Apple being too rigid?

[PracticalMac]

Apple being too rigid with its designs and philosophy?

Opinion polls strongly suggest people want a larger smartphone (4.5 to 5").
Many want more customization of phones, not just background.
Apple wants iOS to be "porn free", yet they sell a lot of books, music, movies, and of course web sites that are nothing but porn.
Even a few apps (search Kama Sutra and sex advice) deal with sex in limited graphic ways.
Even the price of its iDevice is the same, even though comparable device prices are falling.
Even Ad agencies are looking elsewhere.



So the question, do YOU think Apple needs to change fundamentally to stay competitive?

I think Apple needs to, now. Android is catching up, and Microsoft is still a powerful company that will put all its attention into mobile and a new threat.

My $0.01

• Make a bigger screen iPhone in parallel to smaller one and a cheap one.
• Sell AppleTV as loss-leader, incentive for more iTunes sales (like Amazon very successfully does).
• Allow options to "jailbreak" by anyone, but with consequence (name your consequence)
• Incentives for developers, like maybe 20% cut for first 10 days new app released?
• Ease up on explicit apps, allow simple nudity (ie: Playboy) and for health related apps more explicit pics (medical and health apps I have seen are devoid of any detailed images, is there an exception?)
• Reduce prices of all iOS devices by $20 to $40, or offer discounts half way into its release cycle.
  
  and EDIT:
• Allow iOS licensing for fixed non-personnel devices, like kiosks and vehicles, and military devices (non critical systems)

 

[Shrink]

Apple being too rigid with its designs and philosophy?

Opinion polls strongly suggest people want a larger smartphone (4.5 to 5").
Many want more customization of phones, not just background.
Apple wants iOS to be "porn free", yet they sell a lot of books, music, movies, and of course web sites that are nothing but porn.
Even a few apps (search Kama Sutra and sex advice) deal with sex in limited graphic ways.
Even the price of its iDevice is the same, even though comparable device prices are falling.
Even Ad agencies are looking elsewhere.



So the question, do YOU think Apple needs to change fundamentally to stay competitive?

I think Apple needs to, now. Android is catching up, and Microsoft is still a powerful company that will put all its attention into mobile and a new threat.

My $0.01

• Make a bigger screen iPhone in parallel to smaller one and a cheap one.
• Sell AppleTV as loss-leader, incentive for more iTunes sales (like Amazon very successfully does).
• Allow options to "jailbreak" by anyone, but with consequence (name your consequence)
• Incentives for developers, like maybe 20% cut for first 10 days new app released?
• Ease up on explicit apps, allow simple nudity (ie: Playboy) and for health related apps more explicit pics (medical and health apps I have seen are devoid of any detailed images, is there an exception?)
• Reduce prices of all iOS devices by $20 to $40, or offer discounts half way into its release cycle.

After a couple of readings, and some careful consideration...I would have to say that I disagree with absolutely everything suggested in this post.

 

[PracticalMac]

After a couple of readings, and some careful consideration...I would have to say that I disagree with absolutely everything suggested in this post.

Got the same response when I posted Apple needs to make a smaller iPad some 11 months before it happened.
iPad Mini far better seller then I expected too.


Oh, and you completely fail at answering the question.
What do YOU think Apple should do?

 

[GermanyChris]

I don't want a bigger phone, I don't care about dev's wallets, I don't care about iOS in any way so long as it works.

I do want Apple to stop with proprietary crap it was fine on Power PC but since they jumped shark I want industry standards.

I care nothing for a "retina MBP" that cannot be upgraded. I sold my Mac Pro's because they decided that expansion must be proprietary while reducing spec. I really, really want Apple to stop futzing with stuff.

 

[chown33]

What do YOU think Apple should do?

I think they shouldn't listen to posts on forums to decide what to do next.

 

[PracticalMac]

I think they shouldn't listen to posts on forums to decide what to do next.

Smashing idea!

They listened to my "smaller iPad" idea, brilliant success, mate!

 

[chown33]

Smashing idea!

They listened to my "smaller iPad" idea, brilliant success, mate!

After this, therefore because of this. A logical fallacy old enough to have a Latin name.

 

[MacDawg]

After a couple of readings, and some careful consideration...I would have to say that I disagree with absolutely everything suggested in this post.

I think they shouldn't listen to posts on forums to decide what to do next.

I want to join this team

 

[aristobrat]

So the question, do YOU think Apple needs to change fundamentally to stay competitive?

I think Apple needs to, now. Android is catching up, and Microsoft is still a powerful company that will put all its attention into mobile and a new threat.

How many times have the Apple execs said that their mission is to build the devices that they feel are the best? That's subjective. It's what they feel is best. They don't product 10 variants of a device in an attempt to meet every different opinion of what "best" means.

You could easily make a list of 50 things Apple could do to be more competitive with Macs sales. Virtually every computer manufacturer has not only caught up with Apple, but passed Apple --- years ago. Do you see Apple reacting to stay competitive in that market?

I don't think they're going to react any differently with the iOS market. They'll continue to make the devices (and run their App/iTunes stores) the way they think is best. And if Android and Microsoft surpass them by shooting out a ton of devices in umpteen different sizes and way cheaper price points (with the end result being devices that aren't overall better than Apple's iOS devices, by the way that Apple measures best), then I don't see Apple changing much of anything.

 

[PracticalMac]

After this, therefore because of this. A logical fallacy old enough to have a Latin name.

Next time I should do

How many times have the Apple execs said that their mission is to build the devices that they feel are the best? That's subjective. It's what they feel is best. They don't product 10 variants of a device in an attempt to meet every different opinion of what "best" means.

You could easily make a list of 50 things Apple could do to be more competitive with Macs sales. Virtually every computer manufacturer has not only caught up with Apple, but passed Apple --- years ago. Do you see Apple reacting to stay competitive in that market?

I don't think they're going to react any differently with the iOS market. They'll continue to make the devices (and run their App/iTunes stores) the way they think is best. And if Android and Microsoft surpass them by shooting out a ton of devices in umpteen different sizes and way cheaper price points (with the end result being devices that aren't overall better than Apple's iOS devices, by the way that Apple measures best), then I don't see Apple changing much of anything.

Like you said, Apple stayed the course and nearly went under.

Will Apple do it again?

 

[aristobrat]

I'm referring to the last 10 years. When did they about go under?

 

[lostngone]

No to all, Apple is doing the right things.

Apple being too rigid with its designs and philosophy?

Opinion polls strongly suggest people want a larger smartphone (4.5 to 5").
Many want more customization of phones, not just background.
Apple wants iOS to be "porn free", yet they sell a lot of books, music, movies, and of course web sites that are nothing but porn.
Even a few apps (search Kama Sutra and sex advice) deal with sex in limited graphic ways.
Even the price of its iDevice is the same, even though comparable device prices are falling.
Even Ad agencies are looking elsewhere.



So the question, do YOU think Apple needs to change fundamentally to stay competitive?

I think Apple needs to, now. Android is catching up, and Microsoft is still a powerful company that will put all its attention into mobile and a new threat.

My $0.01

• Make a bigger screen iPhone in parallel to smaller one and a cheap one.
• Sell AppleTV as loss-leader, incentive for more iTunes sales (like Amazon very successfully does).
• Allow options to "jailbreak" by anyone, but with consequence (name your consequence)
• Incentives for developers, like maybe 20% cut for first 10 days new app released?
• Ease up on explicit apps, allow simple nudity (ie: Playboy) and for health related apps more explicit pics (medical and health apps I have seen are devoid of any detailed images, is there an exception?)
• Reduce prices of all iOS devices by $20 to $40, or offer discounts half way into its release cycle.
  
  and EDIT:
• Allow iOS licensing for fixed non-personnel devices, like kiosks and vehicles, and military devices (non critical systems)

 

[decafjava]

Smashing idea!

They listened to my "smaller iPad" idea, brilliant success, mate!

You really think they read your post and adopted your idea? <-Need a rolling on the floor smiley.

Not that I disagree with all your ideas mind, I like the Apple TV one for example.

 

[PracticalMac]

I'm referring to the last 10 years. When did they about go under?

1996~97. They where rapidly loosing market, MS lost a law suit to the DOJ but the punishment of giving away Windows to education actually hurt Apple much more, no modern OS in sight and Win95 updates was making it a great system.

If Jobs did not step in 1997 and make that deal with Bill Gates, Apple would be gone.

 

[chown33]

Not that I disagree with all your ideas mind, I like the Apple TV one for example.

I don't agree. The price of AppleTV isn't it's main shortcoming. The way for Apple to drive AppleTV sales is to allow it to run apps from the app store, thus opening up the platform for all the existing iOS developers. One of the strengths of the iPad at release was its ability to run existing iOS apps. It launched with thousands of apps already usable, instead of having to build up an app base from nothing.

FWIW, I don't expect to see this happen any time soon, or maybe ever. Just saying that giving all iOS developers a new platform is a way to drive platform sales, without altering Apple's margins.

 

[MRSucks]

I do not want an ugly watch / phone / phablet / laptop / MP3 player / blah blah.

Apple should take it's time as per the usual. Reinvent. Disrupt. Make gadgets cool and fashionable accessories again.

 

[PracticalMac]

Interesting to see the overwhelming positive response for a larger iPhone.

I don't agree. The price of AppleTV isn't it's main shortcoming. The way for Apple to drive AppleTV sales is to allow it to run apps from the app store, thus opening up the platform for all the existing iOS developers. One of the strengths of the iPad at release was its ability to run existing iOS apps. It launched with thousands of apps already usable, instead of having to build up an app base from nothing.

FWIW, I don't expect to see this happen any time soon, or maybe ever. Just saying that giving all iOS developers a new platform is a way to drive platform sales, without altering Apple's margins.

Agree. Apple does better when they open up its devices.
iTunes would not be here today if the Windows version was never released.

I do not want an ugly watch / phone / phablet / laptop / MP3 player / blah blah.

Apple should take it's time as per the usual. Reinvent. Disrupt. Make gadgets cool and fashionable accessories again.

I did not say ugly, just bigger.

Most of the other suggestions are software access too.

 

[aristobrat]

Interesting to see the overwhelming positive response for a larger iPhone.

Interesting to see the overly rigid Apple is already testing prototypes of these devices.

 

[SwiftLives]

[*]make a bigger screen iphone in parallel to smaller one and a cheap one.

Why? What purpose would this serve? Other than the fact competitors do it, what need does having more screen real estate fill? What are the compromises? Should it still fit in a pocket? (I'm not saying there isn't an answer, but these are legit questions)

[*]sell appletv as loss-leader, incentive for more itunes sales (like amazon very successfully does).

Why do you think they don't already do this?

[*]allow options to "jailbreak" by anyone, but with consequence (name your consequence)

What reason would Apple have to do this? Jailbroken phones allow people to bypass purchasing apps and music from the Apple ecosystem, which deprives them of money. So what incentive does Apple have to allow this?

[*]incentives for developers, like maybe 20% cut for first 10 days new app released?

Apple already has the most popular App store. Most apps are devloped for iOS first. Why do they need additional incentives?

[*]ease up on explicit apps, allow simple nudity (ie: Playboy) and for health related apps more explicit pics (medical and health apps i have seen are devoid of any detailed images, is there an exception?)

Only if Apple comes out with some very solid parental controls - which they may already have. Regardless, that shouldn't be hard to implement. I think their crackdown is more about avoiding controversy and negative press.

[*]reduce prices of all ios devices by $20 to $40, or offer discounts half way into its release cycle.

Again - why? It seems that every quarter Apple is selling record numbers of their products (compared with previous quarters). What possible reason would they have to reduce their profit margins by lowering the price? If people knew a price cut was coming, why would they buy it when it first came out?

[*]allow ios licensing for fixed non-personnel devices, like kiosks and vehicles, and military devices (non critical systems)

Kiosks - those can pretty much be an iPad. Numerous third party companies make iPad kiosks.
Vehicles - Pretty sure they're already on this with iOS in the Car.
Military - they would need some very major security upgrades.

 

[PracticalMac]

Interesting to see the overly rigid Apple is already testing prototypes of these devices.

Apple makes hundreds, maybe thousands of mockups and working prototypes.
What matter is to produce them.

So the question still is, will Apple rigidly follow the past single screen size (not counting continued production of legacy designs), or branch out.

Apple has a history of "one size fits all", even when it can branch out (no at bad as Samsung). iPad Mini is case, as Apple steadfastly made only one size, 10", but the finally introduced 8" size is hugely popular.

 

[aristobrat]

iPad Mini is case, as Apple steadfastly made only one size, 10", but the finally introduced 8" size is hugely popular.

Another good example of Apple not being too rigid.

 

[PracticalMac]

Another good example of Apple not being too rigid.

Rigid enough that Apple could have dominated that segment too.
Because they where late, Apple lost sales to Amazon and to larger extent Nexus 7. The 7" segment was already showing huge growth soon after iPad 2 release, and by iPad 3 time was a dominating topic.

Now is possibilities of a larger iPhone, but that was desired before the iP5 was released, and the huge let down it was just stretched a bit.

Apple can easily afford a few more hardware designs and see how it goes.

 

[aristobrat]

Rigid enough that Apple could have dominated that segment too.

Can you name another manufacturer in that segment that makes more revenues from that segment than Apple does?

Regardless, Apple has never shown an interest in doing things JUST to dominate a market. They could make lesser-equipped Macs that sell for a lower price point, and gain more dominance in the computer market. But they won't make a product that they feel is inferior just for the sake of getting more dominance in a market.

So on that note, I don't ever see them doing designs to just "see how it goes".

 

[PracticalMac]

But they won't make a product that they feel is inferior just for the sake of getting more dominance in a market.
.

I never said that.

So on that note, I don't ever see them doing designs to just "see how it goes".

Apple did, with the iPhone.
And the iPod.
And even the iPad.
Not to mention the iMac.
Oh, the Mac Mini.
Well, come to think about it, the Macintosh....


OH, what about the "champagne" iPhone 5S?


I am not talking half-a$$ designs, just Apple quality in a few more configurations.

 

[rhett7660]

I think with the rumor of them testing a larger phone design I think we will see a larger screened phone next year.

I for see them moving away from this small design with the next one. At what size I do not know. But the 5S/C will be the last at this form factor IMHO.