a colorful iPhone like the XR or the 5c brightens up the lineup.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The size of the XR is perfect for the average consumer and it does have its place in the lineup today. It’s definitely the sweet spot of the current iPhone lineup and it justifies its existence. I should’ve probably clarified that in the future I think they should transition the XR features into a smaller phone and adjust the flagships so that it’s not really necessary. Though I do think a colorful iPhone like the XR or the 5c brightens up the lineup.

Well we disagree on perfect size but then it’s opinion rather than fact for both of our views anyway.

Would your idea of a smaller XR be a phone that uses older parts and justifies a cheaper price point then like a 5C? I doubt they’d be able to call it an XR variant though on that basis.

 

[davedvdy]

The size of the XR is perfect for the average consumer and it does have its place in the lineup today.

Considering the XR is a lot bigger and weighs a good deal more than the standard size iP4-8, I'd say it would be a stretch to believe that. It's not going to be a comfortable one handed device esp. for many with smaller hands.
It weighs more than the 6/6S and 7 Plus even. I like the largest screen I can fit in my pocket, but that isn't the case for everyone.

 

[Falhófnir]

With it underperforming I have to feel like Apple would do better to just cut the price of the XI/ Max to $899 and $999 and offer the Xs/ Max for $799 and $899. The XR is absolutely not a bad device, but I think people see it being a ‘cheaper’ offering yet still pretty expensive and eschew it to a certain extent.

 

[agente46]

With it underperforming I have to feel like Apple would do better to just cut the price of the XI/ Max to $899 and $999 and offer the Xs/ Max for $799 and $899. The XR is absolutely not a bad device, but I think people see it being a ‘cheaper’ offering yet still pretty expensive and eschew it to a certain extent.

Not sure how it's under performing when it's Apple's best selling phone. Compared to past years, all iphones are selling less.

https://www.counterpointresearch.co...november-iphone-xr-became-best-selling-model/

 

[Falhófnir]

Not sure how it's under performing when it's Apple's best selling phone. Compared to past years, all iphones are selling less.

https://www.counterpointresearch.co...november-iphone-xr-became-best-selling-model/

It is the phone which compared to Apple’s baseline sales projections has undershot the most would probably be the definition I’d choose.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Well we disagree on perfect size but then it’s opinion rather than fact for both of our views anyway.

Would your idea of a smaller XR be a phone that uses older parts and justifies a cheaper price point then like a 5C? I doubt they’d be able to call it an XR variant though on that basis.

I don’t think it would still be considered a XR, but there should be a smaller phone with the XR ethos: colors, latest-generation processor/camera, “budget” price.

In my opinion the iPhone lineup is at its best when it’s simplified. As nice as the XR is, it’s been the best-selling iPhone because it’s at the price point consumers want to pay. I don’t think that the XS is overpriced but it would stand better in the market if it were a bit less. $999 was justifiable since iPhone X felt like a special phone that was giving people cutting-edge technology early.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I don’t think it would still be considered a XR, but there should be a smaller phone with the XR ethos: colors, latest-generation processor/camera, “budget” price.

In my opinion the iPhone lineup is at its best when it’s simplified. As nice as the XR is, it’s been the best-selling iPhone because it’s at the price point consumers want to pay. I don’t think that the XS is overpriced but it would stand better in the market if it were a bit less. $999 was justifiable since iPhone X felt like a special phone that was giving people cutting-edge technology early.

I agree almost entirely apart from the ethos of the XR carrying a ‘budget’ price lol. It’s cheaper than the XS but it’s still a rather expensive smartphone I would say. It’s taken the premium price point of iPhones from just 18 months ago.

I agree on lowering the price of the XS as nearly everybody I know has given it a wide berth due to its cost and I don’t know many people who couldn’t afford it either. I don’t think you need to spend that much to get a great phone these days and it’s that which is putting people off. Why spend a grand when you can spend £650, £700 or £750 and get an iPhone anyway? If they did lower it though it would be too closely priced to the XR and that would be confusing for the consumer. I’d much rather the XR was scrapped and the sole focus was on a sensibly priced XS with many of the design ethos of the XR.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I agree almost entirely apart from the ethos of the XR carrying a ‘budget’ price lol. It’s cheaper than the XS but it’s still a rather expensive smartphone I would say. It’s taken the premium price point of iPhones from just 18 months ago.

I agree on lowering the price of the XS as nearly everybody I know has given it a wide berth due to its cost and I don’t know many people who couldn’t afford it either. I don’t think you need to spend that much to get a great phone these days and it’s that which is putting people off. Why spend a grand when you can spend £650, £700 or £750 and get an iPhone anyway? If they did lower it though it would be too closely priced to the XR and that would be confusing for the consumer. I’d much rather the XR was scrapped and the sole focus was on a sensibly priced XS with many of the design ethos of the XR.

Budget pricing relative to the rest of the lineup .

I think the XR mainly exists to give Apple more time to be able to offer the new design (OLED, stainless steel, etc.) at a lower price point as the cost of components goes down. I don’t think it would be a loss to scrap the XR and just offer the flagship phones once they get rid of that terrible PWM implementation. My assumption is that that they didn’t keep the X in the lineup and offered the XR instead because the difference in component cost between the X and XS is almost negligible.

I’ve owned every single iPhone and iPhone XR has been my least favorite out of eleven iPhones (12 if you count iPhone X), but that’s mainly because it feels like two steps down from the X and even a step down from the 8+. Not everyone will care about the difference and most will be happy just to have the new design, but the XR is an outlier.

 

[44267547]

The size of the XR is perfect for the average consumer and it does have its place in the lineup today.

I’m not sure how I feel about your statement. I mean, yes the XR certainly has a place in the iPhone lineup today, because if you look at Apple‘s competition, they are all offering 6 inch smart phones. So Apple should compete in this segment with a phone larger than the 5.8 and smaller than the 6.5.

However, I definitely do not believe the size of the XR is ‘Perfect’ for the average consumer. Statistically, I would say the 4.7 inch iPhone is likely more of a ‘standardized’ option for a size average , because everyone has different size hands, and the XR is certainly not a small phone by any means at all.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I’m not sure I feel about your statement. I mean, yes the XR certainly has a place in the iPhone lineup today, because if you look at Apple‘s competition, they are all offering 6 inch smart phones. So Apple should compete in this segment with a phone larger than the 5.8 and smaller than the 6.5.

However, I definitely do not believe the size of the XR is ‘Perfect’ for the average consumer. Statistically, I would say the 4.7 inch iPhone is likely more of a ‘standardized’ option for a size average , because everyone has different size hands, and the XR is certainly not a small phone by any means at all.

I would agree with you, I just meant in terms of the current lineup since it’s an in-between size between the 5.8” and 6.5” models.

I’m pretty sure I would buy a Max but I do like the smaller size too.

 

[mackinmike]

I’m sure I’m repeating myself, but does the consumer care about ‘old tech’ displays? No, They don’t. Maybe you have those who are more tech oriented on here that notice that type of disparity, but in the consumer world, they see new iPhone colors, Face ID and all display, they see exactly what Apple markets. Consumers do _not_ care about ‘Liquid retina’ monikers or what display they have. So I’m sure Apples future is perfectly fine, even though they do need to adjust the prices for the higher end iPhones to reflect strong sales. The price point is the problem, not the XR display, contrary to your opinion.

Agreed. My point is that. It should be lower for the tech they included. I can't help but feel they are just preying on customers that don't know too much by advertising "liquid retina".. . Consumer: "Oh my, first they gave us retina... now liquid retina. it must be better."

 

[PeteS1963]

Agreed. My point is that. It should be lower for the tech they included. I can't help but feel they are just preying on customers that don't know too much by advertising "liquid retina".. . Consumer: "Oh my, first they gave us retina... now liquid retina. it must be better."

Isn’t this just something called “marketing”? We might not agree with it but everyone does it and to expect Apple to stay out of this game is a bit naive. In the past I’ve been involve in the UK food industry are there are some classics. Some are so bad it’s hard to believe that people fall for them but thy obviously work. Off the top of my head:

* Farm fresh - what’s does that mean? When you think about it - nothing.
* Farm brands - the supermarket Tesco has been bad at this. Eg meat labelled “Woodside Farms”. Woodside Farm doesn’t exist and the meat is actually from a factory farm with low welfare standards.
* Lite or Light. “Lite” is a made up word and is meaningless. “Light” could mean light in colour, light in weight, light in calories, light in sugar...
* The use of “wild”, eg “wild rocket”. All rocket sold in supermarkets is cultivated. “Wild” has no leagal definition for food in the UK.

 

[Kram Sacul]

The XR was a mistake. Too big, too many compromises. No wonder Apple is in a panick.

 

[I7guy]

Agreed. My point is that. It should be lower for the tech they included. I can't help but feel they are just preying on customers that don't know too much by advertising "liquid retina".. . Consumer: "Oh my, first they gave us retina... now liquid retina. it must be better."

Actually Liquid Retina is better than Retina if you take the wide gamut, calibration and True Tone into account.

As far as the price, it is what it is. If you’re carrier is VZW the android selection is limited to premium models so the price is premium also.

But consumers will vote with their wallets.

 

[agente46]

The XR was a mistake. Too big, too many compromises. No wonder Apple is in a panick.

I’m not sure how it was a mistake when it sold more than the Xs/Max. The compromises are totally fine with consumers since they are voting with their wallet. As for how big it is, it’s smaller than my iPhone 7+ but a little thicker which is irrelevant once you put on a case. If it wasn’t for the Xr, I think Apple would be even more of a panic since most people don’t want to spend 1k on a phone.

 

[Kram Sacul]

I’m not sure how it was a mistake when it sold more than the Xs/Max. The compromises are totally fine with consumers since they are voting with their wallet. As for how big it is, it’s smaller than my iPhone 7+ but a little thicker which is irrelevant once you put on a case. If it wasn’t for the Xr, I think Apple would be even more of a panic since most people don’t want to spend 1k on a phone.

Selling more than the Xs and Max isn’t really something to brag about. Most of the people that wanted a X generation phone bought it in 2017. The 2018 devices just weren’t compelling enough and the sales reflect that.

 

[LizKat]

The XR was a mistake. Too big, too many compromises. No wonder Apple is in a panick.

Love my XR but would have loved it more if SE-sized and so lighter. As a phone, I mean. I hope Apple will bring the SE size back...

As a mobile device in general, my gorgeous yellow XR is everything I could want of it, but the size of it as a cellphone is offputting to me, in use and in terms of how I was able to tuck my SE into certain little handbag compartments . And I cannot one-hand the XR for the life of me, no matter the reachability feature. I still struggle sometimes against idea of using the XR as WiFi only and swapping my phone account back to the SE. That's absurd, of course but the feeling lingers. Don't like how the XR rides in my jeans pocket either. A big deal to me.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Selling more than the Xs and Max isn’t really something to brag about. Most of the people that wanted a X generation phone bought it in 2017. The 2018 devices just weren’t compelling enough and the sales reflect that.

The amount of people that bought the X in 2017 wasn’t exactly anything to brag about either lol. It wasn’t exactly groundbreaking iPhone 6 style popularity as the smartphone market has significantly peaked in recent years. The XR is at a better price point and available to a much bigger market so by default is prone to be a much more popular device.

 

[44267547]

The XR was a mistake. Too big, too many compromises. No wonder Apple is in a panick.

I don’t believe it was a mistake. In theory, I think it would have been unwise for Apple to keep just the XS in their lineup without Having a cheaper iPhone under that. Because the iPhone XS is not everybody’s price range, and a lot of Apples competitors are offering a 6 inch smart phones, and the XR at least competes in that segment. Also, I do think the XR _could_ be priced slightly lower, which would make it even more appealing, but as you can see, Apple is now offering limited time special pricing for the XR, trying to sway the consumer specifically for this device.

But to determine if the XR was a mistake, we will know this fall if they offer it again or not.

 

[SR 7]

I don’t know why the XR is getting so much crap for it.

The only issue is the price. It’s a good phone. It isn’t a $750 phone.

If that was $500 it would sell well just like the X being around $750-850 AT A DECENT GB. The issue is if u need to get the next level storage the price goes from 999 to 1150!!! Not including $100+ in taxes.

 

[mackinmike]

Actually Liquid Retina is better than Retina if you take the wide gamut, calibration and True Tone into account.

As far as the price, it is what it is. If you’re carrier is VZW the android selection is limited to premium models so the price is premium also.

But consumers will vote with their wallets.

Well rumor has it, no more LCD screens on iphones. So to answer what the future is for the XR, there you go.

 

[I7guy]

Well rumor has it, no more LCD screens on iphones. So to answer what the future is for the XR, there you go.

We’ll see how accurate the rumors are in 2020.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Well rumor has it, no more LCD screens on iphones. So to answer what the future is for the XR, there you go.

So the rumours are suggesting OLED in the next generation XR? Personally I hope that’s not true as I was hoping my next iPhone would still have LCD but I also find it hard to believe Apple have managed to get costs down enough to offer OLED at a lower price point. It would also narrow the gap to the XS even further and I doubt they want it completely taking sales off their premium models.