is the Galaxy S 7 a real threat to iPhone ? how many here would switch ?

[epicrayban]

I would love it if we saw bi-annual cycles--alternate between significant hardware updates and software updates. Significant new OS updates every year is crazy to expect. Hell, adoption of new Android OS is like a snail already..think MM just hit 4% , six months after release--and now we're seeing N previews. I'd rather see Google and Apple really fine tune their software rather than feel the need to get something new out to appease investors.

Yeah, it's not a bad idea. It's interesting to consider their update models, too. Google updates their core apps directly through the Play Store and sometimes this involves major improvements or additional new features and/or redesigns, etc. As far as I know, the same thing doesn't happen with Apple & iOS. Correct me if I'm wrong. They push out .x updates for bug fixes and other minor improvements, but save their big features for the annual big number update.

So I could see Google switching from annual to bi-annual or even to just "whenever the next iteration is ready." That could be annual, 1.5 years, or whatever it is. And that might help OEMs/carriers get more caught up with software updates (I'm not sure, but I don't think it'll make a big difference. The real issue lies with the OEM/carriers). But even then, people might regard such a move by Google as slowing down or being lazy or whatever. It's unlikely we'll see this happen.

I definitely don't see Apple changing this update scheme considering their OS updates are usually a bigger deal. Unless I'm mistaken and new features/big updates to Apple's core apps come from the App Store? I don't really see anything ever.
[doublepost=1461351149][/doublepost]

Really I'm not sure apple can get away with an average update. This is what the s are for and now they are forcing people to wait two years to get real major improvements? Seems a risky game with how great the S7/edge has been this year

I worry about this, too. I've been worrying about this in general for Apple.

However, you might be underestimating the strength of Apple's brand. If anyone can get away with this, it's Apple. HTC tried to get away with 3 years of incremental changes to the One M series, and they got burnt (Sony, too, one might say). But will Apple? They might! No one can predict the future, and a lot of websites and I think even some common folks are beginning to notice a discrepancy between the pace at which the competition is competing at versus the pace Apple is competing at. So... who knows.

Ultimately, though, the general public will just know it's a new and redesigned iPhone 7 -- a new number for a new generation. They probably won't know diddly about how Apple might be holding back this year for something big next year, or about how 2017 is the ten year anniversary or whatnot. Some might, but most won't. Or, most won't care. It's the latest and greatest iPhone and they must have it.

As much as we all know where the iPhone is behind in, and as disappointing as this news is (if true), I still wouldn't bet against Apple. And I've always said, that's part of the greater problem. Their brand is just that strong. They can get away with almost anything.

We'll see...

 

[gotluck]

Apples biggest fear should be android getting the update situation figured out.

since (stock) android doesnt require greater specs with updates, devices could last like 6 years at this point in tech

the value proposition of android would skyrocket

 

[I7guy]

Yeah, it's not a bad idea. It's interesting to consider their update models, too. Google updates their core apps directly through the Play Store and sometimes this involves major improvements or additional new features and/or redesigns, etc. As far as I know, the same thing doesn't happen with Apple & iOS. Correct me if I'm wrong. They push out .x updates for bug fixes and other minor improvements, but save their big features for the annual big number update.

So I could see Google switching from annual to bi-annual or even to just "whenever the next iteration is ready." That could be annual, 1.5 years, or whatever it is. And that might help OEMs/carriers get more caught up with software updates (I'm not sure, but I don't think it'll make a big difference. The real issue lies with the OEM/carriers). But even then, people might regard such a move by Google as slowing down or being lazy or whatever. It's unlikely we'll see this happen.

I definitely don't see Apple changing this update scheme considering their OS updates are usually a bigger deal. Unless I'm mistaken and new features/big updates to Apple's core apps come from the App Store? I don't really see anything ever.
[doublepost=1461351149][/doublepost]

I worry about this, too. I've been worrying about this in general for Apple.

However, you might be underestimating the strength of Apple's brand. If anyone can get away with this, it's Apple. HTC tried to get away with 3 years of incremental changes to the One M series, and they got burnt (Sony, too, one might say). But will Apple? They might! No one can predict the future, and a lot of websites and I think even some common folks are beginning to notice a discrepancy between the pace at which the competition is competing at versus the pace Apple is competing at. So... who knows.

Ultimately, though, the general public will just know it's a new and redesigned iPhone 7 -- a new number for a new generation. They probably won't know diddly about how Apple might be holding back this year for something big next year, or about how 2017 is the ten year anniversary or whatnot. Some might, but most won't. Or, most won't care. It's the latest and greatest iPhone and they must have it.

As much as we all know where the iPhone is behind in, and as disappointing as this news is (if true), I still wouldn't bet against Apple. And I've always said, that's part of the greater problem. Their brand is just that strong. They can get away with almost anything.

We'll see...

What problem are you referring to? Producing a product people want to buy? Of course I'm playing devils advocate, because at some point I will upgrade; whether it's the i7, 7s or i8.

 

[The Game 161]

Yeah, it's not a bad idea. It's interesting to consider their update models, too. Google updates their core apps directly through the Play Store and sometimes this involves major improvements or additional new features and/or redesigns, etc. As far as I know, the same thing doesn't happen with Apple & iOS. Correct me if I'm wrong. They push out .x updates for bug fixes and other minor improvements, but save their big features for the annual big number update.

So I could see Google switching from annual to bi-annual or even to just "whenever the next iteration is ready." That could be annual, 1.5 years, or whatever it is. And that might help OEMs/carriers get more caught up with software updates (I'm not sure, but I don't think it'll make a big difference. The real issue lies with the OEM/carriers). But even then, people might regard such a move by Google as slowing down or being lazy or whatever. It's unlikely we'll see this happen.

I definitely don't see Apple changing this update scheme considering their OS updates are usually a bigger deal. Unless I'm mistaken and new features/big updates to Apple's core apps come from the App Store? I don't really see anything ever.
[doublepost=1461351149][/doublepost]

I worry about this, too. I've been worrying about this in general for Apple.

However, you might be underestimating the strength of Apple's brand. If anyone can get away with this, it's Apple. HTC tried to get away with 3 years of incremental changes to the One M series, and they got burnt (Sony, too, one might say). But will Apple? They might! No one can predict the future, and a lot of websites and I think even some common folks are beginning to notice a discrepancy between the pace at which the competition is competing at versus the pace Apple is competing at. So... who knows.

Ultimately, though, the general public will just know it's a new and redesigned iPhone 7 -- a new number for a new generation. They probably won't know diddly about how Apple might be holding back this year for something big next year, or about how 2017 is the ten year anniversary or whatnot. Some might, but most won't. Or, most won't care. It's the latest and greatest iPhone and they must have it.

As much as we all know where the iPhone is behind in, and as disappointing as this news is (if true), I still wouldn't bet against Apple. And I've always said, that's part of the greater problem. Their brand is just that strong. They can get away with almost anything.

We'll see...

You made good points

It's just a question of how much until brand is enough for most people

I love how everything syncs with all my devices and how dependable it all is so I wouldn't leave at worst just wouldn't upgrade every year maybe. I know a lot see a yearly IOS update as like a new phone at times so updates will keep users I guess too

 

[JayIsAwesome]

I'm strongly considering getting an S7. Tbh, I'm bored of my iPhone. Same design for 2yrs. Same iOS look and feel since 2013. Meanwhile Sammy has been killing it. The S6 started it, the Note 5 continued it and S7 knocked it all the way outta the park. Plus the VR is hella cool and I kinda want one Lol

 

[The Game 161]

I'm strongly considering getting an S7. Tbh, I'm bored of my iPhone. Same design for 2yrs. Same iOS look and feel since 2013. Meanwhile Sammy has been killing it. The S6 started it, the Note 5 continued it and S7 knocked it all the way outta the park. Plus the VR is hella cool and I kinda want one Lol

I get that, I'm tempted by s7 edge but think will wait for note 6

 

[epicrayban]

I cannot wait to finally be rid of physical home buttons! Samsung should've done something like this this year, in my opinion. I really like how the HTC 10 implements the home button. Samsung should be preparing something like that for the Note 6 or at the very latest, the S8.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/25/iphone-7-touch-sensitive-home-button/

iPhone 7 Could Have Touch-Sensitive Home Button as Waterproof and Dustproof Rumors Persist

With Apple's Touch Sensitive technology, the home button could get very interesting.

Also, @FFR, where have you gone? Rumor has it there might be waterproofing in the next iPhone. Where are you to raise concerns about how this will alienate current iPhone users if it comes true? We need you back!

 

[jamezr]

I cannot wait to finally be rid of physical home buttons! Samsung should've done something like this this year, in my opinion. I really like how the HTC 10 implements the home button. Samsung should be preparing something like that for the Note 6 or at the very latest, the S8.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/25/iphone-7-touch-sensitive-home-button/

iPhone 7 Could Have Touch-Sensitive Home Button as Waterproof and Dustproof Rumors Persist

With Apple's Touch Sensitive technology, the home button could get very interesting.

Also, @FFR, where have you gone? Rumor has it there might be waterproofing in the next iPhone. Where are you to raise concerns about how this will alienate current iPhone users if it comes true? We need you back!

The Huawei phones do something like this on the FP scanners. No need to push to unlock it. Then some models have different features built in to the FP scanner.

 

[epicrayban]

Apple's earning call was today and it looks like the warned and predicted drop is true and accurate. First decline ever.

 

[tbayrgs]

Apple's earning call was today and it looks like the warned and predicted drop is true and accurate. First decline ever.

Well, not the first decline EVER, but first in a long time. More of the same expected next quarter as well.

Pretty sure that Apple's products and software plans for the next 6-12 months are probably locked in but will be very interesting to see what happens over the course of 2017.

 

[epicrayban]

Well, not the first decline EVER, but first in a long time. More of the same expected next quarter as well.

Pretty sure that Apple's products and software plans for the next 6-12 months are probably locked in but will be very interesting to see what happens over the course of 2017.

I meant in the context of the iPhone. Isn't it the first decline ever since the iPhone debuted? I could be wrong. Just clarifying.

 

[jamezr]

I meant in the context of the iPhone. Isn't it the first decline ever since the iPhone debuted? I could be wrong. Just clarifying.

Yep...first time since 2007-08 when they started selling the iphone. When the iphone makes up 68% of your sales and sales decline....profits slide along with it. If the rumors are true and the iphone 7 is just and incremental upgrade.....it could be bad until the iPhone 8. Unless Apple has something else up it's sleeve.

EDIT: it looks like first decline since 2003

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/26/q2-2016-earnings/

 

[tbayrgs]

Yep...first time since 2007-08 when they started selling the iphone. When the iphone makes up 68% of your sales and sales decline....profits slide along with it. If the rumors are true and the iphone 7 is just and incremental upgrade.....it could be bad until the iPhone 8. Unless Apple has something else up it's sleeve.

Well, it's unrealistic to expect any of these companies to see non-stop continuous growth indefinitely. The smartphone market is approaching critical mass, especially at the high end where Apple traditionally competes so this was bound to happen eventually. I'm purely speculating but the huge record sales they saw with the release of the 6/6+, customer's pining for a larger iPhone finally had their needs met. The great majority of those customers aren't seeing a need to upgrade this year to the S models--that coupled with Samsung bringing their 'A' game with the S7 models and the shift of the industry to a more midrange price, result in what we're seeing this quarter for Apple.

I think the days of quarter over quarter, year over year significant gains in the smartphone industry are a thing of the past. The quality of smartphones across the board had improved dramatically over the past couple of year, with many devices offering comparable or better quality hardware and user experience. Apple will need to break out of this lull with some significant strides if they hope to maintain their current levels, much less see future growth.

I'm in no way giving the clichéd 'Apple is doomed!' speech because I think that's far from the case. The iPhone is still the best selling smartphone and all companies would love to have a down quarter like this. But is does portend things to come if Apple doesn't make some important changes.

And as alway, this is just my simple opinion--my measly $0.02.

 

[jamezr]

Well, it's unrealistic to expect any of these companies to see non-stop continuous growth indefinitely. The smartphone market is approaching critical mass, especially at the high end where Apple traditionally competes so this was bound to happen eventually. I'm purely speculating but the huge record sales they saw with the release of the 6/6+, customer's pining for a larger iPhone finally had their needs met. The great majority of those customers aren't seeing a need to upgrade this year to the S models--that coupled with Samsung bringing their 'A' game with the S7 models and the shift of the industry to a more midrange price, result in what we're seeing this quarter for Apple.

I think the days of quarter over quarter, year over year significant gains in the smartphone industry are a thing of the past. The quality of smartphones across the board had improved dramatically over the past couple of year, with many devices offering comparable or better quality hardware and user experience. Apple will need to break out of this lull with some significant strides if they hope to maintain their current levels, much less see future growth.

I'm in no way giving the clichéd 'Apple is doomed!' speech because I think that's far from the case. The iPhone is still the best selling smartphone and all companies would love to have a down quarter like this. But is does portend things to come if Apple doesn't make some important changes.

And as alway, this is just my simple opinion--my measly $0.02.

It is unrealistic to expect phenomenal growth to last for ever. But when the most profitable company in the world sales/profits decline...well that is news. They have had this growth trend since 2003. I don't think it spells doom and gloom for them by any means. They might have a down year in 2016 if all the rumors and speculations are true. But they can also bounce back in 2017 with new designed iphone 8 for the 10 year anniversary of the iphone and regain some of that momentum back......

 

[epicrayban]

Yep. I agree with you both, @tbayrgs and @jamezr.

Either way, let's go, Apple. You want growth? Plenty of potential customers out there. Like those that want the iPhone to do more. Make me want an iPhone again.

 

[I7guy]

It is unrealistic to expect phenomenal growth to last for ever. But when the most profitable company in the world sales/profits decline...well that is news. They have had this growth trend since 2003. I don't think it spells doom and gloom for them by any means. They might have a down year in 2016 if all the rumors and speculations are true. But they can also bounce back in 2017 with new designed iphone 8 for the 10 year anniversary of the iphone and regain some of that momentum back......

Gm went bust in 2008, they wouldn't be here today except for our tax dollars. Never to big to fail I suppose.

 

[jamezr]

Yep. I agree with you both, @tbayrgs and @jamezr.

Either way, let's go, Apple. You want growth? Plenty of potential customers out there. Like those that want the iPhone to do more. Make me want an iPhone again.

Interestingly enough i was reading the main story here on MR about the sales/profit decline for Apple. Time and time again Apple fans want to see more from apple. Even some of the die hard fans want more innovation from Apple like in the old days. They feel Tim Cook is resting on his laurels so to speak. That nothing new has come from Apple in a long time.
[doublepost=1461761513][/doublepost]

Gm went bust in 2008, they wouldn't be here today except for our tax dollars. Never to big to fail I suppose.

Are you saying you think Apple will need a bailout like GM did in 2008?

 

[I7guy]

Interestingly enough i was reading the main story here on MR about the sales/profit decline for Apple. Time and time again Apple fans want to see more from apple. Even some of the die hard fans want more innovation from Apple like in the old days. They feel Tim Cook is resting on his laurels so to speak. That nothing new has come from Apple in a long time.
[doublepost=1461761513][/doublepost]
Are you saying you think Apple will need a bailout like GM did in 2008?

Knowing whether Apple would fail and/or need a bailout is way above my pay grade.

As far as your first point when your company revenue is 40 or 50 billion per quarter it seems your customers are happy with your products.

 

[The Game 161]

Interestingly enough i was reading the main story here on MR about the sales/profit decline for Apple. Time and time again Apple fans want to see more from apple. Even some of the die hard fans want more innovation from Apple like in the old days. They feel Tim Cook is resting on his laurels so to speak. That nothing new has come from Apple in a long time.
[doublepost=1461761513][/doublepost]
Are you saying you think Apple will need a bailout like GM did in 2008?

Yeah it's why i would be open to get an android again.

I love what my iPhone gets for a lot of the things like with podcasts, smoothness, iMessage and how it syncs with everything but seeing the screen on the s7 edge, great features, wireless charging and on screen display. stuff like that interests me.

That said the lag i had on my s6 edge has made me step back and think if it's worth it. i have alot of apple products now so it fits in with my needs. That said note 6 could be a 2nd phone for me ad tempting as the edge is.
[doublepost=1461763072][/doublepost]

Knowing whether Apple would fail and/or need a bailout is way above my pay grade.

As far as your first point when your company revenue is 40 or 50 billion per quarter it seems your customers are happy with your products.

I think most are, the average user certainly are and don't care about all the high powered features. Tech guys do.

My mom and my girlfriend have the 6s and they are very happy with it and have never used any of the new features that came with the 6s like 3D touch. They might use live photos at times but generally? don't care about those things.

They just want a dependable phone and the iPhone is still the best phone around for that i would say.

 

[jamezr]

Knowing whether Apple would fail and/or need a bailout is way above my pay grade.

As far as your first point when your company revenue is 40 or 50 billion per quarter it seems your customers are happy with your products.

Gm went bust in 2008, they wouldn't be here today except for our tax dollars. Never to big to fail I suppose.

So which side of the fence are you on now? You allude to the fact that Apple just like GM in 2008 is not too big to fail. Then when pressed back away.....
Reminds me of "white man speak with forked tongue" Or "speaks from both side of his mouth"

As far as your first point when your company revenue is 40 or 50 billion per quarter it seems your customers are happy with your products.

Apple just posted a what almost 6 Billion dollar loss of sales YoY. That is not including what is happening to it stock right now. The dollar figure including stock losses could double that soon. So less and less people are happy as they aren't buying as much as they used to buy. Then more sales decline is expected for the next 2 quarters......

Wall Street analysts project that Apple will report revenue of around $52 billion, or nearly a 10-percent decline compared to the year-ago quarter. Today's earnings results are based on the three-month period between December 27, 2015 and March 26, 2016.

Not just iPhone sales are down. The rest of the product sales are down as well

Apple sold 51.1 million iPhones during the quarter, down from 61.2 million a year earlier, while Mac sales were 4.03 million units, down from from 4.56 million units in the year-ago quarter. iPad sales were also down once again, falling to 10.25 million from 12.6 million.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/26/q2-2016-earnings/

 

[I7guy]

So which side of the fence are you on now? You allude to the fact that Apple just like GM in 2008 is not too big to fail. Then when pressed back away.....
Reminds me of "white man speak with forked tongue" Or "speaks from both side of his mouth"



Apple just posted a what almost 6 Billion dollar loss of sales YoY. That is not including what is happening to it stock right now. The dollar figure including stock losses could double that soon. So less and less people are happy as they aren't buying as much as they used to buy. Then more sales decline is expected for the next 2 quarters......




Not just iPhone sales are down. The rest of the product sales are down as well


https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/26/q2-2016-earnings/

By the way you mentioned bailout not me and please stop with the deflections.

So which side of the fence are you on now? You allude to the fact that Apple just like GM in 2008 is not too big to fail. Then when pressed back away.....
Reminds me of "white man speak with forked tongue" Or "speaks from both side of his mouth"



Apple just posted a what almost 6 Billion dollar loss of sales YoY. That is not including what is happening to it stock right now. The dollar figure including stock losses could double that soon. So less and less people are happy as they aren't buying as much as they used to buy. Then more sales decline is expected for the next 2 quarters......




Not just iPhone sales are down. The rest of the product sales are down as well


https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/26/q2-2016-earnings/

what are you saying? "White man..." What? typical deflection? Yes their revenue is down to only 40b and when you are the most valuable company in the world minor swings in stock price result in huge unrealized shifts in dollars. Is that surprising to the arm chair analysts here?

 

[jamezr]

By the way you mentioned bailout not me and please stop with the deflections.

what are you saying? "White man..." What? typical deflection? Yes their revenue is down to only 40b and when you are the most valuable company in the world minor swings in stock price result in huge unrealized shifts in dollars. Is that surprising to the arm chair analysts here?

So you are backing away from what you said?

Gm went bust in 2008, they wouldn't be here today except for our tax dollars. Never to big to fail I suppose.

Do you think Apple could fail and need a bailout like GM. You brought it up.....

 

[epicrayban]

If this rumor ends up being true, the iPhone 7 Pro will not change much in size compared to today's 6S Plus. I'm assuming that means no improvements to screen-to-body ratio either as it'll probably keep the 5.5" screen size. Disappointing considering what others, namely Samsung, are doing with the size of devices. Ironic, even, because once upon a time, one handed use was supremely valuable to Apple and its fans. Yet, Apple is showing no interest in helping the phablet be as one handed friendly as possible.

Also, one difference in this rumor is the thickness of the new iPhone. Earlier rumors say it will be getting thinner, but this rumor says the iPhone 7 Pro will actually be slightly thicker, but will still remove the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Maybe this is just for the Pro version? I think the iPhone getting thicker is more believable. It lines up with the idea that the camera will be flush. Unless the camera is thinner...? Bigger battery would be great, too.

Interesting stuff.

iPhone 7 ‘Pro’ schematics show up in Japanese mag w/ dual camera & Smart Connector, sans headphone jack
http://9to5mac.com/2016/04/27/iphone-7-pro-design-thickness/

PS. And if these schematics are to be believed, it looks like the iPhone 7 will indeed get rid of all the antennae lines (unless the antennae lines simply aren't factored into these schematics).

PPS. Also...! Every rumor about the new and improved dual camera setup is for the larger iPhone. And even then, rumors have said of the larger iPhone, there'd be a "Pro" version of the Plus. So not only would the normal sized iPhone get shafted out of the dual camera, but possibly the standard Plus version, too? Or is "Pro" the new Plus? Who knows. But yet another unfortunate thing if true. Again, other OEMs, like Samsung, Sony, even Google (5X has the same camera as 6P, right?) have given consumers no-compromise cameras in the smaller/cheaper variant of their flagships. But not Apple, if these rumors are true.

PPPS. Speaking of gauging customers for profit; what standard storage size will the iPhone 7 ship with?

 

[The Game 161]

If this rumor ends up being true, the iPhone 7 Pro will not change much in size compared to today's 6S Plus. I'm assuming that means no improvements to screen-to-body ratio either as it'll probably keep the 5.5" screen size. Disappointing considering what others, namely Samsung, are doing with the size of devices. Ironic, even, because once upon a time, one handed use was supremely valuable to Apple and its fans. Yet, Apple is showing no interest in helping the phablet be as one handed friendly as possible.

Also, one difference in this rumor is the thickness of the new iPhone. Earlier rumors say it will be getting thinner, but this rumor says the iPhone 7 Pro will actually be slightly thicker, but will still remove the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Maybe this is just for the Pro version? I think the iPhone getting thicker is more believable. It lines up with the idea that the camera will be flush. Unless the camera is thinner...? Bigger battery would be great, too.

Interesting stuff.

iPhone 7 ‘Pro’ schematics show up in Japanese mag w/ dual camera & Smart Connector, sans headphone jack
http://9to5mac.com/2016/04/27/iphone-7-pro-design-thickness/

PS. And if these schematics are to be believed, it looks like the iPhone 7 will indeed get rid of all the antennae lines (unless the antennae lines simply aren't factored into these schematics).

I would of thought thinner bizels would of been a main focus as just look the size of the plus compared to S7 edge even though it's same screen size

 

[epicrayban]

I would of thought thinner bizels would of been a main focus as just look the size of the plus compared to S7 edge even though it's same screen size

Yep.

I ask again, who gets away with competing at this pace? Nobody in the smartphone industry that I'm aware of. Only Apple.

Tell me again how hardware doesn't matter? Imagine your daily driver is the Plus vs the S7E. Tell me how design and hardware prowess doesn't matter to a physical object you pick up and use in your hands every day.

If it's all true and the iPhone 7 Pro/Plus comes out the same size as what's in the right hand, while the competition is doing what's in the left hand, well... that'd be hugely disappointing from the company that is supposed to be the leader in design and innovation.