Apple Debuts iPhone 16e

Post by cpach » Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 5:13 PM UTC

Etheryte wrote: post #198

deergomoo wrote: post #176

At this point there’s only really one thing I want from an iPhone and that’s an option for a 12/13 mini sized device again. Surely those phones didn’t sell so few that it’s not worth doing at all?

If they can standardize their whole lineup around two sizes, regular and max, then I think it will be a very hard sell to add extra work and complexity for the production lines for a smaller size that sells both lower volumes and lower price. Don't get me wrong, I love the Mini and have one right now, but from a business management perspective I can totally see how getting rid of it makes sense. Another aspect that I…

Post by bombcar » Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 5:14 PM UTC

maelito wrote: post #54

sampton wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I always hear people on hn asking for smaller screen. Apple actually made a small 12. It was the worst selling phone in the lineup.

Not only on HN, everywhere around me. It has to do with country trends I guess. In France, so many people want small phones. They just cannot buy them anymore, they're not produced.

Post by mannyv » Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 5:15 PM UTC

michaelt wrote: post #205

mannyv wrote: post #151

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is aimed at the lower end of the market: the pre/postpaid MVNOs and deal hunters. And for kids. The new modem is interesting. How much power around the world is being wasted because Qualcomm's code sucks? Apparently gigawatts per day.

My cell phone has a 3.7v, 2018 mAh battery, for a total of 7.4 watt-hours. That's enough power to drive a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus a distance of... 55 meters. Even if Qualcomm's code was solely responsible for completely draining my phone's battery every single day, it would still not be very much power.

Post by Someone » Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 5:15 PM UTC

datadrivenangel wrote: post #34

Why are small phones not economical for major flagship phone developers? Obviously more expensive phones generate more revenue, but the reduced bill of materials on smaller phones should allow a better profit margin? Mostly I just want a phone that is comfortable in my hands.

Post by bombcar » Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 5:15 PM UTC

fckgw wrote: post #150

bob1029 wrote: post #108

Earlier quoted context omitted.

At the scale of Apple, is a specific device configuration that 'only' meets the needs of 3% of their market economically unviable? Did they build a whole special factory just for the slightly smaller device?

Not a whole factory but whole other tooling, so yes? The chassis is different, the screen is different, the mainboard is different, the layout is different, the battery is different, I think the camera was also different. Only thing shared between the other models was the buttons and the lightning port. It's a huge cost for something that sold (relatively) poorly.