As we all know, Apple would never mind more marketshare, but that's also not their primary objective (like it might be for Google whose profits come from propagating Android as much as possible). Apple will just focus on what they do best, make profit. That's not bad for any company.
However, it's becoming more apparent to me that such a focus isn't always the best for the consumer. There have been rather solid rumors throughout the first half of the year that Apple was going to introduce three phone options: the standard 4.7" iPhone, the 5.5" iPhone Plus, and some form of a "Pro" model that bests the Plus model for even more features (namely, the dual camera). For whatever reason, Apple has scrapped this and will likely save this three-tier model for next year (more on that later...). Why have they done this? They know a third "Pro" model would likely have been very profitable. Is it because they took their first dip in sales? Is it because of Samsung and other competitors stealing marketshare and attention away? I mean, the OnePlus 3 does make it harder to justify a "Pro" model that could easily hit or be close to, what, $1000 unlocked? That's hard to justify.
So Apple will likely stay with the two-tier system that everyone is now familiar with, and lucky for us consumers, that means the 5.5" Plus model will likely adopt some if not all the features that they were going to save for the Pro model. Consumers are better off for this. I'm sure the iPhone 7 sales will do great. As I've said before, I still wouldn't bet against Apple despite how their devices compare objectively to the competition.
So looking ahead to 2017... there are now rumors that Apple will save this three-tier idea for next year where it might make a lot more sense. But, once again, it begs the question, is this the best for the consumer? They'll likely have a big redesign across all three models (all glass?) that'll lead to features that are sorely missing from the iPhones. And this time, the third super high-end "Pro" model (or whatever they will call it), will have edge displays. That'll really help differentiate it from the two other options and will make it easier for Apple to justify a third model and the price it'll likely come with. Again, what are we talking about? It's not hard to imagine close to or hitting $1000 for even the base version.
So again, the same question, is this what we want? Is this the best for consumers? I have no doubt Apple can get away with it. 1) It'll make more sense saving it for next year and it'll be easier to justify and sell; and 2) History has proven their base will purchase high-end expensive versions, so why not, right?
Of course, most will know where I stand on this subject. I think it straight up sucks that Apple isn't able to provide their latest and newest features across more models. Sure, there could be supply issues cause no doubt Apple's demands are far greater than any other OEM at the moment. And sure, Apple is in it for the profits and they know their base will likely pay for it, so why wouldn't any smart CEO approve this plan? I get all that. But it doesn't change the fact that it sucks for the consumer like me who wants the latest Apple tech, but doesn't want it in a large device and/or doesn't want to spend what is likely nearly or even over a grand to get it.
It's especially a sore point when you consider the rumor that Samsung will actually be expanding their edge screen tech to more models in their lineup. The one I'm particularly excited about is the S8. Imagine a 5.2" device with the refined edge screen from the Note 7; can you imagine how ergonomic or what a small footprint such a device could be? And if Samsung holds true to what they've been doing with their models, it means the standard S8 won't miss out on any features other than the obvious ones (screen/battery size).
There's nothing inherently wrong with what Apple is doing. Some of it is even understandable (again, why not, right?). But it still sort of sucks, and it begs another question: should we really be celebrating with so much pride that Apple is king of profits? Does that really make a difference to us in our day to day use of our iPhones? I have no doubt some of that profit is being invested back into the economy, environment, R&D, marketing, maintaining Apple stores, etc., but what about the actual technology itself and the offerings there? They really couldn't get the dual camera into the standard iPhone 7? They really can't offer all their features across all their lineups? Wouldn't that be better for the consumer?
If you made it this far, thanks for listening. Looking forward to the discussion.
EDIT: I was going to put up a TL;DR, but Michael Goff has already summed it up for me perfectly, so thank you as I borrow your quote:
No, you are not.
