Azu3PyMCUAAi6lNAfter reports that iOS 6's Springboard automatically adjusts to support the rumored 1136x640 resolution of the next iPhone, developer Cédric Luthi determined how accomplish that feat.

Earlier today, my friend Peter Steinberger asked if there is a way to tweak the iOS simulator device size. So I investigated, and found a pretty elegant solution. Without further ado, here is how to change the size of the iOS simulator in order to test your apps in resolutions never seen before.

The instructions are relatively simple, requiring the download of a small text file, and an editing of plist file. The hack is said to work on Xcode 4.4.1+ and the iPhone 5.1 Simulator with the iPhone (Retina) device.

It seems that except for Springboard, developer's apps will only get the new size in iOS 5/5.1 with this hack. Screenshot of it in action (top right) by @steipete.

Top Rated Comments

arn Avatar
176 months ago
Post deleted by moderator
It's not a photoshop. It's a taller-than-normal app running in the iPhone simulator on a Mac. The overlap is because the iPhone frame is a fixed size, while the simulator has been hacked to be larger than expected.

arn

----------

Making the screen taller and not preserving the old resolution and aspect ratio is only one thing: retarded.

I cannot wait to enjoy stretched out games or black bars. /S
Will likely be black bars.

arn
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sazivad Avatar
176 months ago
It's not a photoshop. It's a taller-than-normal app running in the iPhone simulator on a Mac. The overlap is because the iPhone frame is a fixed size, while the simulator has been hacked to be larger than expected.
Oh. Sorry... :o
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applesith Avatar
176 months ago
DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS!!

Get those apps ready!!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reason077 Avatar
176 months ago


Here's another tip:

If you copy the entire "iPhone (Retina).deviceinfo" directory to another name, ie "iPhone (Tall).deviceinfo" you can set it up to easily switch between the standard and tall modes.

You just have to change the "displayName" and "Executable File" properties to match whatever you renamed the .deviceinfo to.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Snookerman Avatar
176 months ago
How do we know 1136x640 is the resolution they're going for? Wouldn't it make more sense to have it 1280x720? They could call it iPhone HD :)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LeakedDave Avatar
176 months ago
Making the screen taller and not preserving the old resolution and aspect ratio is only one thing: retarded.

I cannot wait to enjoy stretched out games or black bars. /S
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...