New iPhone Form Factor

Although you saw the switch from a metal back to a plastic back, you still haven't really seen a new iPhone form factor since the original iPhone hit the scene in 2007. When you look at just about every other cell phone manufacturer in the world, they try their hands at a variety of form factors, ranging from clamshells to sliders, touchscreens to QWERTY keyboards. Why hasn't Apple done the same yet?

Will There Be a New iPhone Form Factor?

There's no denying that the iPhone has been a huge success for Apple. It really did shake up the industry, introducing a consumer-friendly smartphone that not only looked great, but came with a fantastic user interface and a multi-touch display.

The original iPhone certainly wasn't the first phone to feature a touchscreen, but it was arguably one of the best at what it did. Apple has always had a keen focus on good design and its entry into the mobile phone market was no exception.

That said, you should be expecting some variation in the iPhone line just as we do with other cell phones and with the iPod line of portable media players. No one will mistake an iPod shuffle for an iPod touch, after all. In this way, should we be expecting a new iPhone form factor at some point? Most likely.

These are just rumors at this point, but the rumors are pointing toward one of two possible directions for a new iPhone model.

Apple iPhone Nano

Shortly after the arrival of the iPhone 3G, the public started to wonder if Apple would be releasing a smaller, more compact, and more affordable version of the iPhone for the masses. This didn't really materialize with the iPhone 3G S, since it was merely an extension of the iPhone 3G.

This definitely has not been confirmed by anyone at Apple just yet, but there is word that Apple is working on what we may know as an iPhone Nano. Going back to the iPod line, the original iPods were larger, hard drive-based media players. When the iPod mini and later the iPod nano hit the scene, we were afforded a device that was much more compact and much more affordable.

In this way, it is very possible that we could be seeing some variation on an iPhone nano at some point as the new iPhone form factor. They may take away some of the more expensive features, shrink down the screen size, and reduce the overall price. Can you imagine having an iPhone for free with contract?

Pros

• More affordable
• Smaller size is easier to fit in pocket
• Expands reach of iPhone brand

Cons

• Reduces "premium" status of iPhone
• Fewer features
• Smaller touchscreen

Apple iPhone Elite or iPhone Pro

One of the more common iPhone complaints is that it lacks a physical keyboard. People who are coming from a BlackBerry or other similar device have grown much more accustomed to using a physical QWERTY keyboard, so the transition to the touchscreen virtual keyboard of the iPhone can be difficult. They want that tactile response.

In this way, there have been countless rumors of a new iPhone form factor that would introduce a physical keyboard. It is very unlikely that Apple would be willing to sacrifice that large screen, so it's more likely that a so-called iPhone Elite or iPhone Pro would come with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, not unlike the T-Mobile G1, HTC Touch Pro, or Samsung Glyde.

Pros

• Physical keyboard gives tactile response
• Easier transition product for BlackBerry users
• Maintains large touchscreen

Cons

• Adds significant thickness
• More moving parts may present more problems
• Forces more frequent rotation of screen

Expanding the iPhone Lineup

It seems that the question on everyone's mind is, "When does the new iPhone come out?" Many people love the current iPhone 3GS and all the great features that it brings to the table, but many are also looking toward the possibility of a new iPhone form factor. Some want something smaller and more compact. Others yearn for a real keyboard.

Whatever the case, hope that Apple is listening and hope that they continue to innovate with the iPhone line of smartphones.

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