Four major iPhone features removed over the last decade

Every year, Apple’s highly anticipated September event introduces new iPhone models, Apple Watches, and accessories, generating excitement among consumers. iPhones have become incredibly popular, boasting a remarkable 58.81 percent market share in the U.S. One of the key advantages of iOS over Android is its ability to deliver fast software updates for five to six years, surpassing the limited and often delayed updates seen on many Android devices. 

Despite the iPhone’s acclaim, several features have fallen short of expectations. The article explores some popular iPhone features that failed to resonate with users.

Apple’s antennagate scandal of faulty design

A major source of contention in 2010 was the iPhone 4’s distinctive design, which featured a steel band that also functioned as its antenna. Within weeks of user adoption, users began seeing problems with connectivity, particularly when holding the phone in their left hand.

The situation escalated to Steve Jobs cutting short a family vacation in Hawaii to acknowledge the issue. Initially, Jobs defended the iPhone 4, but Apple eventually acknowledged a problem with the antenna design and offered two solutions: a software update that would mask the weak signal and a protective bumper case that would prevent users’ hands from interfering with the antenna.

Antennagate was a harsh lesson for Apple: UX is king. Thorough testing of new products can leave no stone unturned, especially as reports surfaced that a senior engineer had warned superiors about the problematic design and its potential for signal issues. 

3D Touch: A touch of disappointment 

Apple’s 3D Touch, a hardware-based feature introduced with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, promised to change the face of user interaction forever. By sensing the pressure applied to the touchscreen, 3D Touch enabled context-sensitive actions without navigating away from the current screen. The feature allowed users to press and trigger pop-ups or launch apps seamlessly. 

Apple marketed 3D Touch as a revolutionary advancement in multi-touch technology, promising a more intuitive and efficient experience. However, it struggled to resonate with users. Many remained unaware of its existence due to inadequate explanations, and there was no clear indication of when 3D Touch could be used. 

As a result, users often resorted to a trial-and-error method to discover its functionalities. Additionally, not all apps supported the feature, and the subtlety of pressure sensitivity often went unnoticed. Consequently, 3D Touch never became a defining feature of the iPhone lineup. While it appeared in the iPhone 6s, 7, 8, X, and XS models, it was discontinued with the iPhone XR and eliminated entirely, starting with the iPhone 11 series.

The Maps fiasco: Apple’s navigation nightmare 

Apple Maps, launched in 2012 as a replacement for Google Maps on iOS devices, faced immediate backlash from users. Previously relying on Google Maps for navigation, Apple’s decision to develop its own mapping software proved disastrous. The new service was plagued by numerous inaccuracies and missing features, leading to widespread frustration. 

Users encountered various issues, from navigation problems to difficulties in finding addresses. Complaints highlighted a lack of detail, distorted imagery, and incorrect directions. For example, Grand Cayman appeared as a flat island without roads, and New York City’s Manhattan Bridge looked like a roller coaster. The public outcry over Apple Maps led Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, to issue an apology. The criticism contributed to the departure of the head of the iOS software team. Cook admitted that Apple had failed its users and recommended using other mapping apps. Although Apple Maps has gotten better, Google Maps remains far more popular. Also, Google Maps is compatible with various devices, such as Android, Windows, and Apple CarPlay. 

iPhone 14 crash detection: A feature that crashed 

Apple introduced the iPhone 14’s crash detection feature in 2022 to identify a car accident. If the feature detects a crash and the user doesn’t respond within 20 seconds, it automatically places an emergency call. Notably, Apple’s crash detection feature came three years after Google introduced a similar functionality on its Pixel 3 in 2019. 

While this is a commendable safety measure, it has faced criticism for generating false alarms. Users reported that the feature was inadvertently activated at ski resorts, amusement parks, and during other high-energy activities, such as falls while skiing or snowboarding. Moreover, the bulk of winter clothing makes it difficult for users to notice an emergency call placed on their iPhone or Apple Watch. 

According to MacRumors, in January 2023, emergency responders in Colorado’s Summit County received 185 accidental crash detection calls. These false alerts consumed valuable time and resources that could have been allocated to real emergencies. In response to the frequency of false positives, Apple implemented six optimizations to the Crash Detection feature in iOS. 

Distilled 

Recognising that even the most innovative companies can face setbacks is essential. These less successful features are valuable lessons contributing to the ongoing evolution and enhancement of the iPhone and future Apple products. As technology progresses, new features will inevitably be introduced, and some may fall short of expectations. However, through these missteps, we gain insights and drive growth, ultimately shaping the future of technology.