Nearly One-Third of iPhone Users Still Have 4-Inch Screens - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Nearly One-Third of iPhone Users Still Have 4-Inch Screens

The latest data from Mixpanel shows that approximately 32.22% of active iPhone users still have a 4-inch screen. That is the same screen size as the so-called "iPhone 5se" that Apple is expected to announce at its rumored March 15 event.

Apple has released three iPhone models with 4-inch screens since 2013, including the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5s, and some customers still feel these smartphones have the best screen size for pocketability and one-handed usage.

iPhone-4-inch
Apple's newest 4-inch smartphone, the iPhone 5s, represented just under 20 percent of current iPhones in use, trailed by the iPhone 5 at 7.53 percent and the plastic-backed iPhone 5c at 5.66 percent. The numbers fluctuate slightly in real time.

In the company's latest earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that 60 percent of older-generation iPhone users have yet to upgrade to the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, or iPhone 6s Plus.

Right now, customers that want a 4-inch iPhone have to settle for the over two-year-old iPhone 5s's outdated tech specs, and the smartphone also lacks many new features such as Apple Pay, 3D Touch, and Live Photos.

For that reason, the "iPhone 5se" with a rumored 4-inch screen, Apple's newest A9 chip, Live Photos, and purported price of around $500 may prove to be a more popular option among prospective iPhone buyers.

Popular Stories

Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

11 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro

Monday May 11, 2026 9:01 am PDT by
We're only four months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a sea change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a...
iOS 26

iOS 26.5 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.5

Monday May 11, 2026 5:09 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 26.5 after a few months of beta testing, and while it doesn't have the Siri features we were hoping for since those are being held until iOS 27, there are a handful of useful changes worth knowing about. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. End-to-End Encryption for RCS Support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and...
General Apps Reddit Feature

Reddit Starts Blocking Mobile Website, Pushing Users to App Instead

Monday May 11, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Social network Reddit recently began blocking mobile visitors to its website while pushing them to download the official Reddit app, and it's fair to say that the move is not going down well with users. If you visit reddit.com on your iPhone today, you may see a new popup that can't be dismissed, asking you to "get the app to keep using Reddit." A Reddit spokesperson told Ars Technica...

Top Rated Comments

134 months ago
On a 4" 5S, holding out for a new 4" phone. I'd go back to 3.5" if I could -- I'm not cheap, I just prefer to use an iPad Mini or Macbook Air when I need a larger screen.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
134 months ago
Anecdotal evidence doesn't mean much, but I know several people who still have an iPhone 4/4S or an iPhone 5S/C because the "iPhone 6 is too big." I certainly think there's a market for 4" devices, but Apple knows more than me.

Some people on this forum says that 4" is too big and want a 3.5" phone. I never felt the jump from 4S -> 5 was that massive.
Another problem is that Apple made the bezel so big. Compared to another phone of same screen size, iPhone tends to be bigger due to the bezel. I like the "size" of the iPhone 5, but if they can do 4.7inch with smaller bezel, I'd take that.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FSMBP Avatar
134 months ago
If Apple offered a iPhone 6s inwards into a 4" frame, I would get it in a heart-beat.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Traverse Avatar
134 months ago
Anecdotal evidence doesn't mean much, but I know several people who still have an iPhone 4/4S or an iPhone 5S/C because the "iPhone 6 is too big." I certainly think there's a market for 4" devices, but Apple knows more than me.

Some people on this forum says that 4" is too big and want a 3.5" phone. I never felt the jump from 4S -> 5 was that massive.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mac Fly (film) Avatar
134 months ago
iPhone 6 is too big for my hands and jean pockets. Please give us an iPhone 6s mini and not a watered down iPhone. I'd be willing to pay iPhone 6s money.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rp2011 Avatar
134 months ago
I love larger screens but it all comes down to use and preference. I bought the 6 but returned it for the sole reason of how I personally use it. I'm on the go, I take it to the gym, hiking etc. I don't like carrying anything too bulky or unnecessary in my person. I hate carrying my wallet if I can do without it.
So for "me" the smaller phone works best. I have an iPad when I need a bigger screen.
Choice is good. We're all different.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)