Apple the Greedy Pig?

[Santabean2000]

Anyone else becoming more and more frustrated with Apple's new policies?

It seems like now it's their turn to dine at the profit table they're starting to snatch and grab like a spoilt child; the little guy letting the cash cloud his judgement.

I don't know, I guess I'd hoped world domination wasn't at the top of their priority list. What happened to just making great things and enabling people to enjoy them?

Can't help but feel it'll all come back to bite, hard.

Don't get me wrong, I still have Apple product lust, but she's fast becoming a sour mistress...

[Edit, yes sorry, accidentally posted in wrong spot - please move of possible.]

I just wish someone else could make something I really needed/wanted - I might be tempted.

 

[iStudentUK]

It is what happens. Apple gains popularity, is no longer the 'little guy', becomes just as bad as other global companies.

Now we need a new company to be set up in a garage and take the place Apple used to occupy. Keep the cycle going!

 

[0007776]

All companies are greedy, Apple is just in a position where you notice this greed more than other companies. But don't think that any other company wouldn't do the same thing given the chance.

 

[Santabean2000]

All companies are greedy, Apple is just in a position where you notice this greed more than other companies. But don't think that any other company wouldn't do the same thing given the chance.

A true, yet frightening realization. Maybe those Commies had a point...

 

[chaosbunny]

Maybe those Commies had a point...

Nope, dictatorship never has a point.

 

[0007776]

Nope, dictatorship never has a point.

Communism and dictatorships are not the same thing. but if we go down the road of debating this the thread will be sent to the PRSI quickly.

But it is good to have some regulation on business, I'm just glad the EU keeps Apple from being even more ridiculous.

 

[Macmel]

It was always about making as much money as they could. The path they followed to achieve that, was to build wonderful things. The only difference is that NOW they are succeeding in making money as compared to the 90s when they were about to dissappear.

 

[Santabean2000]

It was always about making as much money as they could. The path they followed to achieve that, was to build wonderful things. The only difference is that NOW they are succeeding in making money as compared to the 90s when they were about to dissappear.

Perhaps... But I was kind of hoping for more.

Is there any international company that has better values at its core?

I just think all businesses will go through the boom-bust cycle (eventually), and if you burn your loyals along the way, what will you have left?

Or does it matter if you've got your kazillon dollars already..?

 

[AdeFowler]

Anyone else becoming more and more frustrated with Apple's new policies?

What new policies? Can you give some examples?

To be fair, they've never been cheap or even better, but their performance indicates people are willing to pay, otherwise they'd have to be cheaper.

 

[SuperCachetes]

Anyone else becoming more and more frustrated with Apple's new policies?

It seems like now it's their turn to dine at the profit table they're starting to snatch and grab like a spoilt child; the little guy letting the cash cloud his judgement.

I don't know, I guess I'd hoped world domination wasn't at the top of their priority list. What happened to just making great things and enabling people to enjoy them?

Can't help but feel it'll all come back to bite, hard.

Don't get me wrong, I still have Apple product lust, but she's fast becoming a sour mistress...

I just wish someone else could make something I really needed/wanted - I might be tempted.

Examples supporting anything in your post would be nice.

Companies (try to) make a profit.

Prices go up.

Technology marches on.

Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. It wasn't going to be Steve and Woz in the garage forever. And make no mistake, it was never a philanthropic endeavor, anyway.

I suppose it is their right, but the only people who sound like spoiled children are the crew who complain about Apple "selling out" all of the sudden. It's naive and unrealistic... Sales are skyrocketing, they have brilliant products (most of them, anyway), and the stock is at an all-time high. It looks pretty good from where I'm standing...

 

[Santabean2000]

Examples supporting anything in your post would be nice.

Companies (try to) make a profit.

Prices go up.

Technology marches on.

Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. It wasn't going to be Steve and Woz in the garage forever. And make no mistake, it was never a philanthropic endeavor, anyway.

I suppose it is their right, but the only people who sound like spoiled children are the crew who complain about Apple "selling out" all of the sudden. It's naive and unrealistic... Sales are skyrocketing, they have brilliant products (most of them, anyway), and the stock is at an all-time high. It looks pretty good from where I'm standing...

The latest:
http://www.appleinsider.com/article...k_anti_trust_concerns_as_developers_rage.html

Now they've got a bit of cash and success, they're turning into w#####s. They don't have to be so greedy, they'd still be wiping the floor...

 

[SuperCachetes]

The latest:
http://www.appleinsider.com/article...k_anti_trust_concerns_as_developers_rage.html

Now they've got a bit of cash and success, they're turning into w#####s. They don't have to be so greedy, they'd still be wiping the floor...

That article doesn't make any more of a case than simply posting a bunch of prices. It is what it is; no one has to develop apps, no one has to subscribe, and above all, no one has to buy Apple products.

Anyway, it's fine to have an opinion, but "a bit of cash" "greedy," "wiping the floor" are all subjective qualifiers. As long as the demand is there, there is absolutely no incentive to reduce profit margin just to reduce prices. There certainly is no incentive to use their cash stockpile as some kind of subsidy for people who think they are w#####s.

 

[*LTD*]

Anyone else becoming more and more frustrated with Apple's new policies?

No. Why would I? I have great Apple devices and apps to meet all my needs. And I run OS X on a genuine Apple computer. Where's the cause for complaint?

It seems like now it's their turn to dine at the profit table they're starting to snatch and grab like a spoilt child; the little guy letting the cash cloud his judgement.

Apple is the only tech company with *clear* judgment. Has to be crystal clear to achieve what they have over the past decade.

Everyone loves profit. Except those stuck in a race to the bottom. Incidentally, these companies are the least user-centric and care the least for User Experience - i.e., Google, Acer, Dell, the list goes on.

I don't know, I guess I'd hoped world domination wasn't at the top of their priority list. What happened to just making great things and enabling people to enjoy them?

World domination? That's what every company would love. More Apple gear for everyone. Nothing wrong with that. If only *all* tech was as user-friendly, stylish, and well-made as Apple tech.

Apple makes great things and enables people to enjoy them. I have an iPhone made by Apple. I'm also enjoying it. Step 1: Turn it on. OMG it worked! Now I can enjoy it.

Can't help but feel it'll all come back to bite, hard.

Absolutely. Just have to ignore consumers handing Apple record quarters all the time, to the tune of $20+ billion. And ignore Apple's top ratings in customer satisfaction year after year. And ignore the fact that Apple drives the industry. Yes indeed, you ignore all these things and Apple is doomed.

Don't get me wrong, I still have Apple product lust, but she's fast becoming a sour mistress...

I *want* you to switch to Android or whatever second-class option there is - Windows, Dell, whatever, and then come back and tell us how much you miss your Apple gear.

I just wish someone else could make something I really needed/wanted - I might be tempted.

You just confirmed my comment above.

There's probably a Dell or ZTE or whatever with your name on it. So take the plunge.

 

[roadbloc]

Anyone else becoming more and more frustrated with Apple's new policies?

Not really.

It seems like now it's their turn to dine at the profit table they're starting to snatch and grab like a spoilt child; the little guy letting the cash cloud his judgement.

They are a company. They wish to make money. That is the whole point of a company.

I don't know, I guess I'd hoped world domination wasn't at the top of their priority list. What happened to just making great things and enabling people to enjoy them?

Wat? World Domination isn't on Apple's list at all. They wish to make money. Like a company should. And I enjoyed my Mac when I had it. And I still enjoy my iPhone (although I'm planning on selling it.)

Can't help but feel it'll all come back to bite, hard.

Probably. I think quite a lot of people can see a messy future for Apple and other companies. Who cares? There is currently a smartphone and tablet war going on. It's bound to get messy and there is bound to be losers. Being the underdog for the computer market never did Apple any bad (once Steve was back that is.)

Don't get me wrong, I still have Apple product lust, but she's fast becoming a sour mistress...

One of the main reasons I went back to PC.

I just wish someone else could make something I really needed/wanted - I might be tempted.

If no-one offers what you are looking for, you've found a new market and congrats. Best get a company started to make **** tonnes of money out of it.

 

[snberk103]

Anyone else becoming more and more frustrated with Apple's new policies?

It seems like now it's their turn to dine at the profit table they're starting to snatch and grab like a spoilt child; the little guy letting the cash cloud his judgement.

I don't know, I guess I'd hoped world domination wasn't at the top of their priority list. What happened to just making great things and enabling people to enjoy them?

Can't help but feel it'll all come back to bite, hard.

Don't get me wrong, I still have Apple product lust, but she's fast becoming a sour mistress...

[Edit, yes sorry, accidentally posted in wrong spot - please move of possible.]

I just wish someone else could make something I really needed/wanted - I might be tempted.

I think you are confusing a For-Profit Corporation for a Charity.....

 

[*LTD*]

If you're that concerned about Apple, you must feel absolutely terrified and worried for the likes of Dell, Acer, Microsoft, even Google, et al.

These outfits are just slamming the market with a lot of flotsam and jetsam (read: junk.) They simply drift through the months offering little, if anything, to be excited about. Just box-assemblers and software licensers adding to the level of uselessness that increasingly pervades the industry outside Cupertino. These unfortunates think that "specs" are the only arbiter of success. A bullet-list of "features" that are as seamless and interoperative as third party parts on a Chinese motorcycle!

Apple has shown the world that such a belief is absolutely erroneous and misguided.

 

[iStudentUK]

If you're that concerned about Apple, you must feel absolutely terrified and worried for the likes of Dell, Acer, Microsoft, even Google, et al.

These outfits are just slamming the market with a lot of flotsam and jetsam (read: junk.) They simply drift through the months offering little, if anything, to be excited about. Just box-assemblers and software licensers adding to the level of uselessness that increasingly pervades the industry outside Cupertino. These unfortunates think that "specs" are the only arbiter of success. A bullet-list of "features" that are as seamless and interoperative as third party parts on a Chinese motorcycle!

Apple has shown the world that such a belief is absolutely erroneous and misguided.

Ah, the usual evenly balanced comments!

Firstly, not all of Apple's products are better then the counterparts offered by MS, Google etc. Some are obviously, but not all.

Secondly, Apple's business tactics have become just as bad as MS, Google etc. This is the point here, Apple has grown more powerful and as we all know- power corrupts.

 

[Santabean2000]

Secondly, Apple's business tactics have become just as bad as MS, Google etc. This is the point here, Apple has grown more powerful and as we all know- power corrupts.

Exactly. Apple is fast becoming one of those corps that Apple lovers use to despise.

For those who say companies are here just to make money, I implore you to 'Think Different'.

 

[ActionableMango]

The latest:
http://www.appleinsider.com/article...k_anti_trust_concerns_as_developers_rage.html

Now they've got a bit of cash and success, they're turning into w#####s. They don't have to be so greedy, they'd still be wiping the floor...

Let's take the Kindle app as an example. It's free. Apple provides storage, bandwidth, delivery system, and customer support for this app. During its approval process, Apple took time to review the code to ensure it wasn't malicious and met its approval guidelines.

For doing all this, Apple doesn't get one cent.

Amazon, on the other hand, makes profit off of every Kindle book you buy. They take advantage of Apple's infrastructure and effort, for which they pay Apple nothing, because there is no in-app purchase. (The Kindle app has a link to the Kindle Store to buy content via the web.)

So the current state is that the Kindle app uses Apple's resources for no monetary benefit, and for direct gain to Amazon. In fact, the app is a trojan horse that directly competes with Apple's own iBooks app and its content. This is arguably causing a monetary LOSS to Apple by way of lost book purchases to its competitor.

Essentially Apple is finally saying they should get a cut when providing services to competitors that are making a profit by using Apple's resources for free, in some cases for years, and that makes Apple greedy pigs?

 

[EazyWeazy3]

Isn't everyone, individuals and companies alike, greedy to a certain extent?

 

[karsten]

be interesting to see if after this 30% revenue backlash apple changes its tune at all. i'd be willing to guess they just tone it down a bit but keep the same general melody. the latest to speak out: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/02/16/developers.unhappy.mashable/index.html?hpt=Sbin

 

[StruckANerve]

I won't be buying another Apple computer probably ever again. Their prices are outrageous and the fact that you can't upgrade your hardware in line with the newer technology is ridiculous.

 

[*LTD*]

be interesting to see if after this 30% revenue backlash apple changes its tune at all. i'd be willing to guess they just tone it down a bit but keep the same general melody. the latest to speak out: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/02/16/developers.unhappy.mashable/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Numbers will tell the tale. As long as consumers keep handing Apple record quarters, it's all good.

I won't be buying another Apple computer probably ever again. Their prices are outrageous and the fact that you can't upgrade your hardware in line with the newer technology is ridiculous.

(Sent from 8 years ago.)

You've figured this out just now?

We've moved beyond the "Apple is expensive" baloney. It doesn't hold water. We'll be seeing you around Neowin.

 

[Liquorpuki]

Let's take the Kindle app as an example. It's free. Apple provides storage, bandwidth, delivery system, and customer support for this app. During its approval process, Apple took time to review the code to ensure it wasn't malicious and met its approval guidelines.

For doing all this, Apple doesn't get one cent.

Amazon, on the other hand, makes profit off of every Kindle book you buy. They take advantage of Apple's infrastructure and effort, for which they pay Apple nothing, because there is no in-app purchase. (The Kindle app has a link to the Kindle Store to buy content via the web.)

So the current state is that the Kindle app uses Apple's resources for no monetary benefit, and for direct gain to Amazon. In fact, the app is a trojan horse that directly competes with Apple's own iBooks app and its content. This is arguably causing a monetary LOSS to Apple by way of lost book purchases to its competitor.

Essentially Apple is finally saying they should get a cut when providing services to competitors that are making a profit by using Apple's resources for free, in some cases for years, and that makes Apple greedy pigs?

I agree with that point but I'd also argue that the Kindle app is probably the best thing going for the iPad in terms of making it a legit E-Reader. iBooks sucks. I don't even bother searching for books on iBooks anymore because the last X number of times I've searched, they didn't have it. I really believe for those who are in the market for an E-reader first and foremost, that free Kindle app is helping to sell iPads.

 

[0007776]

Let's take the Kindle app as an example. It's free. Apple provides storage, bandwidth, delivery system, and customer support for this app. During its approval process, Apple took time to review the code to ensure it wasn't malicious and met its approval guidelines.

For doing all this, Apple doesn't get one cent.

Amazon, on the other hand, makes profit off of every Kindle book you buy. They take advantage of Apple's infrastructure and effort, for which they pay Apple nothing, because there is no in-app purchase. (The Kindle app has a link to the Kindle Store to buy content via the web.)

So the current state is that the Kindle app uses Apple's resources for no monetary benefit, and for direct gain to Amazon. In fact, the app is a trojan horse that directly competes with Apple's own iBooks app and its content. This is arguably causing a monetary LOSS to Apple by way of lost book purchases to its competitor.

Essentially Apple is finally saying they should get a cut when providing services to competitors that are making a profit by using Apple's resources for free, in some cases for years, and that makes Apple greedy pigs?

Apple does get money from the Kindle app, I wouldn't have bought an iPad if it wasn't for that app, and I'd be very surprised if I was the only one. So Apple makes quite a bit of money there. Also, if Apple was really so concerned about the bandwidth they use they could allow people to distribute their own apps, I'm sure amazon would be happy to use their own servers if Apple let them.