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I recall that as well, but I think this article is still valid, because it speaks to Apple's vigor in enforcing them, as much as anything. I'm not going to say

I recall that as well, but I think this article is still valid, because it speaks to Apple's vigor in enforcing them, as much as anything. I'm not going to say Apple is desperate yet, but I think that Apple foresees that desperation if they don't very actively pursue anything and everything.

Loic 15y ago
For once I totally agree. You must also add, that the vast majority of people are price sensitive and do not really care if they use an Apple, Samsung or HTC device. A lot of people around me bought the iPod (not iPad) because they were the cheapest and nice looking at the same time. Look around you at people having a decent normal job, kids, a house to repay, etc. At the end of the month, not a lot of money left for the high end Apple stuff. These are not even the majority of the people. In Europe, basically you have 30% of the people paying no taxes because no money, 30% with money but in fact nearly nothing left at the end of the month and 30% with extra (here I am generous). The iPhone is selling good in Europe only because it is subsidized by the mobile operators. So, if you continue following this line, this means that at least in Europe, Apple will simply not be able to grow past the 30% mark if not subsidized by the operators. Then you hit the last problem, the iPad is seen as a "big" iPhone by people. They use it in addition to a normal computer and buy it with a contract. Now you have Apple, depending for 60% of their income on hardware which most of the time requires the help of the mobile operators to be sold. This is not an easy position to be in. I do not own any Apple device, but I thank them for what they do, because they drive the general quality of the smart phones up.
- saturdaysaint 15y ago
  People have been predicting Apple's death by the commoditization of consumer electronics since before Jobs' return. It hasn't happened because their expertise in both hardware and software is unparalleled and they have a sterling quality reputation, meaning they will always come out with cool products first and sell them in quantity. People forget that they're not afraid to disrupt themselves either. If they can create a great $500 tablet, don't be surprised if they can make a great $200 unsubsidized phone if they think the competition demands it.

Loic 15y ago

For once I totally agree. You must also add, that the vast majority of people are price sensitive and do not really care if they use an Apple, Samsung or HTC device. A lot of people around me bought the iPod (not iPad) because they were the cheapest and nice looking at the same time. Look around you at people having a decent normal job, kids, a house to repay, etc. At the end of the month, not a lot of money left for the high end Apple stuff. These are not even the majority of the people. In Europe, basically you have 30% of the people paying no taxes because no money, 30% with money but in fact nearly nothing left at the end of the month and 30% with extra (here I am generous). The iPhone is selling good in Europe only because it is subsidized by the mobile operators. So, if you continue following this line, this means that at least in Europe, Apple will simply not be able to grow past the 30% mark if not subsidized by the operators. Then you hit the last problem, the iPad is seen as a "big" iPhone by people. They use it in addition to a normal computer and buy it with a contract. Now you have Apple, depending for 60% of their income on hardware which most of the time requires the help of the mobile operators to be sold. This is not an easy position to be in. I do not own any Apple device, but I thank them for what they do, because they drive the general quality of the smart phones up.

saturdaysaint 15y ago
People have been predicting Apple's death by the commoditization of consumer electronics since before Jobs' return. It hasn't happened because their expertise in both hardware and software is unparalleled and they have a sterling quality reputation, meaning they will always come out with cool products first and sell them in quantity. People forget that they're not afraid to disrupt themselves either. If they can create a great $500 tablet, don't be surprised if they can make a great $200 unsubsidized phone if they think the competition demands it.