HOT OFF THE PRESS: Fruitful years continue for Apple

Fruitful years continue for Apple
11 November 2009

As much as I try to fight against Apple hegemony in today’s culture, I’ll hand it to them for being the most profitable cell phone maker in the world — especially because they only have one phone (with updated versions).

You really have to respect a company whose product model lines are so simple and marketing tactics are so effective to result in this kind of yield.  It truly is astonishing that in 2007 — a mere 2 years ago — the first iPhone came onto the market, and has already overtaken a Nokia as the most profitable cell phone maker.  According to an article on CBC, Nokia must sell approximately 7 cellphones for every 1 Apple iPhone to match revenue streams, not profit.

And, if trends are right, cell phone consumers are diverging into polar ends, tending to purchase smart phones, or low-end phones.  Nokia, therefore, must re-evaluate their products and long-term strategy and maybe start thinking about focusing on both ends, or simply pick one.  Whatever they start doing, they better do it fast.

My personal favourite strategy of Apple?  Keep your products large and breakable, and your consumers addicted.  So when my iPhone/iPod screen cracks from the cold weather (seriously, this happened) and my warranty doesn’t cover it?  I buy a new one.  When I start getting specks of dead pixels shortly after my one-year warranty expires?  I buy a new one.  Or, when their shotty ear phones break every 3-4 months probably due to poor wiring because, I swear to God, I have kept it in good condition, I buy another set of Apple earphones.

Moral of the story: Always get the 3-year warranty and by 2.5 years, try to damage it in any way possible that’s covered by the warranty to try and swag yourself a newer, updated model.

Original Story:

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/11/11/apple-nokia-cellphones1111.html