Apple on Android Fragmentation, LTE, Steve Jobs' Involvement

[MacRumors]

Apple released their record financial numbers today and fielded questions from analysts during their financial conference call. As usual, Apple executives were unwilling to provide much concrete data on their future plans.

A few interesting questions brought expected responses. One analyst asked if Apple saw any parallels between the rise of Android and that of Windows in the past, and how Apple will maintain growth for iOS. The response reiterated recent Comscore data and talked of Apple's integrated approach vs Android's fragmentation:

The Comscore data released yesterday reported the iOS platform outreaches the Android in the U.S. We launched the iPad 2, sold every one we make. We are gaining traction in enterprise. Largest App store. We feel very good about where we are, and our future product plans. We continue to believe that iPhone's integrated approach is materially better than Android's fragmented approach. The user appreciates that Apple takes full responsibility for the experience. Few customers want to be a system's integrator.

Another question raised the use of LTE in future phones. Apple said that the first generation of LTE chipsets forced a lot of design compromises, and Apple was unwilling to make those compromises.

Finally, on Steve Jobs health, the executives reported that they continue to see Jobs on a regular basis and that Jobs continues to be involved in major strategic decisions. They commented that Jobs wants to be back full time as soon as he can.

Article Link: Apple on Android Fragmentation, LTE, Steve Jobs' Involvement

 

[Satori]

No big surprises there

 

[PeckhamBog]

It's interesting how Apple seem to put the customer (and the customer's experience) first and profit big time in the process.

Note to self - note the above.

 

[hcho3]

LTE is still not available on many areas in the US. Only Verizon has it. The first chipsets will have bugs and battery life issues. It's clear that apple doesn't want to try out first generation LTE chipsets.

One analyst asked about iPhone 5 release date and Tim was like, "Dude, we don't comment on future products because all of those copycats are going to copy. In fact, they are probably listening to this conference right now. So, we are not going to say anything."

 

[alcaponek]

It looks to me like they are waiting for the 2nd generation of LTE chips to implement it, arent they due to September as I heard somewhere ?

 

[ten-oak-druid]

It will be interesting 10 years from now to compare the number of viruses that will have occurred on android vs. iOS.

 

[LegendKillerUK]

How about use some of that money to get iTunes/App Store login fixed up. Many reporting it down like me on Twitter.

 

[gatearray]

"Few customers want to be a system's integrator."




ZING!!!

 

[ziggyonice]

Android is to Windows, as iOS is to Mac OS.

The similarities are astounding — Google is doing the same thing Microsoft did back in the day.

As much as Apple cares about marketshare, the experience is more important to them then the product itself. That's really something.

 

[Oletros]

It will be interesting 10 years from now to compare the number of viruses that will have occurred on android vs. iOS.

Zero on both platforms? If they exists in 2.021

 

[macMan228]

iPhone 6

Looks like we're waiting till summer of 2012 for a LTE iPhone....

Hopefully Jobs will be back sooner rather than later

Also, to add to the lack of LTE; looks like I'm buying an iPhone 4

 

[blubyu]

As much as Apple cares about marketshare, the experience is more important to them then the product itself. That's really something.

It is this quote right here that separates the fan from the fanboi.

 

[dethmaShine]

Android is to Windows, as iOS is to Mac OS.

The similarities are astounding — Google is doing the same thing Microsoft did back in the day.

As much as Apple cares about marketshare, the experience is more important to them then the product itself. That's really something.

And there's one more thing. Back then, it was Mac and only mac.

Today, its an ecosystem. Hard to beat.

 

[OperatorAce]

Zero on both platforms? If they exists in 2.021

Android has plenty of malware issues, including virus like programs.

 

[Consultant]

It will be interesting 10 years from now to compare the number of viruses that will have occurred on android vs. iOS.

There are already a score of malware and spyware on Android, including software that phish for bank customer information of Fandroids.

 

[fishmoose]

Good to hear Jobs isn't planning to retire. The question about Android being like Windows was to the Mac to iOS was probably the dumbest question of the call.

 

[hcho3]

Good to hear Jobs isn't planning to retire. The question about Android being like Windows was to the Mac to iOS was probably the dumbest question of the call.

Dumbest question was about product cycle on iPod and iphone.

Tim and Peter would never comment on future products.

 

[neiltc13]

There are already a score of malware and spyware on Android, including software that phish for bank customer information of Fandroids.

But just like Windows, it's practically impossible to have any problems unless you do something stupid.

Another analogy - if you buy a car and put the wrong type of oil in it or inflate the tyres to the wrong pressure, bad things will probably happen.

If you don't know what you're doing with your own devices then maybe you need Apple to hold your hand.

 

[Consultant]

Good to hear Jobs isn't planning to retire. The question about Android being like Windows was to the Mac to iOS was probably the dumbest question of the call.

Exactly. Android doesn't have the IBM that give them the PC market.

Verizon was Android's IBM but now iPhone is now on vz.

But just like Windows, it's practically impossible to have any problems unless you do something stupid.

Another analogy - if you buy a car and put the wrong type of oil in it or inflate the tyres to the wrong pressure, bad things will probably happen.

If you don't know what you're doing with your own devices then maybe you need Apple to hold your hand.

So you are insulting all Apple users as those who "don't know what you're doing with your own devices."

Perhaps you didn't realize MILLIONS of Android users downloaded malware.

 

[notabadname]

Largest App store . . .

Interesting and "generic" use by Apple execs. This could be used against them, as compared to saying that our "App Store" is the largest of any of the available applications stores. Subtle, but significant.

 

[dethmaShine]

Exactly. Android doesn't have the IBM that give them the PC market.

Verizon was Android's IBM but now iPhone is now on vz.



So you are insulting all Apple users as those who "don't know what you're doing with your own devices."

Perhaps you didn't realize MILLIONS of Android users downloaded malware.

I have used an HTC desire. Threw it away; got a Nexus S. Bloody awesome one. But I couldn't use it for much. But...

The application quality literally sucks on android. It's pathetic. Way too reboots and unstable phone. Android is LAGGY on the nexus S. The experience is poor.

I now have a trophy 7 and I love it.

Some OR most of the fans are abusive and are too much into google. Don't realize its an iOS ripoff and a fragmented experience. Nuff said.

 

[srxtr]

But just like Windows, it's practically impossible to have any problems unless you do something stupid.

Another analogy - if you buy a car and put the wrong type of oil in it or inflate the tyres to the wrong pressure, bad things will probably happen.

If you don't know what you're doing with your own devices then maybe you need Apple to hold your hand.

The average user is stupid when it comes to using Windows, installing random programs, clicking yes to popups in porn sites.

Using your analogy, Apple tends to like to check the type of oil before it goes into the car, to avoid bad things from happening.

Most people don't know what they're doing and they DO like having Apple hold their hands.

 

[TallGuy1970]

If you don't know what you're doing with your own devices then maybe you need Apple to hold your hand.

Ah yes, the ever present "Android users must be smarter because they can customize their phones more" argument. It's still as irritating and off-base as it always was.

 

[notabadname]

If you don't know what you're doing with your own devices then maybe you need Apple to hold your hand.

It about not knowing what the software writers are doing with my own device. Not whether I need someone to "hold my hand".

With Apple, you are getting an OS that is thoroughly tested on any device that can run it. We all know how thorough Apple is about software updates and testing before release. Does anyone think that Android is as thoroughly tested on every single one of the many hardware platforms that run it, and that the apps are tested for how they impact every singe hardware option with the variations in performance the OS will have on all the hardware options. It's not about "holding my hand". My grandmother could figure out how to load an app onto an Android with minimal instruction, so don't be too impressed with yourself because you are a "rogue and rebellious" Android user, bravely loading software "all by yourself". Ooooohhhh.

It's about the overall quality obtained by the hardware manufacturer controlling the quality and compatibility of the OS as well as the quality and compatibility of the apps written for the OS and hardware. That ultimately results in a better experience and more stable platform. And now, even Google is even admitting and controlling fragmentation to an increasing degree for that very reason.

 

[marksman]

I don't want to be a systems integrator. I like the Apple iOS ecosystem, and am glad when I want to use different products, it will be easy and seamless for me to migrate.

One of the significant advantages Apple has is that it is a much more considered decision to leave the Apple ecosystyem then it is to leave the Android environment.