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I'm sure Apple would love to sell as many phones as Samsung does. But I'm also sure that Apple would prefer to take 2x the profits on 0.5x the unit sales. This

by quesera 14y ago

I'm sure Apple would love to sell as many phones as Samsung does. But I'm also sure that Apple would prefer to take 2x the profits on 0.5x the unit sales. This is why Apple is so concerned about Samsung selling iPhone lookalikes, though. Samsung has the manufacturing and distribution prowess to do some damage, and Samsung has shown themselves to be a better "fast follower" than Microsoft ever was. With a little help from Google, of course. Imagine if Samsung had to write their own mobile OS.

CountSessine 14y ago
They did. It's called Bada. And it's terrible. But they're a great hardware company.
- pjmlp 14y ago
  > They did. It's called Bada. And it's terrible. Actually many people in Germany seem to like it.
ruggeri 14y ago
As someone who owns both an iPhone 4S and a Galaxy Nexus, I can't possibly bring myself to believe that Apple is going to continue making outsized profits in the cell phone market. The Galaxy Nexus is just too good a competitor; Android has gotten so much better. Maybe Apple will find a way to reinvent the smart phone again (a la MBA or iPad to laptop). Barring that, I don't see how they can maintain their dominance. Profits are what matters, naturally, but I think market share is the writing on the wall here. So it goes. Company innovates and offers a wonderful new product, makes ridiculous profit, is shamelessly/lovingly ripped off, loses edge, has to come up with the next big thing or die. The story of free enterprise since forever. This time isn't different.
- quesera 14y ago
  Keep in mind that Apple makes a superior (or at worst equivalent) product, sells it for the same price, and makes 4x the profit. I agree that market share is a leading indicator, and that Apple's biggest challenge is to run faster than everyone else, while keeping the imitators at bay and not outrunning consumers or the laws of physics. But they've got some runway due to their efficiencies (and cash). It's not sexy, but it's how Tim Cook earned his job, and I don't think anyone at Apple is confused about any of the above. :)

by quesera 14y ago

CountSessine 14y ago

They did. It's called Bada. And it's terrible. But they're a great hardware company.

pjmlp 14y ago
> They did. It's called Bada. And it's terrible. Actually many people in Germany seem to like it.

ruggeri 14y ago

As someone who owns both an iPhone 4S and a Galaxy Nexus, I can't possibly bring myself to believe that Apple is going to continue making outsized profits in the cell phone market. The Galaxy Nexus is just too good a competitor; Android has gotten so much better. Maybe Apple will find a way to reinvent the smart phone again (a la MBA or iPad to laptop). Barring that, I don't see how they can maintain their dominance. Profits are what matters, naturally, but I think market share is the writing on the wall here. So it goes. Company innovates and offers a wonderful new product, makes ridiculous profit, is shamelessly/lovingly ripped off, loses edge, has to come up with the next big thing or die. The story of free enterprise since forever. This time isn't different.

quesera 14y ago
Keep in mind that Apple makes a superior (or at worst equivalent) product, sells it for the same price, and makes 4x the profit. I agree that market share is a leading indicator, and that Apple's biggest challenge is to run faster than everyone else, while keeping the imitators at bay and not outrunning consumers or the laws of physics. But they've got some runway due to their efficiencies (and cash). It's not sexy, but it's how Tim Cook earned his job, and I don't think anyone at Apple is confused about any of the above. :)