Hide carrier name in status bar on home network

Originator:dloewenherz
Number:rdar://21671467 Date Originated:03-Jul-2015 02:26 PM
Status:Duplicate/11026998 Resolved:
Product:iPhone/iPod touch Product Version:
Classification:Enhancement Reproducible:Always
 
This is a duplicate of rdar://11026998

Summary: The name of the current carrier should be hidden from the status bar if the device is on its (or the SIM's) home network.

Honestly, the name of the carrier is useful only when roaming, and I'd guess that the majority of iPhone users never leave their home network. So why constantly remind them that the device is currently on AT&T's, Sprint's or Verizon's network if it's quite unlikely that it will ever change? It's almost the same as putting the carrier's logo on the device itself … ok, maybe not *that* bad.

The removal of the carrier name would reduce visual clutter by removing unnecessary information and basically cleaning up the status bar, which should be clear and comprehensible, and should only contain needed information. Also bear in mind that in other countries carrier names can be quite long, always filling the entire left half of the status bar for no good reason.

Regression: The name of the current carrier is vital information when outside home network as different policies and prices apply for each network. Exactly the opposite is the case on the home network. If ever needed, the name of the current carrier (regardless if on home network or roaming) can be discovered in Settings app.

Notes: I've tried manually removing the carrier name for my personal device, and it looks fantastic. I know the carrier I'm currently on, and don't need to be constantly reminded about it. Also this report does not concern the signal strength bars in any way — those should stay as they are.

Additionally, if this is ever done, the Bluetooth icon could be moved to the left side of status bar, together with signal bars and WiFi status. This would make the left side represent the status of signals (cell, wifi, bluetooth), while leaving the right side to device features (battery, rotation lock, GPS)

Comments

I've always heard that the carrier name in the status bar is a stipulation from the carriers. I mean, they get to plaster their logo all over other phones, and Apple would only yield that tiny area in the status bar.

That being said, the "Back to App" feature in iOS 9.0 takes the place of carrier/signal information, so perhaps that information is wrong.

By jonblatho at July 6, 2015, 1:06 a.m. (reply...)

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