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How possible is it for there to be a "disruptor" to the smartphone market? I think Apple's selling point is the app ecosystem, but I personally don't use apps

How possible is it for there to be a "disruptor" to the smartphone market? I think Apple's selling point is the app ecosystem, but I personally don't use apps all that much. Just a few big ones and they're all just for communication: FB Messenger, WhatsApp, SIM, SnapChat. And the web browser, maps. I'm 27. Why can't someone just manufacture a screen, some buttons, little computer, then software for communication and make some good money? Just seems Apple is a dinosaur nowadays Google too.

999900000999 2y ago
The lightphone is an option. A few lower end black and white screen Android phones exist, and that seems closer to what you want. I have some other obligations to handle, but the iPhone 16e looks perfect for me. You can replace so much music production gear with an IOS device. Can legit plug in a microphone and record a full album, which just isn't really their on Android. It's beyond frustrating, but on IOS you have amazing music production, and Android is like 10 years behind. I wish Apple would offer a musicians edition with a headphone jack ( I'd literally pay an extra 150$) , but that's never going to happen...
rchaud 2y ago
What would a disruptor in the smartphone space even do in 2025? It's not like the status quo phones are too expensive, too small or too slow compared to the average user's use case. There is a phone for every price point, and at worst you'll be stuck with a bad camera or a laggy chipset. There are already phones running Linux and de-Googled OSes (Purism, Librem, LineageOS). They won't ever get big enough to challenge Apple/Samsung, but maybe be big enough to have a stable enough OS to not scare off people looking to switch.
- cynicalpeace 2y ago
  Maybe it could be the Juul to Apple's Phillip Morris? Phones occupy the same space as nicotine in my head, so why not explore that comparison?
  - dylan604 2y ago
    Is it the phone or the software that you installed on the phone? You're blaming the horse the bandit rode in on rather than saying that the bandit is the issue.
    - cynicalpeace 2y ago
      I'm not "blaming" anyone. Not sure how you can have the software without the hardware. Screens are addictive. Why they are addictive is an interesting question- but regardless of the software being used- video games, social media, browsing the web, the fact remains that these activities are all addictive. I suspect it's just because screens are shiny, colorful, interactive objects. It doesn't matter what app you give a baby or a chimp, they will stare at the screen for many hours. TV addiction illustrates my point further. Anyways, this is all besides my original question. Apple/Google feel like the IBM/HP of old. What shape will the new Apple/Google take?
      - dylan604 2y ago
        The assumption that everyone has an issue with a device is where you loose me. I rarely look at my phone. I don't have any social apps on it. I only use the phone if I'm away from my keyboard. It is absolutely possible to own a device and not be addicted to it. I use my device for things that are useful, not unhealthy habits. It is not the device's fault you use it for unhealthy habits. Recognizing and admitting the problem is a huge step
        cynicalpeace 2y ago
        > The assumption that everyone has an issue with a device is where you loose me I made no such assumption. This is far astray from the original thread
        dylan604 2y ago
        >Not sure how you can have the software without the hardware. You can have good software. You can have bad software. The hardware does not make it good or bad. The software is whatever the devs made it to be utilizing whatever hardware on which it runs. The user is ultimately responsible for the software they use whether they installed it or it is preinstalled. Again, blaming the horse because the rider is doing bad things is not the right approach > In your example, I can just look thru your HN history and see you posted dozens of times yesterday. What does this have to do with the price of tea in China? I don't use a device to do this.
lofaszvanitt 2y ago
There are a few innovations that would level them...
etchalon 2y ago
You're describing the vast majority of Android phones.

999900000999 2y ago

The lightphone is an option. A few lower end black and white screen Android phones exist, and that seems closer to what you want. I have some other obligations to handle, but the iPhone 16e looks perfect for me. You can replace so much music production gear with an IOS device. Can legit plug in a microphone and record a full album, which just isn't really their on Android. It's beyond frustrating, but on IOS you have amazing music production, and Android is like 10 years behind. I wish Apple would offer a musicians edition with a headphone jack ( I'd literally pay an extra 150$) , but that's never going to happen...

rchaud 2y ago

What would a disruptor in the smartphone space even do in 2025? It's not like the status quo phones are too expensive, too small or too slow compared to the average user's use case. There is a phone for every price point, and at worst you'll be stuck with a bad camera or a laggy chipset. There are already phones running Linux and de-Googled OSes (Purism, Librem, LineageOS). They won't ever get big enough to challenge Apple/Samsung, but maybe be big enough to have a stable enough OS to not scare off people looking to switch.

cynicalpeace 2y ago
Maybe it could be the Juul to Apple's Phillip Morris? Phones occupy the same space as nicotine in my head, so why not explore that comparison?
- dylan604 2y ago
  Is it the phone or the software that you installed on the phone? You're blaming the horse the bandit rode in on rather than saying that the bandit is the issue.
  - cynicalpeace 2y ago
    I'm not "blaming" anyone. Not sure how you can have the software without the hardware. Screens are addictive. Why they are addictive is an interesting question- but regardless of the software being used- video games, social media, browsing the web, the fact remains that these activities are all addictive. I suspect it's just because screens are shiny, colorful, interactive objects. It doesn't matter what app you give a baby or a chimp, they will stare at the screen for many hours. TV addiction illustrates my point further. Anyways, this is all besides my original question. Apple/Google feel like the IBM/HP of old. What shape will the new Apple/Google take?
    - dylan604 2y ago
      The assumption that everyone has an issue with a device is where you loose me. I rarely look at my phone. I don't have any social apps on it. I only use the phone if I'm away from my keyboard. It is absolutely possible to own a device and not be addicted to it. I use my device for things that are useful, not unhealthy habits. It is not the device's fault you use it for unhealthy habits. Recognizing and admitting the problem is a huge step
      - cynicalpeace 2y ago
        > The assumption that everyone has an issue with a device is where you loose me I made no such assumption. This is far astray from the original thread
        dylan604 2y ago
        >Not sure how you can have the software without the hardware. You can have good software. You can have bad software. The hardware does not make it good or bad. The software is whatever the devs made it to be utilizing whatever hardware on which it runs. The user is ultimately responsible for the software they use whether they installed it or it is preinstalled. Again, blaming the horse because the rider is doing bad things is not the right approach > In your example, I can just look thru your HN history and see you posted dozens of times yesterday. What does this have to do with the price of tea in China? I don't use a device to do this.

lofaszvanitt 2y ago

There are a few innovations that would level them...

etchalon 2y ago

You're describing the vast majority of Android phones.