There's a lot happening right now for Apple Inc. The company is constantly in the news, it seems, with the unveiling of two new phones and operating systems, as well as new laptops and iPads. There have also been significant price cuts and rumors of poor sales all within the last few weeks. So...this week I thought I could talk about a couple of the major headlines concerning Apple.
The age of the iPod seems to be over
The original iPod is officially 12 years old as of this week. There have been 24 different versions of the device, but we haven't seen a new one in over a year. According to this article from The Huffington Post, Apple has not responded to questions about the future of the iPod, but by the way it looks, it's not great. In the last few years, as smartphones have gotten "smarter," the need for a music player has become absent. Our smartphones do everything; we don't need an MP3 player or an iPod. iTunes is accessible on our phones and computers.
iOS 7 isn't everyone's favorite
The launch of a completely redesigned operating system had Apple users almost frantic. Many experienced technical difficulties once they installed iOS 7 and there were complaints about the appearance of the update. Some experienced problems simply installing iOS 7. Though there are many good features of the new OS, articles like this one, help users get past some of the update's worst glitches and issues.
The new phones aren't selling
The "cheap" iPhone, which isn't really that cheap hasn't been selling well for Apple. The iPhone 5C is essentially the same as the 2012 iPhone, the iPhone 5, but with a colorful plastic shell. Though Apple has had good sales on the iPhone 5S, which boasts new features like a fingerprint scanner, the 5C doesn't seem to be hitting it with Apple users. This doesn't look good as Apple continues its' power struggle with other phone companies like Samsung.
Should we worry about seeing the end of Apple? Apple is well established and iconic, but seems to be in a rut lately. Since the death of Apple founder, Steve Jobs in October 2011, many have wondered what would happen to the company. Should we expect the worst?
Apple has been on top for along time now, ever since the ipod came out 12 years ago. At this time, other companies are slowly starting to catch up to Apple. Apple has created some great products, but it is starting to seem like these other companies such as Samsung is starting to surpass them. Samsung currently sells all of the devices that Apple does, such as phones, tablets, and now Samsung came out with a smart watch. Apple needs to start doing something new, or they may be passing the torch to Samsung.
ReplyDeleteThe iPod is twelve years old? Are you serious? And why did I not know that it is almost as old as my oldest child? It is interesting to note that many people do not have a use for the basic iPod anymore. They are included in with our other devices and seem to be losing ground even though there are 24 different versions of the product. However, I don’t think there is really anything to worry about with Apple. The company and it geniuses will undoubtedly move on even without its founder Steve Jobs. I can’t imagine that there aren’t any more ideas to be generated when it comes to the Apple technology. Can you really imagine that this is as far as we will get with our favorite devices? Twenty years ago we never thought we’d be able to instantly video chat with each other on a handheld device, but now we do. I believe Apple will be just fine.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that the iPod is twelve years old! I still think iPods are great devices and should keep them going. I use my iPod all the time because I don't listen to music from my iPhone. The reason is because listening to music drains my iPhone's battery quickly and i'm sure that many other people know this. An iPod's battery lasts for days! As far as the concern of Apple might ending, I don't think they have anything to worry about because look how far over the years they have grown and developed the technology they have.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea the Ipod was so old. I do agree that it is fading out because these days, everyone has an Iphone. I had an Ipod and honestly couldn't tell you where it was for years. Just found it when I was moving and actually gave it away because I keep all of my music on my phone. I really hope we do not have to assume the worst when it comes to Apple. The company has provided us with so many household and personal staples.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that Apple will ever leave; it's too big of an empire to disappear. I have noticed since the release of the newest iPhone's that people are growing tired of paying so much for the same thing, but Apple continues to be popular. The only reason, I think, for the lowering of popularity is because the competition is giving the same product, only for less money. If Apple wants to "stay on top," they'll have to figure out how to stay that way at a lesser price.
ReplyDeleteAs for the iPod, I think it's sad that they're becoming obsolete. I don't have an iPhone and I don't put music on my phone because I have an iPod Classic--that I got in 2009--and wouldn't part with it for anything. I had an iPod Nano when they came out and I don't know what I would do without it (much like people are with their phones). The end of Apple would be like the end of an era; as it was when Steve Jobs passed, but who knows what the future holds for the company.