Since its introduction I’ve been curious if the Apple iPhone can sustain it’s sales numbers and viability over an extended period of time.
New, sexy, high-tech gadgets often sell well initially but then quickly lose their “must-have” factor. This quick aging-out cycle is often due to functional shortcomings of the product or the release of a newer, sexier product making the older one obsolete.
Often too, users discover that new technology comes with a steeper learning curve then they are unwilling to make.
The iPhone may elude this aging-out cycle for some time due to its overall functionality, ease of use, innovation and intuitive user interface.
In the iPhone, Apple has created an all-in-one device that is highly functional and easy to use. They’ve also continue to improve the device with enhancements to both applications and the hardware.
Apple’s iPhone has been such an innovative leap ahead in smart phone design that competitors have not easily been able to duplicate or exceed it – advantage Apple. With the soon to be released iPhone SDK, third party applications will allow iPhone owners to address their individual application needs making the iPhone even more appealing.
As part of its appeal, the iPhone has gained the reputation of the smart phone that is easy to use and yes, “just works.” You don’t have to have a degree in computer science to be able to use it.
This simplicity factor should not be underrated and can be attractive to even those with higher then normal technical backgrounds as reflected by Jason Cross in an article on ExtremeTech.
It’s not all positive though. The iPhone isn’t as open as some would like and doesn’t play well with many of the business email models (Microsoft Exchange) making it less then perfect for corporate use.
It’s said that a year in the cellular phone business is like ten years anywhere else, so we shouldn’t have to wait much longer to see if the iPhone has long term viability.
With the decisions and progress that Apple has made since the iPhones introduction, so far, so good.
The iPhone and iPod Touch is the future trend because of constant internet connectivity. If the other phone manufacturers missed this they will be left behind.
Have you consider that the iPod Touch is reaching out to those who are not buying the iPhone because of AT&T.
30 years is the hardware & Software business in a pretty good idea how far Apple can go Name 5 other companies that have this successful track record.
@AdamC:
Good point about the Internet connectivity but other “phones” have had that feature before…but not with the readability and browser capabilities that the iPhone has.
Definitely AT&T is a weak point from the service standpoint (and the reason I haven’t made an iPhone purchase yet) but from what I’ve read Apple is making a mint ($) from each contract. I also believe Apple is probably putting some pressure on AT&T to improve.
@lordsqueegee:
That’s in part due to their elegant design of products that work and meet the needs of their target users.
The combination of the design of the iPhone and the software on it is what makes it so appealing. By now, you have seen the copies and they are not even close to reproducing or surpassing the iPhone experience. Sure they can copy the look, but not the functionality. Plus, with Apple being able to update the phone with software updates, it’s pretty hard to jump ahead of them, let alone catch them.
True the weakest point is the service which Apple doesn’t control. The fact that AT&T is gaining a huge number of subscribers jumping ship just for the Iphone is incentive enough to expand service and speed. For the record, I did compare an iPhone with a Helio Ocean 3G phone and the iPhone beat it in internet speed using EDGE, so I’m not so sure that 3G is that much faster or if it’s just marketing. Like the way 802.11 speeds are advertised vs. what their real speed is.
@Hammer :
True the software and hardware of the iPhone combine for an overall superior functional design.
I’m not surprised about your test of EDGE vs 3G. It’s hard to dig through all the “hype” to know the true advantages of 3G over Edge. But I believe AT&T has made some improvements to it’s edge network specifically for or because of the iPhone. If I remember correctly, they were enhancing it as the iPhone was being released.
The iPhone is a never ending blank slate, it can be transformed at any point into a more modern device, all without changing the physical design. Genius.
If the iPhone last as long as the ipod; then we’re talking some serious staying power. I think it will.
Of course, maybe it will last as long as the Mac and you’re talking going almost 25 years!
I predict that many well known computer companies & stores will be well out of business before the iphone goes stale.
It doesn’t matter whether 2.5G EDGE is just as fast as 3G under certain conditions. 3G is theoretically faster and that’s all that matters to potential buyers. The perception is that 3G is newer, ergo faster than 2.5G and potential buyers don’t want to pay for “old” technology whether it could still be useful to them or not.
Marketing rules even if it is a lie. Therefore the remaining people thinking about purchasing an iPhone will wait for an iPhone with 3G and the old iPhone inventory will probably moulder in a warehouse somewhere until Apple announces some huge price cut and then possibly the financially challenged will snap up those older iPhones.
Abundance of features sells devices. The iPhone does have an excellent interface, but it’s hardware feature list is very weak compared to a Nokia N95. I’m not saying the Nokia is a better handset than the iPhone, I’m only pointing out that the hardware is perceived to be superior although it’s been said the GPS feature and battery life sucks. Does one need a 5MP camera and flash on a smartphone? Maybe not, but it’s there to show off when asked by some envious lesser handset user.
The cellphone industry moves so rapidly that Apple won’t keep pace by introducing one new handset every year. That’s just my opinion although it’s been said that the iPhone is already more advanced than even the latest competitor’s handsets. I just hope those people are right.