Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
It's their go-to design variation, so I'm sure we'll see round edges again.

Personally, the 5s was my favourite iPhone so I'm team flat edges (in a small form factor).
 
As I sit here getting two iPhone XS’s ready to sell on eBay I can’t help but notice how much more comfortable the XS is in the hand than my 14pro.. I use my phones naked and the X/XS is the absolute best feeling phone without a case. The rounded edges and gloss back are so grippy and comfortable in the hand. Here’s to hoping apple goes back that direction in the future..any other naked users agree?

Just bought two brand-new, sealed iPhone 11 Pro's (I absolutely hate the 12, 13, 14 design, 0 innovation for the 12 prompted the design change since just adding 5G would not have convinced as many ppl).

1665406845822.jpeg
 
I think it’s all about screen size. With the flat edges you can make the screen bigger in every dimension without making the phone bigger. By definition the rounded edges will stick out past the screen edge. I think what makes it more comfortable to hold is the smoother transition between steel and glass which has improved significantly, to the point where you can barely feel it.
 
I hope so - my XR felt much nicer than my 14 Pro to hold. Although the 14 in a case fixes that.
 
As I sit here getting two iPhone XS’s ready to sell on eBay I can’t help but notice how much more comfortable the XS is in the hand than my 14pro.. I use my phones naked and the X/XS is the absolute best feeling phone without a case. The rounded edges and gloss back are so grippy and comfortable in the hand. Here’s to hoping apple goes back that direction in the future..any other naked users agree?
I knew I wasn't alone
 
  • Like
Reactions: jdsmitty10
I'd really like to see them do something in between the two. With the side rails flat but more curved on the very edges instead of the sharp line. That way the phone is still easy to hold but not quite so harsh on the edges.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AF_APPLETALK
Yes the gloss back is what really makes the XS easy to hold. So much more grip and looks good too! My silver XS is/was the best looking iPhone I have owned and the best feeling one too lol.. I would love a gloss back on my silver 14 pro. Would look good and be more grippy. 👍
i’ve considered going the non-pro models for glossy back and lighter design, but want the extra features especially pro motion now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jdsmitty10
Absolutely not. The flat edges look and feel much better. I remember when I had my iPhone 5 then upgraded to the 6, it was the one thing I didn’t like. Who knows what they will do long term but I think short term flat edges are here to stay.
 
Flat edges 100% for me. Love the form factor. Curved screens are a pain for me in terms of screen protector installation. If apple brings back rounded edges but with a completely flat screen, that could be really nice. Hopefully that’ll be the next design change, if they go away from flat edges.

I never understood complaints of sharp edges from iPhone 12 onward, to the point where it hurts people’s fingers. You all need to toughen up those delicate hands 🤣.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sharksftw
The 5 was my favorite, with the beveled edges. Best of both worlds, usability of the round edges but squared off sides for a more industrial aesthetic.
 
  • Like
Reactions: thosmatthews
One of the reasons why I upgraded from my 11 to a 13 pro was to be rid of the rolled edge. To say I hated it would not be too strong a word. But, personal preferences and all that.
 
As I sit here getting two iPhone XS’s ready to sell on eBay I can’t help but notice how much more comfortable the XS is in the hand than my 14pro.. I use my phones naked and the X/XS is the absolute best feeling phone without a case. The rounded edges and gloss back are so grippy and comfortable in the hand. Here’s to hoping apple goes back that direction in the future..any other naked users agree?
I’m with you! I really dislike the sharp edges of my 13 pro.
11 pro was the best design😃

Another thing I thought about is how much more modern phones with rounded edges look compared to those with flat edges. I’m reminded of that every time I see an X/11 lol.
 
Last edited:
Flat edges for sure looks slicker but ergonomically it's very uncomfortable to hold, the way the edges dig into your hand. The reason 5/5s flat edges work is because of the much smaller size and the chamfered edges. Now we have 6.1" screen as the standard with no curvature on the edges, even the 13 mini doesn't feel that good to hold.
 
For me the rounded edges made the phone feel like a soap bar. I had basically all iPhone designs and the X is the only one that I dropped many times and actually the only broken screen in 15 years. While slightly less comfortable, to me flat edges are way easier to hold.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sharksftw
Flat edges look good but don't feel good on a large device. The mini series feels fine and comfortable to hold; I felt that my 13 pro cut into my hand uncomfortably. For that reason I prefer the rounded edges, though I'll admit I really wanted flat edges before I actually experienced them on a large device.
 
History keeps repeating itsself. At a certain point if the devices still exist and are able to go thinner, pretty sure they go curved again.
 
As I sit here getting two iPhone XS’s ready to sell on eBay I can’t help but notice how much more comfortable the XS is in the hand than my 14pro.. I use my phones naked and the X/XS is the absolute best feeling phone without a case. The rounded edges and gloss back are so grippy and comfortable in the hand. Here’s to hoping apple goes back that direction in the future..any other naked users agree?
Yes and no. I think the rounded edges (I had an 8 Plus) were better looking, but as far as holding the phone - I would rate it a tie.
 
Perhaps the new Macbook Pro and Air is a hint..

macbook-pro-side-view.jpg


Screen Shot 2022-10-10 at 16.14.38.png


Also this, but with no bulge in the mid-section

Apple-Watch-Ultra-Orange-Alpine-Loop-Side-Button-Digital-Crown-220907_big.jpg.large.jpg


Rounded back + chamfered edge front.
 
Last edited:
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.