iPhone 4G

The new iPhone, whether you want to call it “iPhone 4g” or “iPhone HD”, has been a big story lately. Between developers losing prototypes in bars and Vietnamese websites publishing new photos, it seems all the secrets about the newest Jesus phone are out. While I personally like the new design and think it is a respectable upgrade for Apple, a lot of the opinions I have been reading have been of disappointment. Disappointment in that Apple has failed to make the iPhone as revolutionary as it was 3 years ago.

I just don’t understand how so many Apple experts can have this opinion. From my experience, Apple products are hardly at the cutting edge from a hardware point of view. Sure when Apple releases a new, one of a kind product they are… but shortly there after the Apple products are essentially on par with industry. What makes them stand apart and consistently sell is the design, ease of use, and quality.

Let’s look at two of Apple’s main products:
 
 
Mac

It’s long been accepted that Apple’s computers are really overpriced, mediocre machines; at least from a hardware standpoint. Besides battery life, Apple never really pushes the envelope for computer design. However, their computers are still hugely successful because of the great deal of effort put into the design, aesthetics, and beauty of their machines.
 
 
iPod

When the iPod came out it was undoubtedly revolutionary. The world had seen nothing like it and Apple practically invented (or reinvented?) the portable music player. The device transformed Apple from a struggling company to a market leader and they have never looked back. But that was then. Competitors quickly came out with products that matched the iPod’s capabilities after its initial release. Since then, there have been many suitable and cheaper alternatives to the iPod. Apple has continued the progression of the product but it is fair to say, after its initial release it was never a “revolutionary” device.
 
 
The iPhone fits perfect for the profile of Apple. It was every bit as revolutionary and successful as the iPod when it came out. It has only grown in popularity since its initial release in 2007 and it appears there is no end in site. Apple has done a great job at keeping the iPhone current by giving it all the upgrades it needs to be on the same level as its competition. 5MP camera, [camera] flash, 2nd microphone for noise cancellation, and front facing camera. I believe on June 7th when it is officially announced, it will be right at the top of smart phone market.

This is not enough for seemingly all the critics though. They are disappointed the iPhone is not transforming the market as it did in 2007. Why should it be? Apple hasn’t done this in the past with any other products. Unless it is brand new product from Apple, I have no expectation that any successor of a current product will be revolutionary. Another example is the iPad.

The iPad was recently released, it’s a product the market has never seen before, it’s a new product from Apple, and it has been incredibly successful. However, no one should expect the iPad 2 to do the same. I can tell you now it will be essentially the same product with a few new features added so that it can stay competitive with whatever Google, Dell, or HP tablet is available at the time.

I’ll be the first to admit, I am an Apple fan boy. I’m Apple’d out and will definitely be upgrading to the new iPhone when it comes out. I know there may be HTC phones with slightly bigger screens, irrelevant higher MP cameras, and whatever other features make them stand apart, but they don’t compare in aesthetic simplicity. So as long as I’m getting the same features I can with another phone, I’ll be happy with my iPhone.

Where the excitement lies, and really, the potential for disappointment exists, is in the next product Apple creates that we can’t conceive right now or don’t know that we need yet. That has been Apple’s profile for the past decade and will be for the foreseeable future.

Advertisement