Apple is not innovating, is it really true?

[Apple blogger]

Many people are worried that apple is not innovating the way it was earlier, but the question is "is it really true?". On this topic , everyone has their own views and no one is wrong, but what I feel I'm writing it here. All these points have been already discussed before by others but the question put forward need to go back to the basics.

According to me apple is obviously innovating .. There is no reason for it to stop innovating ..

Apple has innovated in the past and is also innovating now. It came out with great upgrades on the existing ones.. And may be planning on new ones.
I would like to start with the iPhone and iOS.
True, the iOS 6 was not up to the mark, even I am not happy with it and no one should be, probably because of the high expectations.. it came out with features which were not very great. It was a start for new features of icloud and Siri and passbook, but over all not a great one.
The iPhone on the other hand is a big step forward. Apple according to me has a very good hardware and design.. With the iPhone 5 it reached many new peaks.. It came out with an amazing 7.6mm phone(few monts ago) and even though its not the worlds thinnest smartphone, non of the recent phones have even reached close to it! One of Them is the Galaxy S4 .. 7.9mm still short by .3mm.. Getting that 0.3mm is a tough work. The blackberry Z10 is 0.2mm thinner than the iPhone 4 and 4S. There are other phones that are slim but non of them reached these specs..
Their iSight camera is smaller than all other cameras but still is equal to other 8mp camaras.

If we look carefully iPhone is very good but because of the iOS, it's fumbling ..

When other phone makers release their phones they talk about both hardware and software within an hour or so . But apple has different events exclusive for iOS and iPhone.. It is the only company which stresses so much on each of the points ... Goes in-depth for all .. That's separates them from others.

Next I want to talk about their Mac. I have never used a Mac properly, just scrolled on it some times, that's why I can't say anything about the Mac OS, but their launch events describe every part of the Mac.. Bringing out a MacBook Pro which is thinner than your finger is very much impressive!! There are very few laptops in the market with that specs. I wouldn't be surprised if they come out with a MacBook Air thinner than their Pro. They have already acheived it .. And apple concentrates on a few products done perfect.. The iMac has an edge which is slimmer than the iPhone 5 or the iPad mini.. Reaching those slimness means they are innovating properly!

Next I would like to talk about the iPad and mini.
The iPad mini is slimmer than your iPhone. 7.2mm .. Very impressive .. It doesn't have a retina display.. that's the only thing it misses but there are several reasons for that also. few of it are because apple was not sure if it was going to work, so getting a retina display would be very costly , plus it would not be at a low cost which is still a little high.
The iPad is also stunning .. It's still not very slim but the rumers of the iPad 5 being slimmer are obviously true.. If the mini is 7.2 the iPad can atleast be 7.9..

So when we stack all this up we can see that the iOS is the only thing which is not upto the mark which they are trying to improve. I don't know anything about the Mac OS so...

Apple first tried to reach new hieghts with design and now I think it will do the same with software .. So when the old and awesome hardware (which they already have made) combines with the the software .. It will produce an amazing product..
We can't blame their innovation on the points of only their iOS or the very highly criticized maps (which are a blot to their product)...

Thank you

 

[617aircav]

If one is not a share holder, and one is worried, I would be worried about that person. Technology improves over time and there is a point where only the smaller things can be improved.

 

[dvoros]

lack of innovation

I believe that "innovation" has left the building at Apple. Other companies are constantly in the news vs. Apple in the olden glory days. We see them coming out with new products and great enhancements. Apple produced an iPhone 4s and soon an iPhone 5s. What the hell are these? Where is the excitement of new launches of new technology, hardware and software that makes everyone go "WOW"?

 

[Small White Car]

Other companies are constantly in the news vs. Apple in the olden glory days.

Such as...?

Oh, you mean all the Galaxy S4 reviews that are saying it's Samsung's equivalent of an Apple 'S' phone?

Or perhaps you meant the new Blackberry which everyone says is good but offers no incentive to switch from another platform.

Or maybe Microsoft's surface? The nifty device that just isn't selling as well as they wanted to.


Stop me when I get to someone who's been "in the news" that Apple should be envious of.

 

[Mrbobb]

If we look carefully iPhone is very good but because of the iOS, it's fumbling ..

Disagree.

Recent Galaxy 4 reviews: Too many gimmicky "features" that even Samsung acknowledges by giving users an "easy" mode.

A fairly lengthy review from a member here of the often Ga-gaed HTC One complains UI not smooth.

Personally I go, what's so exciting about those 2D FLAT icons? is like going back to Windows 3.1.

Fess up man, that Samsung Ad poking fun at Apple really got to you.

 

[CEmajr]

I don't see any innovations that other companies are doing that are putting them "in the news" vs Apple. I'm curious to know what they are.

 

[lordofthereef]

You should have known, asking a question like this here, that all of the Apple defenders would start coming out of the woodwork. My personal favorite is that you asked a fairly neutral question, yet others are coming here slamming other companies and brands as a way to "prove" how good Apple is. Gotta love that brand loyalty.

If I had to guess why so many people were disappointed with the 5, is isn't because of hardware. We are already used to the "incremental" hardware refreshes, and plenty of other companies do this as well. It is the software that was the most disappointing. We really didn't get much new, just some slight polish. There really wasn't anything about the iPhone 5 that showcased iOS6 noticeably better than the 4S does. I currently have a 5 now, but I have said many times over, I would be just as happy with the 4S.

As to the constant slamming of the surface, there are a few things people seem to immediately dismiss. First and foremost, Android, and especially iOS have a tremendous amount of inertia in the tablet segment. Expecting the surface to score a huge home run, this early in the game is foolish. The iPad did extremely well, and I attribute a lot of that to how it was released; it was the first of its kind. Apple took a risk, launched something that we really didn't have on the market, and won big. They deserve that success. Android OEMs noticed this success and started, if you all can remember, with Honeycomb devices. Look how bad sales were with that. It took nearly two years, but the market is nearly 50/50 (based on numbers) iOS/Android. The most recent numbers I have read show 8%-ish market for the surface. Those aren't horrendous numbers, considering the surface is only in three countries (and if I am not mistaken only in the US at launch), and the pro just launched. I never expected the surface to end the tablet wars, anyone who did simply has no understanding of the tech market (and admittedly, my understanding too is far less than it could be).

That said, I think there is a tremendous amount of innovation packed into the surface. The Pro runs a full blown desktop operating system, the optional keyboard that doubles as a "smart cover" is truly unique and works quite well, and the ability to plug in peripherals that will "just work" with the onboard OS is a first for tablets. The achilles heel, unfortunately, is the battery life. With intel's newer power sipping chipsets, hopefully that will be a thing of the past. If they can squeeze out another 2-3 hours, at minimum, I know I would be considering one of these devices myself.

 

[Small White Car]

As to the constant slamming of the surface, there are a few things people seem to immediately dismiss.

I'm the only one here who mentioned the Surface and I specifically spoke of the media coverage of it, not the device itself. (Of which I said absolutely nothing.)

Perhaps you are seeing "constant slamming" of the Surface since you seem to perceive any mention of it as a slam, even when there isn't one.

 

[lordofthereef]

I'm the only one here who mentioned the Surface and I specifically spoke of the media coverage of it, not the device itself. (Of which I said absolutely nothing.)

Perhaps you are seeing "constant slamming" of the Surface since you seem to perceive any mention of it as a slam, even when there isn't one.

No. I am speaking of other threads too, specifically one I was reading and commenting on yesterday, actually. People here, as well as on Android forums, seem to constantly point out how terrible sales are, how lacking in apps RT is, etc. etc. Same old recycled complaints that every newborn mobile-centric OS goes through. It's especially hypocritical of the Android fans, I would say. They are no longer the underdog, and are enjoying a bit of the limelight.

 

[Small White Car]

No. I am speaking of other threads too, specifically one I was reading and commenting on yesterday, actually. People here, as well as on Android forums, seem to constantly point out how terrible sales are. It's especially hypocritical of the Android fans, I would say.

Which merges with my idea too...the OP is talking about innovation as if it's the subject, but the real issue here is what the media calls innovation or does not call innovation. The tech press is more insane than I've ever seen it in over a decade, and no single company seems to be immune from it.

 

[lordofthereef]

Which merges with my idea too...the OP is talking about innovation as if it's the subject, but the real issue here is what the media calls innovation or does not call innovation. The tech press is more insane than I've ever seen it in over a decade, and no single company seems to be immune from it.

I would agree. I might have a very loose definition of innovation but, to me, if you made your product better than your previous, you innovated on that product, no? The word innovation has almost become synonymous with "invention", at least in the media. One must invent a new technology, or completely redefine it, in order to innovate. I am not sure I understand why.

 

[Small White Car]

I would agree. I might have a very loose definition of innovation but, to me, if you made your product better than your previous, you innovated on that product, no? The word innovation has almost become synonymous with "invention", at least in the media. One must invent a new technology, or completely redefine it, in order to innovate. I am not sure I understand why.

Yes, you need to let go of your definition. Now "innovation" means "an entirely new product category."

By the new definition it is impossible to innovate in cars or ovens or personal computers anymore. Only an item which is completely unlike anything you've seen before can be "innovation" in current tech-speak.

 

[osofast240sx]

Not again! Apple waits for technology to mature before it implements.

 

[Mrbobb]

I gather lots of folks equate innovation = New.

I define innovation = new, never thought of (if u know what this is, it probly is NOT an innovation), will be useful, and sticks.

Anywhoo, you can rejoice, IO7 temperature rising. Can't wait for the critics.

 

[scaredpoet]

You should have known, asking a question like this here, that all of the Apple defenders

...And that's where I stopped reading, because evidently, a debate or discussion on the topic cannot validly including people who are fine with what Apple is doing so far. Everyone should just accept that Apple isn't innovating and then, oh I dunno, just agree about how great the Galaxy S4 is?


At any rate, I think we'll see for certain what's happening with Apple, and whether they are innovating or not, in the coming months, starting with WWDC. A major paradigm shift occurred not too long ago. it started with the inevitable (Jobs no longer int he world of the living) and was pushed further recently (with Ive taking over the software), and it's simply not possible no matter who you are or how much money you have in the bank, to complete that shift in a single product cycle. A lull in major changes is inevitable in such a climate.

If that continues past 2013, then I'll start to worry, and maybe even pick up that Blackberry Z10 I was trying out in the store. But I would rather see what iOS 7 looks like before I pass judgement either way.

 

[HiRisk]

The industry as a whole needs to innovate. The industry has reached some sort of plateau because all I see now is improvements to existing tech.

Google is doing something innovative with Google Glass and Google Fiber.

Hopefully Apple changes it's gears and innovate with iOS or create something new in the near future. IMHO all Apple has done post Steve Jobs is set the standard when it comes to design with the iPhone 5.

 

[scaredpoet]

The industry as a whole needs to innovate. The industry has reached some sort of plateau because all I see now is improvements to existing tech.

well, this boils down to something I've repeated many times: what would be considered "innovation?" To tell a whole industry "I'm bored, give me something new" sounds a little self-entitled and pretentious, especially without even providing a clue as to what we want.

Google is doing something innovative with Google Glass and Google Fiber.

That's not the type of innovation I want to see at Apple. Google has already gone on record that they don't intend to be an ISP for the long term, so Fiber's purpose is to challenge incumbent ISPs to raise their throughput and reduce caps through forced competition. A noble cause, but Google has a long history of "innovating" only to a point, and then abandoning that "innovation" when it no longer serves them to continue. Mark my words: when cable companies and baby bells finally roll out 500Mbps as a standard offering, Google will likely slow down the pace of their deployment. And when a gigabit is commonly offered, they'll bug out of the market entirely.

Also: getting your fiber for a whole city for $1 while costing the municipality millions is not innovation. And the clause allowing Google to simply walk away is telling, as well.

Google Glass is a better example, but it has its flaws too. Much like a lot of things Google does, it's still unrefined and parts of the implementation are problematic (unbalanced weight, no options for people who are sighted on the left eye only, voice interface can be limiting, etc.). I see Google Glass currently as similar to what smartphones were before 2007: clunky, limited in function and appealing mainly to geeks and certain power-users willing to learn how to change their behaviors to shoehorn in a technology.

Perhaps another company will find a way to refine Google Glass in a way that makes it more intuitive, and more appealing to mass market users. then it will be much like smartphones post-2007.

Hopefully Apple changes it's gears and innovate with iOS or create something new in the near future.

Okay, what would you want to see that's new from Apple? What changes would you like to see in iOS that you would consider "innovative?"

 

[Nightarchaon]

Nahh, apple havent innovated ever, i mean they just copied star-trek for the iPad, and any number of sic-fi shows for the iPhone, and the iMacs just look like something from fifth element...

 

[HiRisk]

That's not the type of innovation I want to see at Apple. Google has already gone on record that they don't intend to be an ISP for the long term, so Fiber's purpose is to challenge incumbent ISPs to raise their throughput and reduce caps through forced competition. A noble cause, but Google has a long history of "innovating" only to a point, and then abandoning that "innovation" when it no longer serves them to continue. Mark my words: when cable companies and baby bells finally roll out 500Mbps as a standard offering, Google will likely slow down the pace of their deployment. And when a gigabit is commonly offered, they'll bug out of the market entirely.

Also: getting your fiber for a whole city for $1 while costing the municipality millions is not innovation. And the clause allowing Google to simply walk away is telling, as well.

Yes but at least Google's doing something to hopefully push the industry to move forward. That's why I pointed out Google Fiber. I hope other companies take note that this kind of technology/speed is possible in America. That's a different way of trying to move the industry forward through innovation.

Google Glass is a better example, but it has its flaws too. Much like a lot of things Google does, it's still unrefined and parts of the implementation are problematic (unbalanced weight, no options for people who are sighted on the left eye only, voice interface can be limiting, etc.). I see Google Glass currently as similar to what smartphones were before 2007: clunky, limited in function and appealing mainly to geeks and certain power-users willing to learn how to change their behaviors to shoehorn in a technology.

Perhaps another company will find a way to refine Google Glass in a way that makes it more intuitive, and more appealing to mass market users. then it will be much like smartphones post-2007.

Exactly my point. At least Google is willing to take risks without failure. Google's doing more by creating new technologies with the hope other companies will follow.

Google is forward thinking when it comes to things like this and hopefully other companies like Apple, Microsoft, etc. step up and do the same too. Again Apple did set the standard for their innovative product design. I'm sure they can do more to help and motivate the industry to innovative while trying to be original.

Okay, what would you want to see that's new from Apple? What changes would you like to see in iOS that you would consider "innovative?"

This actually goes for all companies within the mobile phone industry - a new and/or original user experience and interface.

 

[Apple blogger]

Disagree.

Recent Galaxy 4 reviews: Too many gimmicky "features" that even Samsung acknowledges by giving users an "easy" mode.

A fairly lengthy review from a member here of the often Ga-gaed HTC One complains UI not smooth.

Personally I go, what's so exciting about those 2D FLAT icons? is like going back to Windows 3.1.

Fess up man, that Samsung Ad poking fun at Apple really got to you.

# I actually meant that because people think iOS 6, as people quote "sucks", the iPhone is loosing its share .. Widely because of its maps ..

 

[lordofthereef]

...And that's where I stopped reading, because evidently, a debate or discussion on the topic cannot validly including people who are fine with what Apple is doing so far. Everyone should just accept that Apple isn't innovating and then, oh I dunno, just agree about how great the Galaxy S4 is?

Then it's a shame you didn't keep reading. I had a whole lot to say, and none of it was praise for the galaxy s 4, or even anything android, for that matter.

I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly welcome discussion about what apple is doing right. What I don't so much welcome is people needing to slam other products in order to "bring apple up". That's another thing you may have picked up on, had you kept reading.

 

[Michael CM1]

People who claim Apple isn't "innovating" are really just frustrated that its been a few months without a new product. After Toyota released the Prius, did people constantly whine about a lack of innovation? Toyota eventually became the top car seller in the world thanks in part to the Prius.

Stupid people think "innovation" just happens. It took Apple at least a decade to get the iPad out. The iPhone probably took at least six years.

Go take a look at a MacBook Air and tell me Apple can't "innovate." Also don't forget that a lot of the hecklers are probably the same geniuses who wondered why Apple wasn't building a $250 netbook. Instead, Apple released a $500 tablet and literally killed netbooks.

Making a phone larger isn't innovation. If people don't like a 4 inch display, they can go buy a damn Galaxy. The only reason I want a bigger phone than my 4S is because I use my iPad so much and have used my mom's iPhone 5 a bit. But I can't carry an iPad everywhere, and I'm going to get a new iPhone when the new model comes out.

 

[JetBlack7]

If one is not a share holder, and one is worried, I would be worried about that person. Technology improves over time and there is a point where only the smaller things can be improved.

I agree. I think we have already reached that phase. The big big things are already available to us and from now on they have to work harder to bring us really innovative features.

To the OP: If Apple wasn't innovating, they wouldn't put Ive in front of the IOS design so that he, according to the recent rumors, would change the UI

 

[scaredpoet]

Yes but at least Google's doing something to hopefully push the industry to move forward. That's why I pointed out Google Fiber. I hope other companies take note that this kind of technology/speed is possible in America. That's a different way of trying to move the industry forward through innovation.
<..>
Google is forward thinking when it comes to things like this and hopefully other companies like Apple, Microsoft, etc. step up and do the same too. Again Apple did set the standard for their innovative product design. I'm sure they can do more to help and motivate the industry to innovative while trying to be original.

So double standards are okay then? If Apple does something and it's not quite what everyone wants, then "Apple is doomed." If Google does something thats crude and unpolished, "at least they're doing something."

Quite telling.

Then it's a shame you didn't keep reading.

Didn't need to. Saying that certain points of view are welcome, and then immediately prefacing that with a signature that prejudges every dissenter as biased reveals the true agenda. It's all good, though. Par for the course on forums like these.

 

[HiRisk]

So double standards are okay then? If Apple does something and it's not quite what everyone wants, then "Apple is doomed." If Google does something thats crude and unpolished, "at least they're doing something."

Quite telling.
.

Lol you're so defensive about Apple with that "double standards" remark. You have tunnel vision. Oh wait, we're in an Apple forum. Damn I should have known people like you exist in such a forum.

I want the entire tech industry to innovate to create something new that hasn't been done before.