Could Apple really lose the race?

[thewitt]

This forum's polls. The sales figures for larger than 4" Android phones.

Self selecting polls are meaningless. Less than meaningless.

Sales figures? Samsung "sells" more than 5 million units to their supply chain before a single unit ends up in the hands of a customer.... Remember this when looking at their sales figures.

Apple only reports end user sales.

 

[thewitt]

I would have galaxy s3 now if iPhone 5 wasn't being announced soon, but if screen is not bigger I'll be jumping ship. I love my iphone 4s and have everyone sence the beggening, but I wish 4" or 4.3" would be nice.

If the next iPhone is larger than the current phone, I will not upgrade. The phone is big enough in my pocket now.

I have an iPad for when I need a larger screen.

I don't need to be packing a "Note" (what a joke) as a phone.

 

[ixodes]

Apple lose?

There's no chance.

It's simply a matter of numbers.

Between the staggering cash reserves in the USA alone, they could give away product for years.

Not to mention all the hidden funds stashed in unknown foreign institutions.

Apple is One Fat Cat!

 

[mcdj]

Which race? The hardware race? The OS race? The cash race? They're winning that one.

There is no race. A race has a goal and an end.

Ok, to be fair, one day the sun will swallow up the earth and all races will be over. Let's revisit this thread then.

 

[Geckotek]

Sales figures? Samsung "sells" more than 5 million units to their supply chain before a single unit ends up in the hands of a customer.... Remember this when looking at their sales figures.

Apple only reports end user sales.

I'm on your side re: the screen size debate, (if that is why you replied) but the whole "shipped vs sold" debate has been beaten to death and is meaningless. Please find a better argument to back your point.

I'll add this, just because a lot of large screened phones have sold, doesn't mean a) the entire market wants 4"+ screens and b) the market will continue in that direction. Apple has done its homework and has made its decision because they know there is a market for the product they are producing. Enough said.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

Honestly, for me, it stems from being swept up in Steve Jobs keynotes over the years which seemed to depict non-Apple products as clunky, poorly put together, and generally inferior.

With that said, I truly believe that there is a direct correllation between the simmering doubt about staying in the Apple ecosystem and the loss of Steve. If Steve was giving the keynote next month, I think most people would be more excited and convinced that whatever Apple unveils will be the right choice for them. Cook and Schiller just don't have the same charm and pizazz of Steve and that will continue to be in issue.

 

[Geckotek]

Honestly, for me, it stems from being swept up in Steve Jobs keynotes over the years which seemed to depict non-Apple products as clunky, poorly put together, and generally inferior.

With that said, I truly believe that there is a direct correllation between the simmering doubt about staying in the Apple ecosystem and the loss of Steve. If Steve was giving the keynote next month, I think most people would be more excited and convinced that whatever Apple unveils will be the right choice for them. Cook and Schiller just don't have the same charm and pizazz of Steve and that will continue to be in issue.

Well then, it's a good thing I bought into a quality product and not a face on a company. The product is still quality and I will continue using it as long as it stays that way.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

Lose what?



Almost as good at what?

They could lose the race to the promised land. Think about it, one hundred thousand bright shining lights...

And,

Almost as good at making you thirst for it...

 

[iBreatheApple]

If they "lose the race" so be it. Buy what makes YOU happy. I'd personally like it if less people had iPhones again. I used to argue and bicker in Apple's defense but now I don't fight it. Everyone has different tastes, needs, and expectations from their devices. It's just hard to hold back sometimes when people throw "iPhone sucks, you can't customize it" out there.

 

[swy05]

If the next iPhone is larger than the current phone, I will not upgrade. The phone is big enough in my pocket now.

I have an iPad for when I need a larger screen.

I don't need to be packing a "Note" (what a joke) as a phone.

HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Enjoy your 3.5 inch screen while everyone else upgrades.

The current iphone is big enough in your pocket now? You wear female jeans? I've used everything from an iphone to a galaxy note and they all fit fine in my pocket.

What I think is going to happen is you'll sing praises to Apple about the new 4 inch screen.

Galaxy Note a joke? Yes, it's a bit on the big side but you know what the bigger joke is? The 3.5 inch screen that Apple is still stuck with. They haven't changed screen sizes in 5 YEARS! 5 YEARS.

Quoted for posterity.

 

[Geckotek]

HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Enjoy your 3.5 inch screen while everyone else upgrades.

The current iphone is big enough in your pocket now? You wear female jeans? I've used everything from an iphone to a galaxy note and they all fit fine in my pocket.

What I think is going to happen is you'll sing praises to Apple about the new 4 inch screen.

Galaxy Note a joke? Yes, it's a bit on the big side but you know what the bigger joke is? The 3.5 inch screen that Apple is still stuck with. They haven't changed screen sizes in 5 YEARS! 5 YEARS.

Quoted for posterity.

The joke is the lump in your pants. Lol. Who cares if it fits but you look like a tool and can't move around because you have this bulky flat device in your pocket.

They have changed in 5 years because they picked a good size the first time.

Like has been said, I don't watch movies on my iPhone, that's what I have a big screen for. When I want to watch television programs, I have my big screen again or I use my iPad for watching a little TV before bed. Most browsing I don on my PC with 2x24" screens or my iPad (like now) but is also fine on the iPhone. The iPhone is good for the occasional video clip on YouTube or whatever, but even a 5" screen is crap for watching anything over a few mnutes so I don't know what it is that drives people to haul around a bulky device like that when it's functionality is MARGINALLY better for browsing....and that's really all it has to offer.

 

[thewitt]

Enjoy your 3.5 inch screen while everyone else upgrades.

The current iphone is big enough in your pocket now? You wear female jeans? I've used everything from an iphone to a galaxy note and they all fit fine in my pocket.

What I think is going to happen is you'll sing praises to Apple about the new 4 inch screen.

Galaxy Note a joke? Yes, it's a bit on the big side but you know what the bigger joke is? The 3.5 inch screen that Apple is still stuck with. They haven't changed screen sizes in 5 YEARS! 5 YEARS.

Quoted for posterity.

I could care less if "everyone else upgrades" if the phone is larger. This size is the sweet spot for phones, as Jobs made very clear. There will be no praises from me for a larger screen phone - and no upgrade $$$ either.

As for not changing screen sizes in 5 years, why is that relevant? If the current screen size is perfect for one handed operation of the phone by the majority of its users, why change it?

 

[Sedrick]

There comes a point when a bigger screen brings diminishing returns for me and my current work flow

I am fine with the iPhone screen size the way it is
Of course I have a MBA and an iPad for other tasks and I am not limited to a phone only

I am not thrilled with the taller phone, but I prefer it over a 4.5 or 4.8 phone no question

This is why (^^) Apple's choice of just extending the screen vertical is brilliant. They keep everyone (relatively) happy that doesn't want a bigger phone (folks like MacDawg), but those who'll swallow anything will sing the praise of the new "4 inch" phone however useless the extension proves to be. Apple knows how to keep it's 'core' happy.

I could care less if "everyone else upgrades" if the phone is larger. This size is the sweet spot for phones, as Jobs made very clear. There will be no praises from me for a larger screen phone - and no upgrade $$$ either.

As for not changing screen sizes in 5 years, why is that relevant? If the current screen size is perfect for one handed operation of the phone by the majority of its users, why change it?

I'm just curious, since you'll not upgrade to the new phone because it's a tiny bit taller, what will you do for a smart phone in the coming years? There will be no 3.5" phones left.

 

[gpatrick15]

If 3.5" was the sweet spot they wouldn't be making the screen larger. The Note may look stupid in practice, but everyone I know with one loves it. And most people I see with it are women. Go figure. Samsung has sold in excess of 10 million of these phones in the year that it has been out. Apple is feeling some kind of pressure by these Android manufacturers, otherwise they wouldn't be changing the screen size. One size does not fit all for everyone anymore and 3.5" won't cut it. Apple knows that, hence the change. Not everyone wants a 5 inch screen, but I think it's pretty clear that a vast percentage of the masses would prefer a larger screen. For me, the 4.65" screen on my nexus is perfectly fine. Your mileage may vary.

 

[MacDawg]

Honestly, for me, it stems from being swept up in Steve Jobs keynotes over the years which seemed to depict non-Apple products as clunky, poorly put together, and generally inferior.

With that said, I truly believe that there is a direct correllation between the simmering doubt about staying in the Apple ecosystem and the loss of Steve. If Steve was giving the keynote next month, I think most people would be more excited and convinced that whatever Apple unveils will be the right choice for them. Cook and Schiller just don't have the same charm and pizazz of Steve and that will continue to be in issue.

I'm an Apple guy
But I have never once watched a Keynote
Not.One.Time.
For anything

Do you really think the average guy on the street with an iPhone watches them?
Do you really think the average guy on the street with an iPhone worries there is no more "Steve"?

People on Forums like this one? Yes
Bloggers who make their living commenting on things? Yes
Consumer? Nah, not a chance

We often fall victim to the idea that Forum users reflect the mass of users out there
We don't
Not by a long shot

 

[applesith]

The Galaxy S3 is a really nice looking phone (except for the plastic). I'd really like Apple to put something out like it.

I don't think it's crazy to see these Apple lose significant smartphone marketshare. They caused a radical change in the space and was at the top of the wave, but now Droid has largest share. I think the same will happen with tablets. Apple is really good at reinventing markets but staying #1 isn't going to happen. I think the next iPhone and iPad revision will tell a lot about the future of Apple. If the new iPhone is not well received, it should serve as a huge wake up call to them. Same with the alleged iPad mini. I think the mini will help them but cannibalize their large ipad sales.

 

[BaldiMac]

The Galaxy S3 is a really nice looking phone (except for the plastic). I'd really like Apple to put something out like it.

I don't think it's crazy to see these Apple lose significant smartphone marketshare. They caused a radical change in the space and was at the top of the wave, but now Droid has largest share. I think the same will happen with tablets. Apple is really good at reinventing markets but staying #1 isn't going to happen. I think the next iPhone and iPad revision will tell a lot about the future of Apple. If the new iPhone is not well received, it should serve as a huge wake up call to them. Same with the alleged iPad mini. I think the mini will help them but cannibalize their large ipad sales.

Except Apple never led in smartphone market share. In fact, the only times Apple has led in market share are with the iPod and (depending on how you define the market) iTunes music. Guess what? They still lead in those markets.

 

[applesith]

Except Apple never led in smartphone market share. In fact, the only times Apple has led in market share are with the iPod and (depending on how you define the market) iTunes music. Guess what? They still lead in those markets.

Apple has struggled to gain more smartphone marketshare. They could have held onto more by being the first to offer LTE or larger screens. iPhone is always playing catch up.

iPod is a dying market and iTunes is good but can only be as strong as the iPhone and iPad. I'm not saying Apple is going to fall apart overnight. But they will gravitate back to their niche, lower marketshare like PCs.

 

[thewitt]

If 3.5" was the sweet spot they wouldn't be making the screen larger. The Note may look stupid in practice, but everyone I know with one loves it. And most people I see with it are women. Go figure. Samsung has sold in excess of 10 million of these phones in the year that it has been out. Apple is feeling some kind of pressure by these Android manufacturers, otherwise they wouldn't be changing the screen size. One size does not fit all for everyone anymore and 3.5" won't cut it. Apple knows that, hence the change. Not everyone wants a 5 inch screen, but I think it's pretty clear that a vast percentage of the masses would prefer a larger screen. For me, the 4.65" screen on my nexus is perfectly fine. Your mileage may vary.

Absolutely NO ONE on this forum knows with certainty they are coming out with a larger screen.

No one.

 

[MacDawg]

Apple has struggled to gain more smartphone marketshare. They could have held onto more by being the first to offer LTE or larger screens. iPhone is always playing catch up.

Apple wasn't "first" to offer LTE or larger screens because at the time it would have been a big hit on performance and battery life, which Apple is far more concerned about than being "first" to offer something.

I don't think Apple has ever been concerned about market share
Profit margin and income? Yes, and they have mastered that quite well

 

[thewitt]

I'm just curious, since you'll not upgrade to the new phone because it's a tiny bit taller, what will you do for a smart phone in the coming years? There will be no 3.5" phones left.

If I'm eventually forced to upgrade I will, but since NO ONE knows for certain that the new phone is larger, I'm certainly not concerned at this point.

 

[Sedrick]

Honestly, for me, it stems from being swept up in Steve Jobs keynotes over the years which seemed to depict non-Apple products as clunky, poorly put together, and generally inferior.

With that said, I truly believe that there is a direct correllation between the simmering doubt about staying in the Apple ecosystem and the loss of Steve. If Steve was giving the keynote next month, I think most people would be more excited and convinced that whatever Apple unveils will be the right choice for them. Cook and Schiller just don't have the same charm and pizazz of Steve and that will continue to be in issue.

No doubt Steve Jobs was like a preacher on a pulpit and the blind followers were almost scary in their devotion, and certainly Tim Cook has almost none of that charisma (no matter how worn out his pre-washed jeans are). But, to be swayed that you need something you wouldn't otherwise choose yourself (as many here say: "just wait until Tim Cook puts his spin on iOS 6 and the new Phone...") well, we're long over due a dose of reality (sands distortion field).

A terrific key-note didn't sway me that I had any use for Siri or the 4S over the 4 and I doubt that any amount of hucksterism will convince me that iMaps is better than Google Maps this time around, though there's little doubt the new iPhone will be a good upgrade from the 4. I'm happy and perfectly content to takes the facts and make my own decision.

 

[gpatrick15]

Absolutely NO ONE on this forum knows with certainty they are coming out with a larger screen.

No one.

Don't kid yourself we all know it's coming.

 

[BaldiMac]

Apple has struggled to gain more smartphone marketshare. They could have held onto more by being the first to offer LTE or larger screens. iPhone is always playing catch up.

Struggled? They have consistently gained market share every year.

Worldwide smartphone market share (IDC)
4Q 2008 11.2%
4Q 2009 16.0%
4Q 2010 16.1%
4Q 2011 23.5%

46% market share growth year over year isn't struggling.

iPod is a dying market and iTunes is good but can only be as strong as the iPhone and iPad. I'm not saying Apple is going to fall apart overnight. But they will gravitate back to their niche, lower marketshare like PCs.

Except your point was that history shows that Apple has a problem maintaining a market share lead. That's not true. Every time they have had the lead, they have kept it.

Apple already has a higher market share in smartphones than it ever had in PCs. There is no reason to think the markets will play out the same way.

 

[thewitt]

Don't kid yourself we all know it's coming.

If you are gong by the rumors, and you actually pay attention to them, they all go back to one, single source.....

It's not a one deal by any stretch of the imagination.