By: Clarence Kendell Johnson
Apple execs have finally unveiled an new ipad at an event in
California called the iPad mini. The new $329 product is meant to
compete with smaller, 7-inch tablets from competing companies such as
Google and Amazon who are right behind Apple in sales and innovation.
The new iPad has the same capabilities as the newest generation iPad
just in a smaller size and price to attract a lower tax bracketed
market.
They also revealed a new 13-inch MacBook Pro that he said is said to
be 20 percent thinner than the previous generation, and a pound
lighter. The new laptop features a 2.5-GHz Intel processor, a
high-resolution Retina display with over 4 million pixels, and a
solid-state drive rather than a spinning disk.
In my opinion, Apple is losing its competitive edge when it comes to
being the innovators in technology and electronics. In a few years, I
feel that good will surpass apple when it comes to new technologies
and advancements. The Iphone 5 had very few improvements as appose to
what it usually does when they release the new generation of phones.
There are honestly no products they are releasing that surpass the
last generation of products they have released, or that are better
than any other products that their competition is releasing. What your
opinions? Will Apple stay on top or is their a possibility that they
can be passed in the near future.
Great Post. In my opinion, Apple will continue to maintain their position in the technology and electronic arena. I agree that the iPhone 5 had minimal improvements and I think Apple definitely could have done way better with this product. Although Apple may release products that are similar and have minor improvements, they still make it just a little better than the last. I believe Apple has the necessary innovations to retain their competitive edge, its just a matter of when they are going to release them to the world.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely empathize with the argument that is raised in the blog. It may seem that Apple is losing their competitive edge, however, one needs to take into consideration the fact that Apple understands its markets. As most of us can observe, they release a new iPhone every year and maintain a great level of secrecy up until two weeks before the release of the phone. I believe that the majority of their buyers know this. The thing is that they do not care. It is all about what is new and who who has what. Apple has done a great job tapping into the value chain to create the perception that their products stand tall above all.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this post. As someone who works for Apple its always interesting to see how people respond whenever there is an update or new product released. Although I do not work in Cupertino, I do have the opportunity to see and understand some of how and why Apple operates the way it does. I feel Apple does a very good job of taking care of their customers and trying to satisfy as many people as possible. They continue to improve their products while being mindful of the previous products they have as to not completely turn people off. Imagine completely changing every product every year and making people unsatisfied with what they have. If you've noticed over the last year Apple has focused on upgrading their software on their devices so that even though people have different devices they can still enjoy new technologies without upgrading their hardware. People always want the next biggest thing so if you can slow them down and make them feel better about what they have they appreciate it and become loyal customers; a big reason why its the worlds most admired brand. I completely understand what you are saying, I speak with many customers who feel the same but to me its all about perspective.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that Apple at the moment is having trouble developing new and fresh technology and innovation. The iphone 5 does have very little improvements and really is a mirror image of the iPhone 4s. Apple has hit a "Plateau" which means that they are having difficulties improving but at the same time they are not regressing. I do feel that Apple will continue to lead the pack in innovation, design, and technology. They have built their brand and gained the love and respect of the consumer. I only see Apples competition matching them when it comes to technology, software, etc if that, not passing them as leader
ReplyDeleteI do not necessarily believe that apple has completely lost their competitive advantage when dealing with innovation. The main reason I believe that they have no come out with with many great ideas recently is because they already have. When you think about technology and the small field that they are in, there are only but so many new ideas that will interest people. I think that eventually they will come back out with the large inventions ad innovations that we are accustomed to seeing from apple very soon. Everyone can go through a little bit of a rough patch.
ReplyDeleteI definitely can understand where you're coming from in regards to blatant lack of originality in many of Apple's second generation creations. Apple's typical design or format to many of its products creates an illusion of concreteness but also reveals a possible shortage of their innovative juices aesthetically speaking, as of late. I highly doubt this will greatly derail Apple from its overall mission and increasing success but it is definitely something for them to consider so as not to lose potential cliental.
ReplyDeleteAppple has distinguished its brand as a style that will continuously transcend. Their executives have understood this concept and cease every opportunity to make more money from the consumer. Until there is a company that copies apple's marketing strategy move for move I am not sure that anybody will surpass them. Until we get holograms as a standard phone, I am not sure there is much more phone companies can do for us.
ReplyDeleteThe iPad Mini is an amazing device, but at $330 the price is still quite steep. I got a chance to play around with the iPad Mini at an event this weekend and it was amazing to see how fast the device works. I have the original iPad but at times it’s just too bulky and unwieldy to hold for a long time. I feel like the iPad Mini is exactly what the original iPad was supposed to be. I’m an apple head so I go between my iPhone, MacBook, and iPad to accomplish whatever I need done, but my phone is too small for certain things and my MacBook is just too much for other things. The iPad Mini is the perfect middleman between the iPhone and the MacBook.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post as I was unaware Apple was releasing an iPad Mini. I think Apple will continue to dominate the technology and electronics industry because of their innovation and customer loyalty. I think they are simply exploiting the fact that these loyal customers are will to buy most of their products. Like Mr. Carter said above me, he shuffles through his iPhone, MacBook, and iPad, all Apple products. Although Apple didn't make many changes with this release, they satisfy a want for a smaller tablet.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though it's all apart of their marketing scheme. Think about it, if apple always released latest and greatest there will be no need for a consumer to wait anxiously for what apple might do next. The key is to keep us buying whatever they put out and it is working. I also feel that apple has cemented themselves in this market that they can do almost whatever they want and people will still buy because the products appeal to wide range of people.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should underestimate the power of innovation or creativity. Apple has always answered to the call of 21st century issues. From providing portable music to lighter products with increased screen resolutions, to softwares such as iCould. I agree with Mr. Love's notion that they have simply evaluated their markets and are moving forward with the gained information appropriately. As long as there is room for innovation in the realm of technology, Apple will continue to rise to the challenge .
ReplyDeleteI believe Apple will always be able to create something new with due time. Although siri was't what everyone expected the new iphone 5 is a lot faster and better than the iphone 4. Everyone loves Apple and I think they will be around for years to come, providing us with new innovative products every quarter.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where you are coming from; however, just as Jamal mentioned above I believe it it all apart of Marketing. I have friends who work for various technology companeis as product designers and they are always working to create the next hottest product on the market. Neverthless, they dont always release the most technologoically advanced item to the public for they may be used for other private purposes (i.e, government). I believe they are continuing to work on improving to their product line but are also trying to expand their marketing mix. I think that Apple wants to compete within all sectors of technology and want to cater to all people not only those who can afford the latest and most expensive technology. If Apple continues to compete to gain loyalty of the "lower tax bracket" consumers Apple will in the future dominate the entire electronic market.
ReplyDeleteIf the pattern of slack in innovation for Apple products continues, yes, they will be surpassed. Companies like Google are innovating in a much more impacting rate than Apple lately.It is now a conditional stimulus for people to buy new apple products looking for more "smart" in the upgraded phone. It seems like people are naturally questionable of why there would need to be a complete system upgrade that only updates a couple features. It seems tedious and could cause a less appreciation for Apple products in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Apple is losing it's edge in terms of being the leader in innovation. But at the same time, I feel that it has had such a lead on competitors that its given Apple a sort of cushion to slack. I don't think competitors will surpass Apple in the near future, maybe a decade down the line. It's understandable that Apple has slowed down with the innovation because they cant possibly keep up the pace that us consumers expect them to keep.
ReplyDeleteAlthough their products may improve minimally their customer loyalty
ReplyDeletewill continue to grow and of course surpass their supply of
innovation. While other companies may imitate and eventually produce
more innovative products it will take years for anyone to acquire the
same amount of brand loyalty that Apple has created in the market.
Because consumers can never be sure when the next big break in Apple
innovation will be and they will not let go of their products until
they find out.
Despite apple making new adavnces in technology one their product, they are still changing the game. There focusing more on user friendless, and conveincy for the user. No one wants to carry around big electronic devices, its a hassle and at the same time increase the risk of theft.Even though the technology hasn't change much, I believe the framework compensates for a lot.
ReplyDeleteApple has lost a bit of its competitive edge because I'd their prices. Other companies are introducing products that do similar if not the same things that apple products do, but for much cheaper prices. Apple is somewhat of a trend right now. Their products sell so well because everyone wants to have the most up to date technology, not for its new features. Just like every other fad and trend, they won't always be on top.
ReplyDeleteApple used to be known for their customer service. People that I knew that owned a mac back a few years ago would compliment the customer service saying that they knew that when their products messed up, the geniuses would be there to help for free most of the time. Now with the push of so many products (I think they're releasing products every 6 months now) and introduction of a few new ones, apple is losing its caring image in the consumers mind and becoming one of monopolistic product pushing corporation. Last complaint I heard was of a 1,000 repair fee for a friends mac book pro. I dont want to see Apple lose this brand image but I see it slowly starting to fade out.
ReplyDeleteI definitely appreciate this post, and empathize with the opinions stated. However, I feel Apple will always keep their position within the technology arena, which is being the leading brand. I feel as though they have so many upgrades and new innovative ideas, however, looking at it from a marketing stand point they only release little at a time, because they know indefinite that people will still buy it. It can be minor differences, but people always want the "new and hottest" item. Apple has built a brand of being the "in" product to have, and has gained a large following of people who feel as though they just can't live without this product. Although Apple may have not made many changes to their upcoming designs, it satisfies their consumers, who will still love and support the items.
ReplyDeleteThe iPad Mini has been out for 3 weeks now. I have gotten the chance to see a couple of them. I am still not a fan of 7 inch tablets. I feel like they defeat the purpose of having a tablet. It is slower and has less capabilities than a regular 10 inch iPad and is too big too big to have the portability of a cell phone. But disregarding that, I feel like there is going to be a big market for the iPad Mini. It is priced cheap enough for the people who could not afford the 10 inch iPad to purchase it, and also cheap enough where it is competitive to the other 7 inch tablets on the market.
ReplyDelete