is the Galaxy S 7 a real threat to iPhone ? how many here would switch ?

[epicrayban]

Well what do you think? Are you going to give a rational response or are you just trolling? Okay, I'll answer your questions, but in general all software can be improved because software engineering is always evolving.

A more consistent back navigation system. What apple has done seems to work well for me.

More organized and consistent Settings menu. I seem to be able to get to every setting that matters.

Less obnoxious security measures. This can be debated, although on the subject of limits for downloads I can see why apple restricted the cellular download limit; probably to avoid lawsuits.

A bit more customization. "For example, why can't I swap out and re-order what toggles I want in Control Center? What if I never use Airplay? What a waste of space then. Ditto 3D Touch. Why can't there be a setting that shows me a list of what 3D Touch commands I can set for a particular app? What if I don't ever take selfies with my camera; can't the 3D Touch shortcut for the camera app be changed to something I would prefer to launch directly into instead?" Sure, why not.

Improve the keyboard. The keyboard is fairly good and works for me.

Allow us to set default apps overall. Again, sure why not.


What of these software features are going to "alienate" current iPhone users? If they don't want to set other third party defaults, what's preventing them from using their iPhones just "stock" straight out of the box? How exactly does adding these software features suddenly mean the old ways are gone? Please elaborate. Seems good in theory, there may be a specific reason why apple at this time doesn't want to do it.

Would love to see a better design in the iPhone 7 I like the current design and the antenna lines are kind of cool, I can't say I don't like the design of the iphone.

Quick charge & Wireless charging The already have quick charge and I want contact less wireless charging. Now that is useful.

Waterproofing iphone 6s is fairly water resistant, but either way I don't care. Useful? sure.

Fair enough.

What about the questions I have about your comment to iOS "becoming android-like" not being a good idea when there have already been examples of iOS adopting android features in the past. Where was your fear then? Care to explain?

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

FORTUNE: http://fortune.com/2016/04/18/trendforce-iphone-shipments/

Apple's iPhone Shipments Fell Off a Cliff in First Quarter

“Sales of iPhone 6s have been lackluster as the model lacks exciting new features,” the company said of Apple’s first quarter. TrendForce added that Apple itself has become “more conservative” with its smartphone inventory in preparation of launching its next handset.



So, I ask again because I'm genuinely not sure, but isn't this the first time this has ever happened to Apple? Do sales always decline this drastically in the early parts of the year for the iPhone? I feel like I've never heard of it before. I know the market is leveling off a bit so there's showdown overall, and I know the iPhone 7 will mostly likely be successful and change things for Apple later this fall but again, is this something that concerns anybody? Especially those that think money is the only indicator?

In any case, I'll take this opportunity to say, once again, what I've been saying for the longest time:

The more important question is... Should it really take these types of figures to tell you Apple might need to start doing things differently? Again, my earlier point in this thread: why is it so contentious to say Apple needs to step up? All that is is an observation made by trying the competition out. Aren't the ones who are actually trying the competition most equipped -- literally! -- to tell us that the competition is moving faster than Apple in certain areas? Do we really have to wait for sales figures to see these things? Don't we want Apple to continue being the leader in the actual technology?

I know it's tempting to see Apple's sales and imagine that nothing needs to be changed. Aren't Samsung number 1 in worldwide smartphone sales (I could be wrong; haven't looked in a while). If they still are, try to imagine if someone kept referencing that as an excuse to every thread where we discuss how Samsung can improve. What does that do for you as someone who is concerned about Samsung's shortcomings? The answer, I wager, is nothing. Similar argument can be made about Android's marketshare, which they are dominating. Google's business model is software, so that dominate marketshare leads to major sales/profits for Google, but does that excuse any of Android's shortcomings? Of course not. Why should it for Apple?

Again, I think Apple is far from doom. This is not an "Apple is doomed" forecast. I say the opposite very often. But it's precisely because I know they can get away with these things that I raise concern about it. And now, finally, the numbers are starting to show cracks. Is this what it takes? Should it be like this before we can start talking without the interruption of Apple's superior sales/profits?

Even if this is typical of Apple's sales/profits around this time of year; even if Apple continues to have record breaking sales without much innovation, my points here still hold -- maybe more so than ever if everything continues the same.

I hope fellow Apple fans are beginning to understand.

I think what is happening, is that much like the iPad, the devices have matured to the point where there is very little innovation from year to year. Thus people are not upgrading as often. In the past, many of the upgrades were just giving people basic functionality. The first iPhone didn't even have a flash for the camera! Or LTE. Or much memory. Or speed. It didn't have much of anything really. But over the years, bit by bit more was added. About the only reason to get a new phone now is if yours breaks or if the camera on the next year's model is vastly improved. Also, I suspect a lot of people are waiting to see what Apple does in the future before upgrading. I think they may have a long wait. I don't think very many people are expecting some spectacular redesign this year. So people will probably just hold onto what they have now until 2017.

 

[epicrayban]

I think what is happening, is that much like the iPad, the devices have matured to the point where there is very little innovation from year to year. Thus people are not upgrading as often. In the past, many of the upgrades were just giving people basic functionality. The first iPhone didn't even have a flash for the camera! Or LTE. Or much memory. Or speed. It didn't have much of anything really. But over the years, bit by bit more was added. About the only reason to get a new phone now is if yours breaks or if the camera on the next year's model is vastly improved. Also, I suspect a lot of people are waiting to see what Apple does in the future before upgrading. I think they may have a long wait. I don't think very many people are expecting some spectacular redesign this year. So people will probably just hold onto what they have now until 2017.

Good points. Especially considering we're hearing rumors about an all glass OLED redesigned iPhone for 2017, the 10 year anniversary for Apple's iPhone.

If not this year, 2017 should be exciting.

 

[I7guy]

Here's a question, other than the usual improvements (speed, camera, ect.) what improvements would you like to see in the next iphone?

Okay:

- screens should all be 1080, don't care if they are oled/amoled or lcd as long as i don't get a headache from them
- more internal memory, bump from 2 to 4 gig
- contact less wireless charging
- OIS on all camera models with slightly larger f/stop (although those who understand f/stops know that from 2.2 to 2.0 is a little hop)
- framerate on video resolution should be 30/60/120/240
- would like to see 2 digit passcode option after touch id signon
- would like to be able for siri to turn off the phone in locked mode
- since this is a laundry list, fully waterproof would be nice
- 3DT II
- better battery life, nice cpu bump, good standby specs
- "solar panels" for charging in the sun

 

[Fernandez21]

Okay:

- screens should all be 1080, don't care if they are oled/amoled or lcd as long as i don't get a headache from them
- more internal memory, bump from 2 to 4 gig
- contact less wireless charging
- OIS on all camera models with slightly larger f/stop (although those who understand f/stops know that from 2.2 to 2.0 is a little hop)
- framerate on video resolution should be 30/60/120/240
- would like to see 2 digit passcode option after touch id signon
- would like to be able for siri to turn off the phone in locked mode
- since this is a laundry list, fully waterproof would be nice
- 3DT II
- better battery life, nice cpu bump, good standby specs
- "solar panels" for charging in the sun

Nice list. I'm with you on most of them except the solar panel, I can just see people frying or overheating their phone by sticking it in the sun to charge.

Contact less charging, like mag safe, would be awesome (as would wireless). Looking forward to 3d touch 2, though that might be another year away as we don't even have 3d touch on iPads. 4gb ram, ois, extra battery, and a nice cpu/gpu bump would be great too.

I get what your saying about the headaches, if I set the display mode on my galaxy to cinema the colors start to hurt my eyes. In photo mode or basic though the colors are just fine. When apple goes amoled they'll surely use this type of display mode.

Don't really care about turning off the phone with Siri or 2 digit pass code, but would be cool with the options.

Hoping for full waterproofing too!

 

[epicrayban]

Okay:

- screens should all be 1080, don't care if they are oled/amoled or lcd as long as i don't get a headache from them
- more internal memory, bump from 2 to 4 gig
- contact less wireless charging
- OIS on all camera models with slightly larger f/stop (although those who understand f/stops know that from 2.2 to 2.0 is a little hop)
- framerate on video resolution should be 30/60/120/240
- would like to see 2 digit passcode option after touch id signon
- would like to be able for siri to turn off the phone in locked mode
- since this is a laundry list, fully waterproof would be nice
- 3DT II
- better battery life, nice cpu bump, good standby specs
- "solar panels" for charging in the sun

Now that's an iPhone I can get behind. Any combination of both our wishlists brought to fruition by Apple would be a better iPhone, and truly exciting technology.

 

[epicrayban]

 

[Radon87000]

I agree with much of the above, but are people on iOS really that happy with third party keyboards? They are all crap apart from the stock one IMO. I don't know anybody who has used them long term. I was quite excited to use Swiftkey and Swype, yet have tested both over a few weeks I found them to be appalling. Choice is good as long the choice is good, if you catch my drift lol.

As funny as it may sound,the best keyboard I have ever used is Wordflow on Windows Phone.No keyboard on Android or iOS comes close to its accuracy

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

As funny as it may sound,the best keyboard I have ever used is Wordflow on Windows Phone.No keyboard on Android or iOS comes close to its accuracy

No keyboard comes close? Not even wordflow itself?

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-bringing-word-flow-keyboard-iphone

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I must admit I've never used a Windows phone long enough to really try it out. I really dislike the interface and live tiles just don't do it for me. I don't doubt a keyboard on that platform is very good however.

 

[Fernandez21]

I must admit I've never used a Windows phone long enough to really try it out. I really dislike the interface and live tiles just don't do it for me. I don't doubt a keyboard on that platform is very good however.

Yeah, I tried windows phone but it's not for me. The keyboard was great though. I think the BB keyboard on BB10 devices was pretty great too.

 

[Fernandez21]

No keyboard comes close? Not even wordflow itself?

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-bringing-word-flow-keyboard-iphone

Sweet, thanks. using it now on my S7 Edge.

 

[epicrayban]

Try Chrooma keyboard. My favorite on Android.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamelounge.chroomakeyboard&hl=en

 

[Fernandez21]

No keyboard comes close? Not even wordflow itself?

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-bringing-word-flow-keyboard-iphone

Ugh, not sure what to do. Autocorrect doesnt appear to be working. but I am more acurate using this keyboard. maybe im doing something wrong? Does auto correct work for you? It does show the correct word in the suggestions, but doesnt automatically change the word when I hit the spce bar.

 

[macdragonfl]

I'm not sure how much of a threat in the popularity stakes the S7 is to be honest. I like it from my brief experience with it and would get along well with it I think. The exterior design is beautiful and the screen is the best of any mobile phone I have seen to date. I think Samsung have made a major leap forward this year and if TouchWiz is lag free unlike the S6, I can see them gaining sales at the high end of the market.

The iPhone is not a bad package though in its own right. It might not have the best hardware in its class but it has some major pulls including its design, clean interface and just about the best technical support in the industry.

Let's not forget also that the iPhone is a cool product and one people of all ages like to be seen with. It's developed cult status. People of all demographics own it and it's popular amongst the tech savvy to the lesser so. I hate it when you see people say that only non tech savvy people buy the iPhone or just teenagers and old people. It's absolute rubbish. Some of our senior software developers right through to systems engineers use iPhones. Look around in most meetings with outside sources too and iPhones are popular. I expect to see more Samsung's now however as they've finally embraced the premium feel. It'll take time though.

Stainless steel in kitchens is usually 304L or 304H grade and is nearly always lightly grained. You shouldn't get fingerprints and water marks on this in any domestic or commercial kitchen. I think you might be thinking of chromed steel which is effectively mild steel dipped to give a shiny and often rust resistant finish. Much cheaper than stainless and prone to fingerprints.

Aluminium is usually used in phone design as its soft and cheap but can be marketed as expensive to consumers. It's also good for applying good finishes needed in premium products.

I don't keep up too much with how Apple does year on year but I do know the 'S' model historically sells less than the standard model. The iPhone 6 was such a hit with consumers I am not surprised this has affected the 6S to be honest. It was the first time Apple brought big phones to the market and most people don't replace their phones every 12 months.

The 4s and the 5s actually sold higher numbers than their predecessors. I think there was so much want for larger screens that fueled the huge 6 sales. Those people will be 7 customers. So the cycle changed. The Sammy S6 was not so successful. It took away reasons that people bought them in the first place, sd cards and waterproof. I think if had they only concentrated on one model the edge, left those features in place it would have been a completely different story.

 

[epicrayban]

Ugh, not sure what to do. Autocorrect doesnt appear to be working. but I am more acurate using this keyboard. maybe im doing something wrong? Does auto correct work for you? It does show the correct word in the suggestions, but doesnt automatically change the word when I hit the spce bar.

This is a big reason any I switched to chrooma keyboard. For some reason Google got rid of the aggressive auto correct feature, which chroma keyboard put back. I talk about the same thing you're experiencing here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/chrooma-keyboard-aka-google-keyboard.1953472/

 

[epicrayban]

Just an analyst, but if it comes true... thoughts?


http://www.phonearena.com/news/Fort...o-release-overhauled-iPhone-8-in-2017_id80437

Fortune: no iPhone 7s in store as Apple prepares to release overhauled iPhone 8 in 2017

Citing supply chain sources, Moskowitz suggests that the iPhone 7 will be an incremental update that won't introduce significant hardware and design changes, other than the likely possibility of a thinner body allowed by the 3.5mm jack's polarizing removal. Envisioning the upcoming iPhone as a "replacement device" for sixth-generation model owners, he says Apple considers skipping the traditional "s" generation upgrade that follows major iPhone announcements to introduce a thoroughly overhauled iPhone 8 in 2017.


iPhone 8 could have...

... OLED display, removing the Home button in favor of Force Touch-type tactile control, and wireless charging as potential ingredients to the new iPhone formula.

 

[jamezr]

Just an analyst, but if it comes true... thoughts?


http://www.phonearena.com/news/Fort...o-release-overhauled-iPhone-8-in-2017_id80437

Fortune: no iPhone 7s in store as Apple prepares to release overhauled iPhone 8 in 2017

Citing supply chain sources, Moskowitz suggests that the iPhone 7 will be an incremental update that won't introduce significant hardware and design changes, other than the likely possibility of a thinner body allowed by the 3.5mm jack's polarizing removal. Envisioning the upcoming iPhone as a "replacement device" for sixth-generation model owners, he says Apple considers skipping the traditional "s" generation upgrade that follows major iPhone announcements to introduce a thoroughly overhauled iPhone 8 in 2017.


iPhone 8 could have...

... OLED display, removing the Home button in favor of Force Touch-type tactile control, and wireless charging as potential ingredients to the new iPhone formula.

I could see this happening. 2017 will be the 10 year anniversary of the iPhone. Apple might wait to really make the 2017 iPhone model have the biggest changes feature wise for that reason.
But will it hurt sales for 2016 iphone if people know 2017 will be a huge upgrade and not just an "s" model?

 

[tbayrgs]

Just an analyst, but if it comes true... thoughts?


http://www.phonearena.com/news/Fort...o-release-overhauled-iPhone-8-in-2017_id80437

Fortune: no iPhone 7s in store as Apple prepares to release overhauled iPhone 8 in 2017

Citing supply chain sources, Moskowitz suggests that the iPhone 7 will be an incremental update that won't introduce significant hardware and design changes, other than the likely possibility of a thinner body allowed by the 3.5mm jack's polarizing removal. Envisioning the upcoming iPhone as a "replacement device" for sixth-generation model owners, he says Apple considers skipping the traditional "s" generation upgrade that follows major iPhone announcements to introduce a thoroughly overhauled iPhone 8 in 2017.


iPhone 8 could have...

... OLED display, removing the Home button in favor of Force Touch-type tactile control, and wireless charging as potential ingredients to the new iPhone formula.

I'm all for it. The financial community's demand for big things every year from these companies is ridiculous and unrealistic. I think the reason we're seeing so many 'half baked' software releases is this artificial expectation that we must have annual phone and OS releases. Playing the long game is far more important, IMO and I personally don't care if people will be 'up in arms' because the iPhone 7 isn't a complete redesign. Why force out something that isn't ready when an extra year of testing/development can potentially produce something so much better.

And notice I'm not specifically only referring to Apple by name---I think this should apply to all of the tech industry. Do we really need to have annual releases of Android or major changes to every iteration of smartphone release?

I won't comment specifically on the rumored updates as it's far too early and saying I'd love to see an OLED, just for the sake of change, is meaningless. Samsung OLEDs are awesome but there are tons of crappy ones as well---I just want the best display experience--LCD or OLED, don't care. Same goes for the home button---if the new 3DT functionality doesn't work as well, I wouldn't want the home button removed just for the sake of change. The changes certainly sound promising but way too early to get excited about any of it.

 

[epicrayban]

Most people will just know it's a new iPhone 7 with some redesign, and that'll be enough to get people excited. The iPhone 7 will, I think, still do well.

But for people like me who are a bit more demanding, if the iPhone 7 in 2016 ends up being a minor redesign, loses 3.5 headphone jack, gets thinner, and there's not much else in the way of iOS and hardware improvements/features, it'll be an easy pass. And then the wait for the iPhone 8 in 2017 will start.

Must say, I'm a bit disappointed if all this ends up being true. The potential for the iPhone in 2017 will definitely be interesting though, but that's a long ways off. What will the smartphone industry makeup look like by then...

Wonder how the naming convention will play out too. iPhone 7? Or maybe they pull an "iPhone 3GS" sort of thing and call it the iPhone 6GS?
[doublepost=1461347257][/doublepost]

I'm all for it. The financial community's demand for big things every year from these companies is ridiculous and unrealistic. I think the reason we're seeing so many 'half baked' software releases is this artificial expectation that we must have annual phone and OS releases. Playing the long game is far more important, IMO and I personally don't care if people will be 'up in arms' because the iPhone 7 isn't a complete redesign. Why force out something that isn't ready when an extra year of testing/development can potentially produce something so much better.

And notice I'm not specifically only referring to Apple by name---I think this should apply to all of the tech industry. Do we really need to have annual releases of Android or major changes to every iteration of smartphone release?

I agree for the most part. With the exception of LG, it seems like Samsung and HTC this year just focused on simple updates and improvements where it was needed. Especially Samsung going from the S6 to the S7.

 

[tbayrgs]

Most people will just know it's a new iPhone 7 with some redesign, and that'll be enough to get people excited. The iPhone 7 will, I think, still do well.

But for people like me who are a bit more demanding, if the iPhone 7 in 2016 ends up being a minor redesign, loses 3.5 headphone jack, gets thinner, and there's not much else in the way of iOS and hardware improvements/features, it'll be an easy pass. And then the wait for the iPhone 8 in 2017 will start.

Must say, I'm a bit disappointed if all this ends up being true. The potential for the iPhone in 2017 will definitely be interesting though, but that's a long ways off. What will the smartphone industry makeup look like by then...

Wonder how the naming convention will play out too. iPhone 7? Or maybe they pull an "iPhone 3GS" sort of thing and call it the iPhone 6GS?
[doublepost=1461347257][/doublepost]

I agree for the most part. With the exception of LG, it seems like Samsung and HTC this year just focused on simple updates and improvements where it was needed. Especially Samsung going from the S6 to the S7.

I would love it if we saw bi-annual cycles--alternate between significant hardware updates and software updates. Significant new OS updates every year is crazy to expect. Hell, adoption of new Android OS is like a snail already..think MM just hit 4% , six months after release--and now we're seeing N previews. I'd rather see Google and Apple really fine tune their software rather than feel the need to get something new out to appease investors.

 

[jlabute]

I recently switched to the iPhone SE from a Sony Z3 Compact. I thought it would be fun to try a little different tech. If I go back to Android, it will likely be the current Z5 or coming Z6 Compact. The S7 for some reason just looks ugly to me. Aside from being ugly, the size is not my thing, nor the mechanical button in an oval shape, yuck.lol. The Z3 I had was amazing for battery life, camera, MSM etc. Did everything so much better. (for me)

 

[The Game 161]

Really I'm not sure apple can get away with an average update. This is what the s are for and now they are forcing people to wait two years to get real major improvements? Seems a risky game with how great the S7/edge has been this year

 

[jlabute]

Really I'm not sure apple can get away with an average update. This is what the s are for and now they are forcing people to wait two years to get real major improvements? Seems a risky game with how great the S7/edge has been this year

I agree. You can't rest on your laurels in this industry. You could lose a large customer base in months if the competition has a clear advantage. The major updates are not so often and not so major. Android is forging ahead and the Android phones for what I need (Sony Z5 compact especially) is all I need. (Camera, battery, IP rating, MMS with data off, etc). I had the Z3 until recently and it was amazing. I am trying the SE because I thought it'd be fun.lol. Silly me, I hope I don't regret it. Android 5 seems twice as much as iOS 10 in 1/2 the time and the Sony, Samsung, and LG phones are incredible feature wise.

 

[The Game 161]

I agree. You can't rest on your laurels in this industry. You could lose a large customer base in months if the competition has a clear advantage. The major updates are not so often and not so major. Android is forging ahead and the Android phones for what I need (Sony Z5 compact especially) is all I need. (Camera, battery, IP rating, MMS with data off, etc). I had the Z3 until recently and it was amazing. I am trying the SE because I thought it'd be fun.lol. Silly me, I hope I don't regret it. Android 5 seems twice as much as iOS 10 in 1/2 the time and the Sony, Samsung, and LG phones are incredible feature wise.

Based on rumours I think the 6s plus will be my daily driver until the 2017 iPhone but I guess it's too early to say that. However based on rumours I think a lot will stay with what they have unless they have the 6 or 6 plus