Once upon a time, Apple released a revolutionary phone that took the world by storm. Manufacturers were left stunned, with consumers rushing out to get the lasted revolution, the iPhone. Fast forward a few years and manufacturers have had chance to catch up, and consumers now have a choice, and it is that very choice that Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, says is leaving Apple behind in the Smartphone market.
Wozniak spoke with German publication Wirtschafts Woche around a whole bunch of different topics, and in particular that Samsung are now presenting serious competition to the iPhone and to Apple’s dominance of the Smartphone market.
“Currently we are in my opinion… somewhat behind,” Wozniak said about Apple with regard to features. “Others have caught up. Samsung is a great competitor. But precisely because they are currently making great products.”
Apple and Samsung are currently the two most dominant manufacturers in the Smartphone market, with tremendously different marketing techniques. Apple chose to release yearly updates to a single iPhone at close price-points, whereas Samsung choose to release multiple devices across a variety of price-points in order to saturate the market.
He retains that Apple still, however, have that ‘special’ feel about their products, which is why he still insists on queueing up for a device on launch day.
“The launch of a new Apple product is for me like a big, major concert in which you absolutely must attend personally. It’s history. Sure, I could order online or call the store manager… But that would be nothing. No, I will have the experience like any normal customer. But one thing is certain. If Apple would make lousy products, I would not be in line.”
However, it is this very ‘specialness’ that may be wearing out for Apple, and with the sheer volume of Smartphones to choose from, Apple seem to be running out of cards to play, and need something fundamental to retain their Smartphone crown.
[Source AppleInsider]