Apple used to be ahead of the curve

[VulchR]

Sigh. I promised myself not to be enticed into replying to threads like this, but ...

I think the OP fundamentally misunderstands the type of innovation at which Apple has been so successful. I work for a university, and the politicians keep droning on about 'technology transfer' between academia and industry (as if). Well, Apple's true innovative genius is that it transfers technology between industry and consumers. I remember how revolutionary the Mac was when it came out, but actually it had software and hardware elements from Xerox, Sony etc. that Apple put together in a package the mere mortals (consumers) could use while taking full advantage of advanced technology. Other companies didn't see this coming, much like the introduction of the iPhone. In regard to moving advanced tech to consumers Apple isn't behind the curve. It defined the curve. I agree it's been awhile since Apple last created a new market, but all that makes me think is that they're about due to amaze us again. Mind you, on their heels are technology companies like Samsung who are learning to take their own inventions directly to consumers, and they are getting better at this every day. The true competition in this regard is not between models of mobile phones or tablets, but who is taking tech to the people.

 

[bmac4]

Sigh. I promised myself not to be enticed into replying to threads like this, but ...

I think the OP fundamentally misunderstands the type of innovation at which Apple has been so successful. I work for a university, and the politicians keep droning on about 'technology transfer' between academia and industry (as if). Well, Apple's true innovative genius is that it transfers technology between industry and consumers. I remember how revolutionary the Mac was when it came out, but actually it had software and hardware elements from Xerox, Sony etc. that Apple put together in a package the mere mortals (consumers) could use while taking full advantage of advanced technology. Other companies didn't see this coming, much like the introduction of the iPhone. In regard to moving advanced tech to consumers Apple isn't behind the curve. It defined the curve. I agree it's been awhile since Apple last created a new market, but all that makes me think is that they're about due to amaze us again. Mind you, on their heels are technology companies like Samsung who are learning to take their own inventions directly to consumers, and they are getting better at this every day. The true competition in this regard is not between models of mobile phones or tablets, but who is taking tech to the people.

I don't disagree that Apple has made new markets and create technology that no one saw coming, but where has that been in the last 3 or 4 years? Apple has never done an complete change to OSX. They have added these slow and small upgrades but nothing has really changed. I just think they keep thinking this is going to last. They have been popular for a while now, but after 10 or more years of the same computer OS and 6 years of iOS at some point things have to change. Even if the software works people just get tired of it, and technology moves on. Why can no one see that iOS is dated? It's UI has not changed since 2007.

 

[VulchR]

...Why can no one see that iOS is dated? It's UI has not changed since 2007.

Some people do claim that iOS is dated. However, until a fundamentally better way of doing things comes along (Android etc. do not really count as fundamentally better IMO), iOS won't be changed because it ain't broken. Rest assured, though, if Apple finds a better GUI or core OS for its mobile phones, they'll use it. And then there will be moaning about how legacy hardware has been left behind.

 

[bmac4]

Some people do claim that iOS is dated. However, until a fundamentally better way of doing things comes along (Android etc. do not really count as fundamentally better IMO), iOS won't be changed because it ain't broken. Rest assured, though, if Apple finds a better GUI or core OS for its mobile phones, they'll use it. And then there will be moaning about how legacy hardware has been left behind.

How do you know there is not a better way? Just because you and some times me think iOS is better than android does not mean that is not a better way for mobile devices. Apple likes to keep current user happy, but in doing that iOS has become old. Just because you think there is not a new way of an OS running on a mobile phone does not mean there is not one.

 

[sentinelsx]

All I want is ios to be more like OS X (but touch friendly of course).

Unfortunately apple seems to be moving in making OS X more like ios.

If macs end up like iPhones and iPads then it will be a huge stay away cause for me.

My iPhone is jailbroken with not a whole lot of tweaks, but I wonder if it functions flawlessly with that stuff now, why is apple using stupid arguments to keep ios locked up so tight?

 

[Vegastouch]

Ok when the next iPhone comes out later this year making this Sprints and Verizon's 3rd iPhone, and we don't see a huge jump in sales then you tell me good design last a long time. One of the biggest reasons that the iPhone 4S was so big in sales was because Verizon and Sprint just got their first iPhone. People fail to see this. People just want to say sales have jumped, but look at some of the reasons why. Then came the iPhone 5 a new design on 3 different large market carriers. Sale were huge. Now we will have another S model iPhone with the same iOS. It is getting pretty tired. People are getting tired. I think this will be the first time Apple will see a lower number in sales of iPhones unless they change up iOS.

How long has Apple been really got popular with its computers? I don't think it has been that long. Look at what Microsoft did. They were huge for about 10 years then people got tired of them. Windows XP was just another windows. If Apple keeps giving the us the same thing over and over people get tired of it.

And T-Mobile will be getting the iPhone next time around so that will bolster some numbers again. So really they dont have to do anything to it to gain sales numbers.

 

[bmac4]

And T-Mobile will be getting the iPhone next time around so that will bolster some numbers again. So really they dont have to do anything to it to gain sales numbers.

Oh ok tmobile so going to bring so many customers.

 

[NewAnger]

Oh ok tmobile so going to bring so many customers.

T-Mobile has an excellent network these days. Their speeds walk all over my AT&T data speeds on my 4S.

I wish I would have tried T-Mobile a long time ago.

 

[Vegastouch]

Oh ok tmobile so going to bring so many customers.

They sure are. They have a huge number of people using unlocked iPhones on their network now and have for years for those that dared to do that. I used to be one of them 2.5 years ago.
There are far more people that will buy one that dont have to tinker with it. T-Mobile is better than Sprint and they have better plans than any other carrier and their network now is damn good. Why do you think AT&T wanted to merge?

 

[matttye]

At some point doesn't Apple need to say we know best and people trust them? If Apple only worried only about keeping current customers happy they would never gain new ones. Steve Jobs did not start Apple to just sit on what works. You have to try new things to move ahead. Look at Apple maps. We all know its crap, but at least Apple is trying something. In time it will be good. Apple maps did not stop people from buying the iphone 5 did it? Why can't Apple try something different with IOS? I think they could create something amazing again.

If Apple maps is your example of them trying something different, I hope they don't try again! They are god awful.

 

[cynics]

If Apple maps is your example of them trying something different, I hope they don't try again! They are god awful.

Well he said they were crap. Even though of the hundred times I used it I only had one bad experience (finding a gentlemen's club in NYC "Lace" [its terrible btw] on foot).

But you have to admit, native turn by turn is mandatory for any mobile OS. I did have a bit higher expectations but its a tough market to break into, I honestly believe no one could have done it better then Apple did. They went from nothing to "meh" in there first release of MAPPING THE WORLD no small task. I'm a big Android fan and I know Apple maps don't stack up but my hats off to them for what they've done so far albeit I live in the USA and their USA maps are a lot better then the rest of the worlds.

 

[matttye]

Well he said they were crap. Even though of the hundred times I used it I only had one bad experience (finding a gentlemen's club in NYC "Lace" [its terrible btw] on foot).

But you have to admit, native turn by turn is mandatory for any mobile OS. I did have a bit higher expectations but its a tough market to break into, I honestly believe no one could have done it better then Apple did. They went from nothing to "meh" in there first release of MAPPING THE WORLD no small task. I'm a big Android fan and I know Apple maps don't stack up but my hats off to them for what they've done so far albeit I live in the USA and their USA maps are a lot better then the rest of the worlds.

If Apple Maps were downloadable through the app store (like the 'find my iPhone' or 'Remote' apps) then I think they would be worthy of some more praise, but the fact that they replaced a perfectly functioning maps app with something that is absolutely abysmal in the UK is ridiculous.

They haven't fixed any of the errors I reported on release day.

 

[ReanimationN]

I'm a big Android fan and I know Apple maps don't stack up but my hats off to them for what they've done so far albeit I live in the USA and their USA maps are a lot better then the rest of the worlds.

I'd hope they are, their Australian maps are atrocious. It's been months and months and a fairly major town/city north of where I live is still apparently located in the middle of a national park.

 

[sentinelsx]

Apple maps seem to work pretty good so far in Ontario, Canada, not sure how good in other provinces.

But I prefer and use google maps anyway because I like the interface, transit integration, points of interest with detailed reviews, and the occasional streetview.

 

[zhenya]

Ok when the next iPhone comes out later this year making this Sprints and Verizon's 3rd iPhone, and we don't see a huge jump in sales then you tell me good design last a long time. One of the biggest reasons that the iPhone 4S was so big in sales was because Verizon and Sprint just got their first iPhone. People fail to see this. People just want to say sales have jumped, but look at some of the reasons why. Then came the iPhone 5 a new design on 3 different large market carriers. Sale were huge. Now we will have another S model iPhone with the same iOS. It is getting pretty tired. People are getting tired. I think this will be the first time Apple will see a lower number in sales of iPhones unless they change up iOS.

How long has Apple been really got popular with its computers? I don't think it has been that long. Look at what Microsoft did. They were huge for about 10 years then people got tired of them. Windows XP was just another windows. If Apple keeps giving the us the same thing over and over people get tired of it.

You mistake 'getting tired' with market saturation. People I know are not 'tired' of their iPhones, they are happy with the functionality that they bring to them. Fundamentally a new iPhone or a new Android or Windows phone doesn't bring anything new to the table for them. That's called market maturity. The reason Apple might bring lower cost and/or larger phones to the market is not because people are tired of the iPhone but rather because their main market is getting close to saturation and if they want to continue to grow they have to start chasing what's left.

 

[bmac4]

You mistake 'getting tired' with market saturation. People I know are not 'tired' of their iPhones, they are happy with the functionality that they bring to them. Fundamentally a new iPhone or a new Android or Windows phone doesn't bring anything new to the table for them. That's called market maturity. The reason Apple might bring lower cost and/or larger phones to the market is not because people are tired of the iPhone but rather because their main market is getting close to saturation and if they want to continue to grow they have to start chasing what's left.

I know there are plenty of people that are tired of iOS (not the iphone). There are lots of people on this forum that are tired of iOS. We all know it works and does what it needs to do. No one is going to argue that, but I think it is up in the air for people that want something a little different to look at. A lot of people would like to see the ability to change the look of iOS if they want to. Why not allow people to keep it like it is if they want, and change it if they want? Keeps everyone happy.

Like I said before I think this next iphone will see slower sales. People know what they are going to get, so why would they want to spend the money if they already have iOS on the 5, and 4s. I think people on Verizon and Sprint could not wait to get the iphone and it showed. Now most customers that want one have it.

 

[zhenya]

IWhy not allow people to keep it like it is if they want, and change it if they want? Keeps everyone happy.

Because that is not at all the Apple way. If you want choice, almost any other OS is probably better for you.

 

[bmac4]

Because that is not at all the Apple way. If you want choice, almost any other OS is probably better for you.

Yea. I just don't understand why. I had the iphone 3G, and then the 4. I then went the nexus s and then the Gnex and really did like the way I could do what I wanted with the look. I guess Apple thinks they know what is the best and you just better like it if you want an iphone. I mean I really do like my 5, but they are going to make iOS look like they want it then please update it.

 

[zhenya]

Yea. I just don't understand why. I had the iphone 3G, and then the 4. I then went the nexus s and then the Gnex and really did like the way I could do what I wanted with the look. I guess Apple thinks they know what is the best and you just better like it if you want an iphone. I mean I really do like my 5, but they are going to make iOS look like they want it then please update it.

Honestly if you don't understand or like this about Apple, you will be happier elsewhere. It is quintessentially Apple to direct decisions at a high level. Obviously it works, but not for everyone.

 

[bmac4]

Honestly if you don't understand or like this about Apple, you will be happier elsewhere. It is quintessentially Apple to direct decisions at a high level. Obviously it works, but not for everyone.

As you can see have own both android and Apple so I do believe I understand both of them. Asking for some change is not saying something that is out of the question for Apple to do. It also may be really good business decision for the future.

 

[zhenya]

As you can see have own both android and Apple so I do believe I understand both of them. Asking for some change is not saying something that is out of the question for Apple to do. It also may be really good business decision for the future.

Truthfully that is my biggest fear for Apple; that they cave to this 'pressure' and abandon their rigid standards that have gotten them to where they are today. The tech world needs an Apple that isn't afraid of making strong decisions and is willing to not add every feature hoping to please every pundit.

 

[bmac4]

Truthfully that is my biggest fear for Apple; that they cave to this 'pressure' and abandon their rigid standards that have gotten them to where they are today. The tech world needs an Apple that isn't afraid of making strong decisions and is willing to not add every feature hoping to please every pundit.

Oh they for sure need to stick to their rigid standards for their products, but they can do that and add an update to iOS. Also while the iphone 5 is an awesome looking phone. It is one of the most fragile iPhones, and with scratch and bending problems I think they should have been a little more rigid with the standards on the design.

 

[thehustleman]

I can remember when the original iPhone came out people were saying "Apple has created something new when we did not know we even wanted something new". The iPhone had a full touch screen experience that no phone had ever had. It was something new, and it took off. Apple was thinking ahead and thinking outside of the box. Look at the smartphone world now most smartphones are full touchscreen. Apple was ahead of the curve.

With that said what has happened? I love Apple and the way they were always willing to try something that had never been tried before. It just does not seem like that is happening any more. Why have they not come out with a big iPhone? If they were the same company they were back in 2007 they would have make a 4.5 inch iphone 2 years ago before the big screen android phones exploded and got really popular. Also look at the ipad mini that should have come out 2 or more years ago before all the small budget tablets had a chance. The Apple of 2007 would have had all these device out before the competition had a change to think of it. What has happened?

I want it back. I want my iphone to feel like something everyone says "wow" about. Right now the iphone does not really say "wow" that is now the note 2. Sure it is a huge phone and that is not for everyone, but you can't tell me when you see the note 2 you don't say "wow that is a cool looking phone". Notice I said cool looking the build quality is nothing close to Apple but the design is. I want to be surprise by my iphone. I want it to do something that I did not know I wanted to do. Will 2013 bring this? Will iOS 7 be "the next big thing"?

True but apple isn't going to make the best phone until people demand better phones en masse.

Right now, the note 2 is easily the best phone on the market

 

[maxosx]

I have one question...why in the hell do you want a "giant" phone? What ever happened to the days of creating smaller devices that didn't take up a whole pocket. The whole point of a cell phone is exactly that, a cellular phone. I like apps and games on my phone just as much as the next person, but there comes a time when we need to sit down and realize we don't need bigger screens. We have devices made with bigger screens you can purchase for those activities. The iPhone screen is currently as big as it should get in my opinion. If everyone and their mother keeps asking for a "bigger screen" soon enough we might as well walk around with iPads strapped to our hips, then what happens when those screens aren't big enough? We carry around 15" phones?

Wow! All this drama about a "Giant" which in reality is but a few millimeters larger than an iPhone. Hundreds of girls at our local university carry them with ease. Your odd impression is rather exaggerated.

 

[jamojamo]

Wow! All this drama about a "Giant" which in reality is but a few millimeters larger than an iPhone. Hundreds of girls at our local university carry them with ease. Your odd impression is rather exaggerated.

I think guys tend to exaggerate when it come to size...Phone size that is!