Emails Show Phil Schiller's Displeasure with Ad Agency's Efforts for Apple in Early 2013

[samcraig]

Those quotes came from 2006....you're basing the idea that Apple got into the mobile market right in 2007 when it was ripe for explosion. Truth is the iPhone had been under development for years prior.

Its easy to look back and say, "Well it would've happened anyway" but that revisionist history. Maybe capacitive touchscreens were the way things were moving, but SOMEONE had to step up and create a product utilizing said technology in a way the normal consumer would both understand and want to use.

I'm not sure why it seems to irk people so much that Apple played a massive (perhaps the biggest) role in shaping our current smartphone industry. Did you work for RIM or own Palm stock or something?

The point also being that just because the iPhone had been in development for years earlier doesn't mean that other manufacturers weren't also in development for years earlier. They were.

And one will never be able to confirm or deny what the industry would look like without Apple. I give credit to Apple for what they brought to the table. I think, if NOTHING else, they showed that the marketplace was ready to start ditching the keyboard.

The pushback you might be sensing is because many (not saying you) on here believe that Apple created the iPhone in a bubble. That until the iPhone was released - no company had thought of, was working on or had competitive tech. That they immediately "copied" Apple. That it's ONLY because of Apple that smartphones went "all touch" and no keyboard. That's simply not the case. And naive.

 

[jrswizzle]

The point also being that just because the iPhone had been in development for years earlier doesn't mean that other manufacturers weren't also in development for years earlier. They were.

Not denying that at all.

And one will never be able to confirm or deny what the industry would look like without Apple. I give credit to Apple for what they brought to the table. I think, if NOTHING else, they showed that the marketplace was ready to start ditching the keyboard.

Exactly - this revisionist nonsense is pointless. Whatever may have been happening, what DID happen was Apple released the iPhone and smartphone industry exploded to become what we know now. There's no denying Apple's impact as the iPhone is STILL the best selling smartphone on the planet.

The pushback you might be sensing is because many (not saying you) on here believe that Apple created the iPhone in a bubble. That until the iPhone was released - no company had thought of, was working on or had competitive tech. That they immediately "copied" Apple. That it's ONLY because of Apple that smartphones went "all touch" and no keyboard. That's simply not the case. And naive.

You know what people should do when they see idiotic claims like "the iPhone was the first smartphone" or "I can't fit a 4.7" device in my pocket"? IGNORE THEM. You do yourself and those who want to engage in meaningful conversations a disservice by repeating those claims and assigning them to anyone who has a different view than you (not YOU but there are those who do).

I get stereotyped on this board plenty - not just with the iOS vs Android stuff but also in my brief forays into the politics, social, community forums (never going back there again). Instead of putting words in people's mouths and assuming all these things about them - take their comments for what they say and respond accordingly. If its so obviously outrageous, don't respond.

This is a PSA and not directed at you Sam - despite the fact we disagree plenty here, I have no problem with the way you conduct yourself and you always provide good information and knowledge in a polite way.

 

[samcraig]

This is a PSA and not directed at you Sam - despite the fact we disagree plenty here, I have no problem with the way you conduct yourself and you always provide good information and knowledge in a polite way.

Thanks - back at you..

 

[nburwell]

You're writing to the Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing at Apple and you decide it's not worth the effort to write in a professional manner using capitals?

I have little doubt if Steve Jobs were around, he would give them an ultimatum - do better or you're fired.

I have to agree here. How is Phil supposed to take them seriously with their lack of capital letters and poor grammar? To be honest, that would affect their credibility. They're an ad agency.

 

[WizzyBoom]

Steve Jobs probably would of ended that email with a sly comment about the lack of capital letters. Along with some expletives.

...and honestly, anyone or company to say Apple needs to change at the core and then reference 1997 Jobs...I guarantee Jobs would immediately cut that cord regardless of the fallout.

TBWA\Media Arts Lab is still sucking it with Apple's advertising. They could do so much better. The snarky attitude TV spot Samsung is dishing out (like shown in this article) seems way more effective to me. What Apple should do is create commercials exploiting the bulls**t Samsung does with their salesperson "incentive" (kickbacks) practices, the fragmentation of hardware compatibility and the latest and greatest Android OS versions, and the fact that Samsung has to basically pay people & celebrities to use their crap so to trick consumers who don't know any better that their product is "better". It's crap that Apple isn't more aggressive like they were in the Mac vs. PC campaign. That was brilliant! Oh...and worked...

 

[fredaroony]

Heh thanks pal - but I get attacked on here all the time. Used to it at this point. I make it very clear I'm an "Apple fanboy" but in threads like these I feel I add a balance that is severly lacking. It's either "Schiller is an idiot" or "Samesung" comments all the time.....I try to offer a bit more balance.

Notice after he posted that I countered and never heard from him again.

.

haha that's a laugh, you only have one mode...Apple can do no wrong.

 

[jrswizzle]

haha that's a laugh, you only have one mode...Apple can do no wrong.

Again, you obviously don't pay much attention.

But that's cool man, whatev.

 

[fredaroony]

Again, you obviously don't pay much attention.

But that's cool man, whatev.

It's more like all your posts have one tone and you cannot see anything outside this little Apple bubble.

Like you said, it's all good

 

[jrswizzle]

It's more like all your posts have one tone and you cannot see anything outside this little Apple bubble.

Like you said, it's all good

If you ACTUALLY read my posts, you'd know that isn't true. There are plenty of things Apple can and should improve on and I've praised Android numerous times as I was using various Android devices all year last year.

I'm not shy about saying Apple works best for me. But I'm also not going to blindly bash them and am going to counter point I think are made out of some Apple-hate or that don't hold water logically.

I think those who contribute here know, while I may be an Apple fanboy, I'm generally pretty fair and have gone out of my way to try different things. I also don't pretend to know what works for everyone and have no qualms with people using different devices.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

I get attacked on here all the time. Used to it at this point. I make it very clear I'm an "Apple fanboy" but in threads like these I feel I add a balance that is severly lacking.

Well there is probably a reason if people are finding your posts that disagreeable.

I'm not sure how you can add balance when your posts are almost always pro Apple and you've just admitted a bias.

I could care less if someone prefers one device over another but when that personal preference drives someone to spout inaccuracies, FUD, misrepresentations or exaggerations, I take issue.

I also think people here need to understand that a person can think very highly of Apple devices but not like Apple as a company. That's an important distinction to make.

----------

This is a PSA and not directed at you Sam - despite the fact we disagree plenty here, I have no problem with the way you conduct yourself and you always provide good information and knowledge in a polite way.

Thanks - back at you..

Get a room you two!

----------

I also think these almost constant court cases Apple has been initiating have severely damaged their reputation in the eyes of many people. Most people don't care if Apple thinks they are protecting their IP, most people just now see them as a bully.

This is especially true now that all of these private emails are coming out - they just look insecure.

 

[LordVic]

[/COLOR]I also think these almost constant court cases Apple has been initiating have severely damaged their reputation in the eyes of many people. Most people don't care if Apple thinks they are protecting their IP, most people just now see them as a bully.

This is especially true now that all of these private emails are coming out - they just look insecure.

there seems to be a perfect storm right now of negatives coming out of the Apple camp. You can see many of them alone in this forum. Instead of constant praise for improved profits, advanced features and the like, MOst of the posts right now are fairly negative for Apple.

just some examples of news coming out that isn't helping

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1724322/
This thread definitely makes it sound like Apple was sleeping on the job and not keeping up with the other marketing campaigns from the competition.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1724101/

Apple's expert, who has had testimony apparently rejected in the past due to faulty logic and unprovable 'facts' is continuing to make claims based on arguably faulty logic using claims that can't be once again backed up. Making apple sound desperate to prove monetary damages.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1723767/
strife between marketing company and Schiller, where they both basically admit that they have a problem looming.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1723992/
shows that Apple, while previously able to sell at a certain volume, cannot keep it up without an increase to marketing, showing that perhaps they dont believe their product alone can sell itself anymore.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1724074/
Indicates that perhaps the tablet market, especially amongst the youth is saturated and likely wont see any increase in sales.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1699085/
highlights that Apple has slipped dramatically on refreshed of their computer line. the Mac Mini for example hasn't been refreshed or updated with more recent CPU's since Oct 2012 (533 days as of now). in fact, look at the "buyers guide" Here. Most are Yellow and a few reds. Most products haven't been updated in nearly a year. In the Computer space, this is too slow to be competitive consideringApple does not discount their products no matter how long since their last update.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1724314/
Diminishing sales from music store, due to many parts. More expensive now than competition. No radio or streaming support (like RDIO or spotify), poor quality audio compared to competition, and DRM occasional still in use.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1723508/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1723066/

Apple finally aknowledging that despite their claims for the last 7 years, they were wrong, and people do want larger sized devices and want more affordable options

while it's not all bad, right now seems to be a very troubling time for Apple. Not to mention the rumours that Apple's quarterly results might see a dip in revenue and profit. (we'll find out shortly fi this rumour has merrit).

All in all, Apple isn't looking very secure or confident right now. these were only the articles on the first page. if we come back further there is more of this. Yet, aside from the loose iwatch speculation, and the rumour leaks of the larger iPhone. There's nothing else positive really coming out. And this 2nd lawsuit is really bringing out the real attitudes of Apple. We actually have in Apple executives own words that they wish to lock users into their ecosystem exclusively so they can't easily switch away. yes, we all know this is how all companies would like to operate, but when you have to publicly state that, it looks greedy.

 

[samcraig]

while it's not all bad, right now seems to be a very troubling time for Apple. Not to mention the rumours that Apple's quarterly results might see a dip in revenue and profit. (we'll find out shortly fi this rumour has merrit).

All in all, Apple isn't looking very secure or confident right now. these were only the articles on the first page. if we come back further there is more of this. Yet, aside from the loose iwatch speculation, and the rumour leaks of the larger iPhone. There's nothing else positive really coming out. And this 2nd lawsuit is really bringing out the real attitudes of Apple. We actually have in Apple executives own words that they wish to lock users into their ecosystem exclusively so they can't easily switch away. yes, we all know this is how all companies would like to operate, but when you have to publicly state that, it looks greedy.

I am guessing either Apple or people on this forum will explain the profit dip to investments in Sapphire, a slew of new products in production and new manufacturing costs. All probably true to an extent - but how will Wall Street feel?