(http://images.theage.com.au/2011/10/05/2669450/iphone4smain-420x0.jpg)
Another article featured at The Age (view it here: http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/apples-iphone-4s-an-evolution-rather-than-a-revolution-20111005-1l7r1.html) mentions just how damaging some of the criticism of the new iPhone was, with one critic stating 'It's been 16 months and all you've got is an A5 processor in the existing iPhone 4', along with reports of shareholders not being satisfied, with Apple's stock spiralling down after the announcement. However, after the death of Steve Jobs the day after the announcement of the new iPhone, it appears response to the product has improved substantially. This illustrates the sheer loyalty and respect of Apple fans for its products, and its people. However, for the future, it seems that Apple will be required to continue to push the boundaries and innovate when announcing new products, along with proving it can continue to drive its massive growth and success in the future without its previous CEO.
6 comments:
Well, how am I not surprised that there would be an influx of patronage to Apple particularly for the barely exciting iPhone 4S with the announcement of Steve Jobs passing. Apple is the epitome of "influence". And in marketing, we all know what influence can do to a brand and Apple knew how to do it. We market to create awareness and to convince people to buy our products, and through the process we start influence/brainwashing people. Apple didnt really had to brainwash any of us but it did empower too many people and too many industries.
And for what it did, I bow with utmost respect to Apple and its influence.
Charlyn: I agree entirely. I guess the real question is how long can this extra influx of patronage last? I personally hope Apple can continue to innovate and push the boundaries just as it has with Steve Jobs. Only time will tell I guess..
I personally think that even if Jobs had not died, the demand for the iPhone 4S would still be the same. If you consider a couple of things, firstly that both the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 3GS are the top selling phones in USA so demand has been consistently high. Second, that now many of the people with expired two year contracts (the industry standard for smartphones) with the iPhone 3GS are now ready to update, to what is for them a significant upgrade in both speed and features. Thirdly, there are still room to grow, with many people even upgrading from 'non-smartphones' to an iPhone. Lastly, its the "oooh shiny" factor for many people I suspect. Anything new and faster must be good to these consumers and the iPhone 4S is just that. There was some disappointment from technology columnist because of the expected iPhone 5, but your average consumer doesn't follow tech blogs and rumour sites so wouldn't have the heightened expectations in the first place.
Or more simply, things with Apple logos sell like hotcakes. The end.
James: Very true, and I agree entirely. However, I think that a major part of Apple's image is its aspect of exclusivity. How can Apple manage this when its products are selling like hotcakes? Aside from the supply issues which seem to plague every iPhone release..
I just read over at iClarified.com that apparently "inside sources" claimed that Steve had nothing to do with the iPhone 4S and spent his last remainding days as CEO working on a complete redesign iPhone 5. If this is true, than the patronage towards Steve will extend to one more release then =P
Joshua: Wow interesting.. I guess only time will tell.
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