Now is Your Chance Apple: Simplify the iPhone Line to ‘Standard”, “Air”, and “Pro”

Rendering of the new iPhone 12

It is July which means two things: it is very, very hot out, and new iPhones are just two months away. Currently being referred to as the iPhone 12, this year’s phones are looking to be not only a significant spec bump, but also an entire new design leading Apple to presumably skip the “S” year upgrade.

Now, with a redesigned phone, the rumor of 4 different models, and recently released “iPhone SE”, this should be the year Apple finally breaks from the others and drops the numbering scheme. This would be the perfect time to clean up the naming scheme of the MacBook, iPad, and iPhone once and for all. Let me explain how.

The MacBook line has become easy to recognize, as well as easy to keep simply. The smaller, slimmer MacBook (while still totally respectable) falls under the Air line while the powerhouse Pro line maintains the larger sizes as well as the higher upgradeable specs. At one point, Apple also had simply the standard “MacBook” which could be brought back in a simple, everyday device targeted towards the budget-conscious consumer. Of course, this would require Apple to relaunch the MacBook line, but the potential and market is certainly there.

On the iPad, things are already lined up. The higher end Pro line is targeted towards the power user that needs the highest specs as well as the largest size while the Air line is targeted towards the user looking for the perfect combination of performance, portability, and price. Finally, at the bottom of the line, is the standard iPad using slightly older hardware and design, but offering a perfectly suitable device in budget-friendly package.

The iPhone may finally be in a position to truly adopt the Apple naming conventions once and for all. This year, Apple is rumored to be releasing four individual phones under two umbrellas. The rumored “iPhone 12 Pro” and “iPhone 12 Pro Max” will sit at the top in 6.1” and 6.7” sizes respectively with the newest A14 chip, top camera sensors, largest storage capacities, and best overall performance; in other words, it is everything Apple would want in a Pro line. Along with that, Apple is said to be releasing the “iPhone 12” and “iPhone 12 Max” with a 5.4” and 6.1” screen respectively. These phones are slated to have the newest chip, slightly smaller storage capacities and batteries, as well as the best camera sensors, but maybe not as many. These phones look slated to appeal to consumer looking for the best performance, size (portability), and price. Sound like something else? These devices are fit perfectly in to the market that Apple pushes the Air line towards. Finally, Apple recently released the new “iPhone SE” which is a perfectly suitable device for budget-friendly consumer that is looking for an excellent device with adequate hardware at a great price. This is simply “The iPhone”.

2020 looks like the perfect year for Apple to finally create consistency in its portable computing lines. Apple has already set the narrative for how its devices are classified:

1) Pro = best performance, largest sizes, newest technology under the hood,

2) Air = perfect combination of performance, portability, and price,

3) Standard = entry level device, perfectly functional, budget friendly.

The MacBook and iPad have settled in to their respective roles and have helped Apple target their models to the ideal consumers; now is the year the iPhone can do the same. Let’s forget these stupid numbering conventions. Rename the “iPhone SE“ to simply “iPhone” (or say the SE means “Standard Edition”, launch the “iPhone 12” and “iPhone 12 Max” as the “iPhone Air” with multiple options, and launch the “iPhone 12 Pro” and “iPhone 12 Pro Max” as the “iPhone Pro” with multiple options. If you want to keep selling the old models, just give the launch year as you do with other product lines.

This is it Apple; this is the year for consistency in naming. Keep it simple and keep it Apple. The ball is in your court.