Nearly One-Third of iPhone Users Still Have 4-Inch Screens - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
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Right now, customers that want a 4-inch iPhone have to settle for the over two-year-old iPhone 5s's outdated tech specs, and the smartphone also lacks many new features such as Apple Pay, 3D Touch, and Live Photos.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

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...
Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....

Top Rated Comments

139 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)
139 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
139 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
139 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
139 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
139 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)