iPhone 6 marked Apple's shift to phablet era
2014 redesign doubled screen sizes to compete with Android rivals
1Radical size increase
The iPhone 6 introduced 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models, abandoning Apple's long-standing 3.5-inch standard. This marked a complete departure from Steve Jobs' vision of ideal phone size. The change directly responded to Android competitors dominating the phablet market, particularly in Asia where larger screens were preferred.
2Strategic market expansion
Apple planned to double its retail presence in China coinciding with the iPhone 6 launch. The company secured a crucial partnership with China Mobile, the country's largest carrier. These moves targeted a market where phablets already enjoyed strong popularity, showing Cook's focus on international growth over Jobs' product purity philosophy.
3Technical upgrades
Beyond screen size, the iPhone 6 series brought faster processors, improved LTE/Wi-Fi connectivity, and longer battery life. The 6 Plus added optical image stabilization for its camera. Most notably, it introduced Apple Pay through NFC technology, marking Apple's first major foray into mobile payments.
4Design evolution
The iPhone 6 adopted a slimmer, curved design inspired by the iPad Air. The larger form factor necessitated relocating the power button to the side. For the first time, the rear camera protruded slightly from the aluminum back - a controversial design choice that would become more pronounced in later models.
5Record-breaking sales
Despite launching without China as an initial market, the iPhone 6 sold 10 million units in its first three days. The strong reception came despite later 'Bendgate' reports of structural weakness in the 6 Plus. Customer demand proved the larger form factor's appeal, validating Cook's market-driven approach.
6Longevity of design
The iPhone 6's design language persisted through three generations - the 6s and 7 series maintained the same exterior. This represented unusual continuity for Apple, only changing in 2017 with the iPhone X's glass back. The extended lifecycle demonstrated the design's commercial success and engineering maturity.
7Competitive response
The iPhone 6 directly countered Samsung's Galaxy Note series that had defined the phablet category. By finally embracing larger screens, Apple removed a key Android advantage. The move came two years after Cook's similar strategic shift with the iPad mini, showing his willingness to adapt to market realities.
8Engineering challenges
The larger form factor introduced structural concerns, culminating in the 'Bendgate' controversy. While affecting few users, reports of iPhone 6 Plus bending under pressure prompted Apple to reinforce subsequent models. This highlighted the engineering tradeoffs in pursuing thinner designs with larger surface areas.
9Camera compromise
The protruding camera on iPhone 6 represented Apple's first departure from flush-mounted rear cameras. While criticized at launch, this became standard as camera systems grew more complex. The iPhone 6's modest bump appears minimal compared to contemporary multi-lens arrays, showing how priorities shifted toward camera performance over pure design.
10Strategic pivot point
The iPhone 6 marked Apple's full transition from Jobs' product-centric philosophy to Cook's market-driven approach. By prioritizing screen size over design purity, Apple secured its smartphone leadership for another cycle. The model's commercial success validated adapting to consumer preferences rather than dictating them.
Original article: Cult of Mac — iPhone 6 marked Apple's shift to phablet era