Domestic Flagship Phones Collectively "Pay Homage" to iPhone: Straight Screens, Large Rounded Corners, and Straight-Edged Frames Become the New Trend

Domestic Flagship Phones Collectively "Pay Homage" to iPhone: Straight Screens, Large Rounded Corners, and Straight-Edged Frames Become the New TrendLast October, a domestic flagship phone was released with a design and user interface strikingly similar to the iPhone, prompting media outlets to directly refer to it as an "iPhone." Remarkably, the brand seemed unconcerned, and the phone's sales were exceptionally strong

Domestic Flagship Phones Collectively "Pay Homage" to iPhone: Straight Screens, Large Rounded Corners, and Straight-Edged Frames Become the New Trend

Last October, a domestic flagship phone was released with a design and user interface strikingly similar to the iPhone, prompting media outlets to directly refer to it as an "iPhone." Remarkably, the brand seemed unconcerned, and the phone's sales were exceptionally strong. This seemed to hark back to the era when domestic phone manufacturers collectively mimicked Apple's designs. Unexpectedly, however, around October of this year, almost all domestic flagship phones began "paying homage" to iPhone's design language.

This "homage" manifests in several aspects: firstly, the ubiquitous adoption of straight-edged framesthis needs little explanation; secondly, the widespread use of large rounded corners, a hallmark iPhone design feature; and thirdly, the universal choice of a purely straight screen, across all models. Since its inception, the iPhone has consistently used a straight screen, never adopting alternative screen formats. Now, we've returned to an era of straight screen dominance.

Even more surprising is that some domestic flagship phones are already showcasing designs that mimic the camera module arrangement of the iPhone 17 series. This brings to mind the now-defunct quad-curved screen. This screen type, a creation of domestic manufacturers, had a surprisingly short lifecycle in the smartphone industry, being rendered obsolete in less than three years. Its lifespan was far shorter than that of dual-curved screens, and while it might trickle down to mid-to-low-end models, in the flagship market, the straight screen has become the absolute mainstream, with virtually no manufacturers adopting this screen type anymore.

User comments reveal that straight screens are the preferred screen type for most consumers. Therefore, the combination of a straight screen, large rounded corners, and a straight-edged frame is undoubtedly a major trend, as it aligns with consumer preferences. Any manufacturer failing to keep up with this trend risks being left behind by the times and consumers. It's worth specifically praising OPPO, as the OPPO Find X8 Ultra might be the only Ultra flagship this year to feature a straight screen.

An old saying holds true: "If you don't play by the rules of the age, you'll be eliminated by the age, unless you can create a new age." However, a question worth pondering is: Why does Apple always pioneer a design, only for domestic manufacturers to follow suit? When Apple adopted rounded frames, domestic manufacturers followed suit; now that Apple has returned to straight frames, domestic manufacturers are following again.

This phenomenon is the result of complex market factors and technological considerations. Firstly, Apple, as an industry giant, possesses powerful R&D capabilities and market influence, and its product designs often represent a trend. Secondly, domestic manufacturers need to find survival space in a highly competitive market; imitating Apple's designs reduces R&D costs and risks, and quickly gains market recognition. Simultaneously, Apple's design language possesses inherent aesthetic appeal and practicality, holding significant attraction for consumers.

However, this "follow-the-leader" strategy carries risks. Simple imitation, lacking innovation and differentiation, can easily lead to being overlooked or even labeled as a "knock-off." Therefore, domestic manufacturers need to innovate and improve upon imitation, creating products with their own unique characteristics.

For instance, while many domestic flagship phones utilize straight-edged frames and straight screens, there are still differences in detail processing and material selection. Some manufacturers may prioritize narrower bezels, others might focus on screen display quality, and still others on grip. These details ultimately determine the overall quality and user experience of the phone.

Consequently, domestic manufacturers shouldn't merely imitate but should innovate and improve upon borrowed elements, leveraging their design capabilities and technological advantages to produce products meeting consumer demands and possessing unique characteristics. Only then can they remain competitive, rather than simply being Apple's "followers."

In short, the combination of a straight screen, large rounded corners, and a straight-edged frame has become this year's trend for domestic flagship phones. This trend reflects both Apple's leading role and consumer aesthetic preferences. While keeping up with trends, domestic manufacturers should prioritize innovation and differentiation to stand out in future market competition. This wave of "homage" to the iPhone also reveals the exploration and development direction of the domestic phone industry in terms of design. With ongoing technological advancements and evolving consumer needs, future phone design trends will be more diverse and personalized, and domestic manufacturers will play an increasingly important role. This is not just a technological competition but also a competition of aesthetics and user experience. The ability to better understand consumer needs and translate them into competitive products will be a continuous focus for domestic phone manufacturers. The goal is to not only "pay homage" to classics but also to create their own classics. The OPPO Find X8 Ultra, as perhaps the only Ultra flagship with a straight screen this year, might represent an independent approach and courageous attempt to navigate current market trends. Ultimately, the market will determine the true winners.