Features - QOTW: Has Apple finally lost some of its sheen?

[MrComputerSaint]

I think they have lost their sheen, however there are millions of people around the world that love apple and I'm not sure why. I thought Steve Jobs was a good visionary but I'm afraid Apple will not have that same tenacity that Jobs' brought to the company when he was alive.

[AlexKitch]

As far as I can tell Apple are only good at regurgitating a single idea over and over again. New iPhone is just another iPhone, just like their Mac Books, Macs, iPads etc... the first of anything they do is where the wow factor comes in and the next iteration is usually where it goes out. And now that there's no Steve Jobs, I think there is no one at the company that can bring in the next big wow device. IMHO.

But, realistically, what's the alternative? I hear a lot of people with your exact viewpoint and it seems like you expect Apple to reinvent the wheel every time they release a new product. Re-write iOS from the ground upwards? Trash the hardware design and start a fresh?

It's unrealistic and pointless. Yes, each iPhone is more or less the same, but that's just iterative product design. It's sensible, in my opinion.

[Top_gun]

Realistically, Apple never had any sheen since they always overpriced their products. However, I think Apple is due some respect in the way they have helped shake up the MP3 player, tablets, and smartphone markets.

In the last few years, Apple is fast becoming an irrelevant player as companies like Samsung and Google have stepped on the innovation mantle.

Steve Jobs was always a driver for Apple over the years. What is becoming clear, their engineers, their marketing guru, their designer guru, their accountant cannot replicate Steve Jobs's drive. In fact, the battle to save the company starts now.

[mikeo01]

Didn't have any of the "wow" factor for me in the first place.

They are simply overpriced, lower spec products which look pretty and are well built; with a modified Unix based OS on top.

Similarly, like those rubbish spec "gaming" systems that seem to only have 4GB RAM and a HD 5450, yet charge a whack for it because they have the label "Super duper gamer, beat your friends" applied to it.


If they priced their products more reasonably then heck they aren't too bad. But for me, it is like this; "Own an apple product? Show the world you can splash your cash". Just like that guy who drives down with their sports car.

A label at the end of the time for me. Just like sportswear and "fashion" as some have pointed out.


.... Ugh.

[KeyboardDemon]

It's unrealistic and pointless. Yes, each iPhone is more or less the same, but that's just iterative product design. It's sensible, in my opinion.

That is 100% correct, my expectations are unrealistic and I agree with you wholeheartedly.

But looking at that in more detail, I think my expectations have become so unrealistic as a result of the hype engine that keeps telling me that the next iProduct is the next best thing since someone took a loaf of bread and introduced it to a machine that could cut it into pieces and wrap it in plastic. I can't think of any other product that gets that level of hype, I certainly haven't heard of people camping overnight to order a brand new Nokia or HTC.

The end result came after I got my first iPhone I was really excited, I had the same level of excitement for my next iPhone and by the time the iPhone 4 launched I just found myself feeling quite deflated and disappointed as a result even though it was a much better phone than the iPhone 3G was, both visually and technically it just simply didn't live up to the hype and since then I have never been able to come close to the level of enthusiasm for any Apple device.

[jjgreenwood]

Judging by the number of new iPhone I've seen at work they have lost none of their sheen as far as the phone is concerned. Having played around with it, it still manages to feel like the best conceived product for the average Joe. It's a shame the windows phone ecosystem isn't better because that would tempt me away from android.

Apple seem to have the premium laptop market pretty sewn up and the premium tablet market, although Microsoft is challenging them somewhat for the latter. Ultimately if a general consumer wants a premium device then apple has the answer. I can't see that changing in the near future.

[sonicaidan]

Oh, Apple lost its sheen a LONG time ago. People just don't know it and follow what everyone else is getting.
Androids are far more superior and have been for a while; walking through the Samsung section at Best Buy makes Apple look like a joke.

[zdn1042]

Oops. A bit disappointed with Apple with all the mishaps. What's happening?

[crossy]

Apple seem to have the premium laptop market pretty sewn up and the premium tablet market, although Microsoft is challenging them somewhat for the latter. Ultimately if a general consumer wants a premium device then apple has the answer. I can't see that changing in the near future.

Definitely don't agree with this statement. There's certainly a segment in the laptop market that still goes by the "anything other than macbook is second best", however there's definitely other players in the "premium" market that would be considered by any fair minded buyer - HP Elitebooks, Leonovo's X1 Carbon model, and so on.

Likewise the "premium" tablet space. There's a raft of darn good 8" tablets to go up against the iPad Mini, and similarly the "big" iPad no longer has things it's own way either - various models from Asus, Samsung and Sony all being technical as accomplished, yet in most cases cheaper. And don't forget the Microsoft-based tablets too - they're getting better by leaps and bounds. However, like the laptop, I think there's still one or two markets where unfortunately an iPad is "it" - music creation being the one uppermost on my mind. That particular example is rankling me, because various guitar mags and learning tools are iPad only, which means that if I want to access them then I've got to get an iPad (and no, I'm definitely not paying Apple's crazy pricing - I'm looking at the second hand market).

And when you say "premium" I'm assuming you mean top of the market, not just carrying a hefty price tag.

[AlexKitch]

That is 100% correct, my expectations are unrealistic and I agree with you wholeheartedly.

But looking at that in more detail, I think my expectations have become so unrealistic as a result of the hype engine that keeps telling me that the next iProduct is the next best thing since someone took a loaf of bread and introduced it to a machine that could cut it into pieces and wrap it in plastic. I can't think of any other product that gets that level of hype, I certainly haven't heard of people camping overnight to order a brand new Nokia or HTC.

The end result came after I got my first iPhone I was really excited, I had the same level of excitement for my next iPhone and by the time the iPhone 4 launched I just found myself feeling quite deflated and disappointed as a result even though it was a much better phone than the iPhone 3G was, both visually and technically it just simply didn't live up to the hype and since then I have never been able to come close to the level of enthusiasm for any Apple device.

I understand what you mean. It feels good coming back to an iPhone after 2 years on Android, but I think this is because it's just good to have a break and try new things. Variety and competition are what keep things interesting, but it's a shame that extreme fanboys (on both sides) insist on slinging mud at each other and over-hyping their own gadgets.

[McEwin]

From the iPod/iPhone/Steve Jobs Mk2 era regarding desirable products I'd say Apple's lost their sheen. They are no longer as desirable as they used to be but appear popular as ever (if that makes sense)!

[shaithis]

I understand what you mean. It feels good coming back to an iPhone after 2 years on Android, but I think this is because it's just good to have a break and try new things. Variety and competition are what keep things interesting, but it's a shame that extreme fanboys (on both sides) insist on slinging mud at each other and over-hyping their own gadgets.

The funny thing is I don't see people over-hyping Android or WMP. People just state that they do everything the Apple does at a lower price tag.....and you can tell that the extreme fanboys are ONLY apple. As others have said, when are there queues for the new HTC, Samsung, Nokia etc? There aren't any. Only Apple owners feel the need to queue for 2 weeks to be first in line (and most of the time for a phone they don't even know the tech-specs for, hell a guy at work bought a 6 Plus without even realising what SIZE it was!)

But then it shouldn't be news, we know people are highly susceptible to peer-pressure, advertising and hype.....all things Apple do well. Personally though, when I buy tech I want to buy from a company that does tech well

[RobbieRoy]

I think the 'sheen' has started to rub thin because competition is constantly growing and the choice of available marketing strategies (generically: leader, challenger, follower and nicher) leaves less and less room for Apple to do its stuff.

In the recent past (Jobs and post Jobs) it has successfully applied a 'leader' strategy in terms of pinnacle form and function to the point of being monopolistic due to market dominance in certain sectors.

However, they don't have a monopoly on design or technical efficacy and competitors (playing 'challengers') are very hot on their heels. The hiccups with design (screen weakness, bending I6s, apparent iCloud insecurities alongside iTunes commercial treatment of artists and unilateral uploading of the new U2 album) add to the competitive pressures.

I think the saving grace for Apple is that it is very cash rich and so can use available resources to maximum effect. That needs leadership and top class design, though. The real question is whether Apple still has those two things and can remain a 'leader' or whether it will end up being a 'nicher'.

[MrComputerSaint]

I think both apple and other manufacturers need to have something else come along soon to justify a new product. Something REALLY awesome, not a new power saving mode or 1 day more battery life, maybe a couple of weeks battery life from a micro fuel cell in the phone. Or something along those lines. Or maybe a projector on the phone so I can watch the movies I've recorded on a wall in France when I'm on holiday with friends.

Phones and tablets can do a whole lot these days however and Apple really did kick this market into touch. Yes, there were PDA's previously but were focused on one thing. A tablet is something focused to everyone, thanks to the world of the apps. They just need some new awesome features.

Bring me a phone that projects a hologram baby!

[iranu]

Bring me a phone that projects a hologram baby!

Yep, I want a hologram baby that dances!

[jjgreenwood]

Definitely don't agree with this statement. There's certainly a segment in the laptop market that still goes by the "anything other than macbook is second best", however there's definitely other players in the "premium" market that would be considered by any fair minded buyer - HP Elitebooks, Leonovo's X1 Carbon model, and so on.

Likewise the "premium" tablet space. There's a raft of darn good 8" tablets to go up against the iPad Mini, and similarly the "big" iPad no longer has things it's own way either - various models from Asus, Samsung and Sony all being technical as accomplished, yet in most cases cheaper. And don't forget the Microsoft-based tablets too - they're getting better by leaps and bounds. However, like the laptop, I think there's still one or two markets where unfortunately an iPad is "it" - music creation being the one uppermost on my mind. That particular example is rankling me, because various guitar mags and learning tools are iPad only, which means that if I want to access them then I've got to get an iPad (and no, I'm definitely not paying Apple's crazy pricing - I'm looking at the second hand market).

And when you say "premium" I'm assuming you mean top of the market, not just carrying a hefty price tag.

A bit of both really. When I say general consumer I mean average joe with £500 burning a hole for a tablet or £1500 for a laptop. While most tech types would consider the models you mention I have noticed them disappear from the shelves of John Lewis and PC World in the last 18 months. A look at the John Lewis website says it all, last christmas when I was considering a laptop there were plenty of high spec premium ultrabooks on the website from most major brands and those were also on display in store. Now there are very few and instore the only premium machine is the apple product. DSG group has expanded its displays of Apple product and the windows lines are becoming ever smaller. I'm not saying the product doesn't exist, but it seems that the bucket shops only seem to sell Apple in that price range - presumably because thats what sells.

Again on the tablets, I agree with you - and specifically mentioned the Microsoft product. Indeed perhaps Apple is under more threat here - but still the Apple display is often as big itself as the entire display of all the other tablets in the shop. I don't know when the Apple thing will hit its height, but its difficult to argue that every other product can be regarded as anything other than niche compared to the amount of shop space dedicated to Apple's hardware. For a company selling very expensive hardware they seem to have captured the public's imagination. Thats the reason why I don't think the sheen has gone. Despite the fact that many other products are equally as good, as you rightly mention, Joe public still wants an Apple.