What iPhone Users Most Want to Change – And Why Apple Might Not Deliver
CNET readers reveal their top iPhone feature requests and the reality of Apple's priorities
1Apple's Leadership Transition and Expectations
Tim Cook's 15-year tenure as CEO is ending, with John Ternus taking over. This change could significantly impact Apple's product strategy. Expected updates include AI integrations (Apple Intelligence), MagSafe charging, and iOS 27. However, some fundamental user-requested changes may remain unaddressed due to corporate priorities.
2Price Remains the Biggest Complaint
16% of CNET readers want lower iPhone prices. Currently, iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199, while the budget iPhone 17E costs $599. Due to RAM shortages and increased demand for memory chips, price reductions seem unlikely. Refurbished iPhones offer an alternative, but demand for used devices is also rising.
3Battery Life and Fast Charging Demands
14% of participants desire larger batteries or faster charging. While modern phone batteries are powerful, users expect longer endurance. Whether Apple will address this remains uncertain. The new CEO might prioritize energy efficiency improvements in upcoming models.
4Foldable iPhone Anticipation
77% of CNET readers believe Apple will debut its first foldable phone this year. Rumors suggest names like iPhone Fold, Ultra, or Flip, competing with Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z series. Expected pricing ranges between $2,000-$2,500, with a potential September unveiling.
5Camera-Equipped AirPods Speculation
The idea of cameras in AirPods circulates, though they'd function as AI sensors for Siri rather than high-resolution cameras. Bloomberg reports this feature may wait until 2027. 77% of readers doubt a 2024 release. Updated AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 seem more probable this year.
6Will Black Color Return?
iPhone 17 Pro Max's lack of black disappointed users. 72% believe black will return with iPhone 18 Pro models. Black has been absent since iPhone 16 Pro, though previous models offered space black, graphite, and space gray variants. Current color rumors focus on light blue and dark cherry.
7Smart Glasses Likely Delayed
51% of readers expect Apple to announce smart glasses in September, while 49% disagree. Experts suggest waiting until late 2027 due to development challenges. Reports indicate Tim Cook personally champions this project, with Ternus leading development. Production hurdles may cause further delays.
8Apple's Strategy vs. User Realities
Apple's product roadmap prioritizes market conditions and technological constraints over user requests. Factors like RAM shortages, production costs, and competitor pressure influence decisions. While users want lower prices, better batteries, and design changes, Apple balances profitability with innovation. The new CEO era may shift this balance.