iPhone 6 to Support 'One-Handed Mode' to Address Usability on Larger Screens

In a lengthy article covering Apple's iWatch and iPhone 6 plans for next Tuesday's media event, The New York Times reports the iPhone 6 will support an optional "one-handed mode" to make it easier for users on the larger-screened devices.

To deal with concerns that a bigger phone will make typing with one hand difficult (the current iPhone has a 4-inch screen), some changes to the design of the iPhones’ software interface will allow people to type or use apps with just one hand — there will be a one-handed mode that can be switched on and off, two employees said.

The report reiterates rumors that the iPhone 6 will come in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch sizes, considerably larger than the 4-inch screen included on recent iPhone models. Apple has touted the ease of one-handed use on its current lineup as competitors have moved to even larger displays, and this new one-handed mode will clearly serve as an answer to Apple's own previous criticism of large-screen phones. Exactly how this mode will work is unclear, however.

iphone_5s_6_grass

iPhone 5s next to physical mockups of 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6

The New York Times also reiterates circulating rumors that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will be priced higher than the 4.7-inch model, with both devices also including near field communications (NFC) to support a new mobile payments initiative.

Apple's media event kicks off at 10:00 AM Pacific Time next Tuesday, and Apple will be providing a live video stream of the event. MacRumors will also be providing coverage of the event with a liveblog and Twitter updates.

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Top Rated Comments

rorschach Avatar
142 months ago
When you need junk like this, the phone is too big!
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Patriot24 Avatar
142 months ago
There is going to be an inordinate amount of inappropriate "One-Handed Mode" jokes.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
timshundo Avatar
142 months ago
One thing is for sure; it's not gonna work like this:



LOL. That's basically admitting that bigger screens aren't useful so here's a compromised mode for when actually need to use your phone when not bragging about how big it is.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mikeash Avatar
142 months ago
When you need junk like this, the phone is too big!

Then don't buy it! Plenty of iPhone 5s will be available for a great price soon. You keep rocking that 4 inch screen buddy! :cool:
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JonneyGee Avatar
142 months ago
One-handed mode: decent idea.
Small enough phone to where it's not needed: much better idea.

I'd take a 3.5" iPhone 6 if they made it.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
timshundo Avatar
142 months ago
I knew it! Probably something like this. Swipe left or right on the keyboard to shrink it down and move it to the side for easy, one-handed thumbing.

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)