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iPhone 6: Ex-Apple Ad Man Says Skip the iPhone 5S

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Apple should skip the iPhone 5S and jump straight to the iPhone 6 release if it wants to simplify the iPhone naming and avoid an iPhone that is seen as a minor upgrade.

The iPhone 6 name alone, even if it represents a minor jump in specs and features is one that Apple could benefit from as consumers look for a clear indication of a new model.

Read: Best iPhone 6 Concepts

According to Ken Segall, a former Apple Ad man and Apple consultant, the iPhone naming system is too complicated. While Apple’s mobile naming conventions are simple, other than the whole iPad, iPad 2, New iPad, iPad with Retina Display — Segall argues that the iPhone naming convention is broken.

If the iPhone 5S is a minimal upgrade, can it compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4?

If the iPhone 5S is a minimal upgrade, can it compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4?

It’s clear that the iPhone cannot simply switch to a non-numbered system as it would further complicate the naming system and potentially cause consumer confusion, but according to Segall, we would be better off if, “Apple never created a ‘4S.'”

Apple kicked off a trend of offering an iPhone with minimal changes when it introduced the iPhone 3GS in 2009 and cemented it when the company released the iPhone 4S in 2011 with Siri.

This fuels the speculation that Apple is planning an iPhone 5S release this summer, and not an iPhone 6 summer release. The “S” naming convention quickly became synonymous with incremental changes and the same design as the last iPhone.

As Segall explains it,

More important, tacking an S onto the existing model number sends a rather weak message. It says that this is our “off-year” product, with only modest improvements. If holding off on the big number change achieved some great result, I might think otherwise.

It’s easier, according to a man with decades of marketing experience, to focus on a full model number change that lets consumers and pundits debate the incremental or revolutionary changes of the next iPhone rather than let a model number and name do it.

Segall compares the naming convention to a new car, “if you’re looking for a new car, you’re looking for a 2013 model — not a 2012S. What’s important is that you get the latest and greatest.”

This leads him to call for the iPhone 6 name for the next iPhone model, though he admits his vote is “meaningless”.

The iPhone 5S may look just like this, next to the Galaxy S4.

The iPhone 5S may look just like this, next to the Galaxy S4.

In late 2012, Gotta Be Mobile called for the iPhone 6, arguing that Apple needs to deliver, “more than a minor hardware update or two.”

Gotta Be Mobile Publisher, Xavier Lanier argues that Apple needs to not only deliver the iPhone 6 in 2013, but that it can no longer ride the coat-tails of the major iPhone 5 release through a second year while competitors innovate at a much faster rate. Lanier writes,

Apple simply can’t afford to stand idle while Samsung launches the Galaxy S4, Google launches the next iteration of Android and Microsoft pours resources into Windows Phone. Apple needs to go back to the drawing board and announce the iPhone 6 at WWDC 2013. Sure, the iPhone 5 is still fresh in everyone’s minds, but if Apple wants to leapfrog the competition, it needs to pick up the tempo and release something that will make the Nexus 4 and Galaxy S4 look like the Treo 700 of 2013.

The HTC One is arriving in just over a week, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 is not far behind. Both of these phones impress Gotta Be Mobile in our hands-on and early time with the devices, offering up more than an “S” style upgrade from the HTC One X and the Samsung Galaxy S3.

iPhone 5S vs. iPhone 6

The next iPhone is widely believed to carry the iPhone 5S name and to deliver a small feature-set with the same design as the iPhone 5. Tim Cook claims Apple has the screen size right, which points to a 4-inch Retina Display on the iPhone 5S, while competitors find ways to increase screen size and resolution without increasing the overall size of the phone.

According to Katy Huberty, a Morgan Stanley analyst, Apple is prepping a similar design to the iPhone 5, and will rely on a killer feature to compete with the Galaxy S4 and HTC One. Huberty does not drill down on the specifics of this feature, but based on her note which claims such a feature increases value for a large number of Apple users, it could be an IOS 7 feature that also arrives on the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S.

Apple founder and former CEO Steve Jobs reportedly influenced the design and features of the next two versions of the iPhone before his death, which means users may see his touch on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6.

Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 5S, a minor upgrade in 2013. Image via Martin Hajek.

Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 5S, a minor upgrade in 2013. Image via Martin Hajek.

Apple is reportedly in the middle of an iOS 7 user interface overhaul which could deliver a new look and new features to iPhone and iPad users. The undertaking is apparently large enough that Apple is pulling engineers from OS X to help the delayed project meet internal deadlines, likely a summer WWDC 2013 announcement.

Rumors point to the possibility of an integrated fingerprint reader in the iPhone 5S home button which could enable secure mobile payment transactions and deliver better overall device security. One analyst believes Apple will not put this technology in the iPhone 5S, but will instead save it for an iPhone 6 feature. Rumors do not agree on whether the iPhone 5S will feature NFC technology, something that many mobile payment services require.

The next iPhone could feature a better camera, a faster processor and a new 4G LTE radio chip that makes using the device across a variety of carriers easier.

The iPhone 5S release date is currently looking good for the summer, with rumors of iPhone 5S production starting soon and multiple sources indicating a summer launch and release. While the dates don’t agree on each rumor, most credible sources are pointing to summer.

Unless Apple decides to take Segall’s advice and call the next iPhone the iPhone 6, users will likely need to wait until 2014 for an iPhone 6 release date.

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27 Comments

27 Comments

  1. Alex

    04/08/2013 at 8:39 am

    Apple what the hell are you doing!!?

  2. Marcel

    04/08/2013 at 8:53 am

    Yess skip the 5S , if you want to compete with samsung galaxy S4 !
    Apple needs a complete new iphone 6 with bigger screen.
    I’m Sure Apple sales will give a boost if they release finally a Iphone 6 with 4.8 inch screen or max. 5.0 inch.
    A iphone 6 with 4.8 inch IGZO display and a great battery ! and a Super HD camera! that would sell outstanding .
    Let the iphone 5s be a less expensive model, and the Iphone 6 the Master of the Iphones. and not more expensive then the Samsung galaxy S4.

    Please i want bigger Iphone :) :) everybody wants it

  3. Lucas

    04/08/2013 at 11:05 am

    This article is mistaken, because the release of the 3gs and 4s actually came with big improvements. It was the iphone 4, and now iphone 5, which showed minor improvements with a redesigned body. This is actually a very smart marketing strategy. Release a slightly improved phone with a new body… everyone wants it. Now release that new body with real improvements, a few month later, and people want that.
    And please!!! do not make a bigger screen. If you want a huge phone, get a samsung… they are great phones for people who prefer a large screen. But there is obviously a market for people who do not want a massive phone. If anything, the screen size of the 5 is perfect. Now all they have to do is make it so home button, front camera, and speaker require less space, in order to reduce the length.

    • Sonny Wu` (@Hondaslzman)

      08/15/2013 at 12:15 am

      I agree with but still I am not buying iphone, screen size too small, I am using Galaxy s4, I have to say this is the best phone on the market

  4. John

    04/08/2013 at 11:28 am

    As much as I love Apple I am so close to trying Samsung if the 6 don’t compete. Yes we love you Apple but don’t think we will remain loyal whole Samsung leap frog you. Give us what we want! The 6 with large screen and HD.

  5. Steve

    04/08/2013 at 11:52 am

    I’ve alway had an iPhone but just got the wife a galaxy s3 & I’m majorly impressed with it, really fast & hasn’t crashed since she got it 2 months ago, I personally feel that apple is constantly playing catchup, ITunes is a real pain, the iPhone 5 has so many problems & we pay far to much for the apple name, will be off to android when my contracts up.

  6. Mandy

    04/08/2013 at 4:59 pm

    I agree with Marcel. Apple needs to release an iphone 6 with a bigger screen, faster
    processor and better camera. A killer feature or two would be nice. People want (need) bigger screens. And please, don’t give me that crap that ‘Apple has the screen size right.’

  7. Casey

    04/08/2013 at 5:45 pm

    I am a Apple Fan Boy per se, but lately, I have been looking at Android. Sure I am not used to it, but I don’t know, if Apple does not release IPhone 6 this year, I may have to go with an Orange… errr Android. Windows phone still is not something I am considering.

  8. alexis

    04/08/2013 at 7:00 pm

    yes it is better to skip iphone 5s and do iphone 6

  9. Leona

    04/08/2013 at 11:18 pm

    I use an iPhone 4S. I upgraded to the HTC One last week – I’m sending it back today.
    Lots of features tend to be gimmicky if the phone cannot handle normal day to day tasks such as allowing you to access important emails that were sent last week or typing without making errors on every word (buttons are too close together). Front facing speakers, great but it doesn’t really enhance the music experience, the phones not louder than others – what’s the point.
    I’m using my iPhone again and will wait for the next one.

    • Sonny Wu` (@Hondaslzman)

      08/15/2013 at 12:19 am

      seem to me you not a tech guy or gal, get used to user friendly IOs, Droid require a little brain to use not like iphone just a phone with nothing to offer

  10. Nicole

    04/09/2013 at 1:35 am

    I agree. Skip the 5s and give us a better iPhone 6. As for the size of the iPhone, it is perfect. iPhone should not go any bigger to compete with Samsung galaxy’s phone. That is the main reson I did not switch. The galaxy is too big to fit in your pocket. I have an iPad, no need for two.

  11. Larry

    04/09/2013 at 1:44 am

    I have an iPhone 4, I refuse to buy another iPhone until Apple decides to make something that can compete with the screen sizes of Samsung. It’s crazy to think that everyone wants that stupid little screen. Come on Apple. WAKE UP!!

  12. emmanuel

    04/09/2013 at 9:41 am

    I used to love iphones not anymore im moving to s4

  13. chesca

    04/09/2013 at 8:16 pm

    i have an iphone 4s but im planning to upgrade to iphone 5. then in realized i prefer my iphone 4s. but cmon APPLE make ipone 6!!!!

  14. Phil

    04/12/2013 at 12:17 am

    I love Apple stuff but I switched to a Galaxy note 2 – the phone looks and feels better than any iPhone – the Android UI is still a bit clunky in places compared to iOS but is improving all the time. Don’t regret the move but would still switch back if Apple made a phone like this. If Google fixes Android before Apple make a decent iPhone, Apple will permanently lose a loyal customer base

    • Sonny Wu` (@Hondaslzman)

      08/15/2013 at 12:31 am

      I agree with you, droid os still little clunky and laggy some tmes, don’t worry Google will fix all that, before you know Droid is the best os on he market. I was an Apple fan too, love the text and talk features, I do over 200 calsl and texts in combine that’s why I never give up iphone but I recently switched to Galaxy s4 this monster is beating the iphone 5 by all aspect and I am a very very happy camper. I would consider iphone again if the next Gen is 4.5 to 4.7 inch minimum, I don’t have to mention other features iphone will catch and at last of course the retina display is unbeatable and I still missed that. one more thing don’t worry about the finger scan gimmick cause I don’t lock my phone at all.

  15. Ken

    07/19/2013 at 8:32 am

    What could you possibly (need) a screen that size for! Its just rediculous! Samsung phones are garbage everyone I have seen is cracked chipped busted up
    My iPhone 5 has been dropped at least once a day and has barely noticeable dings and still works perfect!

  16. Ritesh

    08/21/2013 at 1:18 am

    Been a crazy apple fan for long time since iPhones lauched and I will be very disappointed if the 5s Is of the same dimensions as the iphone 5 , I am eagerly expecting an bigger screen may be 4.8 or 5 inch screen & better hd camera .
    If theses features are missed out I would rather be in iphone5 and will not upgrade

  17. Tandy Martin

    08/23/2013 at 2:38 am

    I’ve never owned any technology other than Apple but I want a bigger screen size also. I’m seriously considering switching phones when my contract is up in early 2014. I definitely don’t think the iPhone is the quote unquote perfect size. I am currently researching other phones like the Galaxy. Give me a bigger screen Apple !

  18. newschool2014

    09/05/2013 at 12:10 am

    Come on Apple ! Go big ( sceen) or go home . . . If Apple can’t make bigger sceen size (at least 4.8″ and up ) you are out of the game because Apple too far behight the compertition . Wake up Apple !

  19. yoguiro

    09/09/2013 at 6:38 pm

    I think people didn’t understand apple way. I am using apple for a long time, not only iPhone, but my Macbook Pro and Mac Pro. If you really need something reliable, fast, with a perfect workflow, and always working, its apple! And I am excluding the design, one of the most important things on the product feeling, nothing beats apple product. People talk about bigger screens? But why? The size is perfect, I take it on my jeans, or on a formal suit, it has the perfect weigh and don’t feel like plastic, we can share an presentation directly from the iPhone or we can share project changes by Autodesk glue on the field. I don’t use a bag, like my girlfriend..It has all inside we need..and works perfectly and always…it has a smaller screen than samsung, but it has bigger screen space, don’t you think?

  20. Hmoobs

    09/16/2013 at 8:23 pm

    I had the original iphone, 3g, 3gs, and iphone 4. Then jumped to bigger screen samsung galaxy s2, s3, then note 2 and waiting to get my galaxy note 3 on October 2. As you can see my pattern; i was a loyal iphone customer, but now ,never look back because i do not miss that tiny screenany more. As far as my money is concerns, there no phone on earth right now can be as good as the galaxy note series.

    • john

      09/17/2013 at 6:01 am

      I agree with you totally. I also was a loyal Iphone user. Got tired of the tiny screen. I’m now also a note 2 user and is loving it!

  21. Acute Mind

    09/22/2013 at 10:04 am

    I have been a loyal Apple customer from the beginning when I got an Apple IIC in 4th grade, but I am considering other phones because the screen size needs to be increased slightly. If they can manage to give more screen real estate without making the phone too big to fit in your pocket, it would be a big win for me as I’m not a huge fan of the whole finger print thing.

  22. CloseCoder

    09/23/2013 at 10:50 am

    While i may like big screen phones, i still prefer the iPhone 5S screen size just because i can use it with one hand and text. I learned that the bigger the screen, the more expensive repairs are going to be. The S3 screen assembly still costs more than an iPhone 5 screen assembly and its older wtf?

  23. Judy

    09/26/2013 at 10:48 am

    Personally I don’t want a large screen iphone that won’t fit in my pocket. So I hope it doesn’t get much bigger than the 5, which I love.

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