People get old. Old people cannot see small text. Big text requires bigger screen to fit.

One could argue that a lot of 50-ish people have pro max with iphone 5-ish screen estate.

Small screens ain’t gonna happen

I'm 40 and I'm clinging to my 13 mini until they offer something comparable, even though the battery is getting old enough I'd really like an upgrade.

I can't be the only one.

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freediver 6 days ago | parent [-]

Same problem here with my mini - it can barely get through a day now. Do you know if you can walk to an Apple store and ask to just replace battery?

	▲	omnimus 6 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		I have iphone 11 and you can have battery replaced just fine. I did it few months ago and the phone became like new. I am not sure about Apple in US but if they won't do it then some third party will.
	▲	EvanAnderson 6 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		I've had good luck with my local Apple store replacing batteries in older models. I made appointments rather than walk-in.

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swiftcoder 6 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

The bigger problem is that app and web designers have stopped accommodating smaller screen sizes. I can't use my bank's app on an iPhone mini, because the buttons end up off the bottom of the screen (and the app doesn't scroll). Ditto for a number of popular web apps.

	▲	piskov 6 days ago \| parent [-]
		Well, for the same reason I’ve mentioned, they should: even pro max on 1,25…1.5 zoom will easily become mini

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frereubu 6 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

My eyes aren't great - I need three different sets of glasses: reading, office, long distance - and I'm clinging on to my 13 mini, desperately hoping that they in fact end up making something smaller. Granted, I bet I'm not the median buyer, but I would instantly upgrade to an iPhone that's around the size of the 4.

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piskov 6 days ago | parent | next [-]

What’s with the size?

I comfortably use pro max with one hand: phone rests on the pinky at the point where usb-c hole is.

Reachibility (gester of swiping down on home indicator) brings UI half screen down to reach upper regions.

Some use pop sockets.

	▲	NetMageSCW 4 days ago \| parent [-]
		Hey! That’s how I use my iPhone 15 Pro! Mainly for reading web sites and my calendar, but it works one handed for that just fine.

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piskov 6 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Three sets of glasses means you had nearsightedness before you got presbyopia.

That means you still get to see fairly good at short distances.

People with ordinary presbyopia can’t see shit at arms length and closer.

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mikestew 6 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I’m over 60 with bad eyes. Gimme a fucking iPhone 17 Mini to replace my aging 13 Mini, I’ll just hold it closer.

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piskov 6 days ago | parent [-]

But the whole point of presbyopia is that you cannot see what’s in close proximity.

The way you know you need your glasses is when your arm’s length isn’t enough to move your phone farther (not closer) to see.

	▲	mikestew 6 days ago \| parent [-]
		Fine, I’ll hold it farther away. My point stands. :-)

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jech 6 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

> Old people cannot see small text.

The old people you know need a better optometrist. (Hint: progressive lenses.)

	▲	piskov 6 days ago \| parent [-]
		Many hate the distortion to the point of being physically sick

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staplor 5 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Most people aren't old.

	▲	piskov 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		First iphone was released 17 years ago

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okanat 6 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Things that we called "feature" phones nowadays and iPhone 3 worked alright with all sorts of people. Maybe phone manufacturers shouldn't opt for putting so much bullshit into the screens. Reading news, video calling people, audio calling, recording voice, messaging. They all work alright with small screen estate and good UI design.

The only thing I see a possible issue is dealing with camera features. But, you know, tech companies should actually innovate stuff... I know radical.