If Steve Jobs had presented the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch

[Nugget]

http://jiggity.com/steve.html is a pitch-perfect re-imagining of this week's keynote, hypothesizing on how we would have been introduced to the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch if Steve were still at the helm. I hate the constant chorus of "this never would have happened under Steve Jobs" but this essay is just spectacular.

If nothing else, it reminds me what we lost. And I say that having bought the "iPad Nano" 6+. Apple should hire the author of this piece.

 

[SactoGuy18]

You are actually fairly correct in your assessments. Indeed, if Jobs were alive today, the iPhone 6 would probably have a screen of around 4.5" diagonal, if only to keep the physical size of the phone easily manageable with only one hand without having to resort to software tricks like they're doing now with iOS 8.0 on the (real) 4.7" and 5.5" iPhone 6 models.

 

[olup]

yeah it was interesting to read, I liked the article about the product intros more than the hypothetical keynote with Steve bit. It did get the point across very accurately though, why he was able to capture and sell people on his ideas though.

 

[fanchee]

Fascinating read, whether one agrees or not. A true Apple fan will enjoy reading this. I miss Steve.

 

[the8thark]

Spot on Perfect. It's one reason why Apple is making mistakes today. It's things Jobs understood that Cook and Co do not understand.

Sixty different Apple Watch SKUs is exactly the **** that the 2nd coming of Jobs removed from Apple. I wonder who kick sense into Apple this time round now that Jobs is gone.

 

[Rogifan]

Spot on Perfect. It's one reason why Apple is making mistakes today. It's things Jobs understood that Cook and Co do not understand.

Sixty different Apple Watch SKUs is exactly the **** that the 2nd coming of Jobs removed from Apple. I wonder who kick sense into Apple this time round now that Jobs is gone.

As I posted in another thread when it comes to fashion one size does not fit all. We don't all wear the same clothes and shoes or the same watches. There's no way Apple could design the perfect watch that would appeal to everyone's tastes. Sure when Apple was on the brink of bankruptcy it made sense to really narrow the product line and focus on just few things. But Apple is a vastly larger company than it was when Steve came back. When Steve came back Apple was on the verge of bankruptcy. This year Apple will do about $180B in revenue. Can't compare.

 

[vvswarup]

Spot on Perfect. It's one reason why Apple is making mistakes today. It's things Jobs understood that Cook and Co do not understand.

Sixty different Apple Watch SKUs is exactly the **** that the 2nd coming of Jobs removed from Apple. I wonder who kick sense into Apple this time round now that Jobs is gone.

Steve Jobs himself told Tim Cook to never ask himself the question of what Steve would do. Steve Jobs and Tim Cook are running Apple in different time periods. A good CEO will learn how to adapt with changing times.

Watches are different from smartphones. They're far more conspicuous. You can hide your smartphone in your pocket/purse but watches aren't meant to be hidden. They're displayed very prominently. A "one size fits all" simply will not work for a watch. People have different preferences for bands and colors among other things.

Also, that "sixty different Apple Watch SKUs" thing must be put into proper perspective. All that's "different" about those "sixty different Apple Watch SKUs" is the bezel, band and clasp. The internals of the watch are the same. The customer simply has several different bezels, bands, and clasps to choose from.

When Steve was alive, Apple products still attracted tons of criticism. With Steve gone, saying "Steve wouldn't have done that" is just an easy was of adding a false sense of legitimacy to criticizing Apple products. Stories based on this theme sell well because most people refuse to exercise any form of critical thinking.

Many people say that they like Android because of its customizability. They have cited that as a reason to jump ship from iOS. Steve Jobs never allowed any kind of customization on iOS and very little is allowed under Tim Cook. It's funny that people are glorifying the fact that Steve Jobs would have made the Apple Watch in exactly one style but iOS is criticized for not offering customizability. Very strange.

 

[Nugget]

Yeah, I do think that the "sixty different SKUs" argument is a bit of a misdirection. If you wanted to fairly compare, then the iPhone has over 100 different "SKUs" once you factor in all the leather and silicone case options.

What this author really nails, though, is the sense that I didn't come away from this keynote really understanding why I would want an Apple watch. And you know for damn certain that a Stevenote wouldn't have been nearly as vague on that point. The words were all there, but they didn't really tap into any clear emotional hook like the author's hypothetical script does.

 

[jav6454]

It was a nice read. I do heartedly agree with the screen size. 4.5" should have been the maximum. Apple used to dictate what users wanted, not the other way around.

 

[the8thark]

Yeah, I do think that the "sixty different SKUs" argument is a bit of a misdirection. If you wanted to fairly compare, then the iPhone has over 100 different "SKUs" once you factor in all the leather and silicone case options.

What this author really nails, though, is the sense that I didn't come away from this keynote really understanding why I would want an Apple watch. And you know for damn certain that a Stevenote wouldn't have been nearly as vague on that point. The words were all there, but they didn't really tap into any clear emotional hook like the author's hypothetical script does.

You can use a iPhone without a case. You can not use a watch with a wristband unless it's a pocket watch. Big difference.

Your 2nd paragraph is spot on. I agree 100%.

As I posted in another thread when it comes to fashion one size does not fit all. We don't all wear the same clothes and shoes or the same watches. There's no way Apple could design the perfect watch that would appeal to everyone's tastes. Sure when Apple was on the brink of bankruptcy it made sense to really narrow the product line and focus on just few things. But Apple is a vastly larger company than it was when Steve came back. When Steve came back Apple was on the verge of bankruptcy. This year Apple will do about $180B in revenue. Can't compare.

Good points. I think the quarterly report after the Apple watch is released will really tell the tale of how successful the Apple watch is.

But If Apple is making a functional watch then one SKU of a few SKUs could really be the answer. And people would see the watch and instantly know that's an Apple Watch he has on. But if you call it a fashion accessory 1st and functional device 2nd then the huge number of SKUs make sense. But then you have to ask yourself why did Apple create a device that is mostly fashion and only a little functionality.

 

[neutrino23]

It is really hard to say what Steve would have done regarding product. Steve himself rather famously changed his mind on some things over time. If we all knew Steve's mind so well there never would have been any guesswork before the keynotes.

I agree that the keynotes have changed and Steve did a much better job of presenting the product. He didn't just tell you the specs of the new product. He told you the problem to be solved and how they solved it. It was shoeboxes full of photos that led to iPhoto. It was the clunky physical buttons on other phones that were part of the motivation for iPhone.

I don't see that Steve would have a problem with iPhone 6 Plus (except maybe for the name). When iPhone first came out it had the largest screen of any smart phone. Times have changed in seven years. People have adapted smart phone technology to their lives. Many have decided that they want large phones.

I do think Steve would have explained the Apple Watch better. Actually, Jony Ive talked about the issues in his very detailed video. The impact was different because he wasn't on stage. Tim Cook is a good speaker when he speaks without notes. Answering questions at the stockholder meetings he comes across very well. It is unfortunate that his presentations at the keynotes are so forced.

 

[Rogifan]

I do think Steve would have explained the Apple Watch better. Actually, Jony Ive talked about the issues in his very detailed video. The impact was different because he wasn't on stage. Tim Cook is a good speaker when he speaks without notes. Answering questions at the stockholder meetings he comes across very well. It is unfortunate that his presentations at the keynotes are so forced.

Yeah nobody could do a presentation like Steve. He could make you want something whether you needed it or not. I think the Watch on stage presentation would have been better if they focused on only a couple things that were either unique (digital touch/tactic engine) or would really make you want the device (health features, some of the 3rd party apps). Don't just run through everything the device can do, pick out one or two killer things that make people go "I want that!".

 

[ElectronGuru]

Good posts here. I would just add...

The author hit two lessons, what was presented (the more controversial) and how it was presented (the more poetic). In both cases, Steve's gift was to humanize technology, to make it relevant. Something the author did with such aplomb that I felt Steve's presence for the first time in a long time. Well done.

Apple should hire this guy to write their presentations.

 

[Rogifan]

Good points. I think the quarterly report after the Apple watch is released will really tell the tale of how successful the Apple watch is.

But If Apple is making a functional watch then one SKU of a few SKUs could really be the answer. And people would see the watch and instantly know that's an Apple Watch he has on. But if you call it a fashion accessory 1st and functional device 2nd then the huge number of SKUs make sense. But then you have to ask yourself why did Apple create a device that is mostly fashion and only a little functionality.

I don't think we can judge the successfulness of this watch after only one quarter. If we did that with the iPod and the iPhone they would probably be considered failures. iPod didn't take off until iTunes came to Windows. iPhone didn't really take off until iPhone 4. I expect the first generation of Watch to be mostly enthusiasts/early adopters. Maybe that expands a bit if Apple marketing and retail does a good job of making it desirable. For me personally it's not about gen 1 it's about what the device could become in the future. Right now Apple is tying it to iPhone (probably because of battery life more than anything) but I can see them eventually pushing it to be a stand alone device.

 

[MacNut]

Apple used to dictate what users wanted, not the other way around.

And Apple was wrong in that way.

 

[iososx]

I'm constantly amused at the vast number of people who love living in the past.

 

[Melrose]

That article is very flavored with bitterness, which is the wrong way to go about it and his numerous typos didn't lend any credibility. My only thoughts are it's pointless commiserating his death saying "Steve wouldn't have done N"... because anything that Apple does is likely not would Steve would have done. Me personally I don't think, under Steve, we would have larger screens - at least not a 5.5" one.

His influence on computers and tech in general can't really be overestimated, but he wasn't a god. I too miss seeing him present new products, but he's gone; Cook's the best we have (well, Federighi is the best we have but he got no air time at all on the 9th).

Steve's not here, so of course the presentation is going to be different. And not having the hype hardly means the product is a flop, it's just a credit to the way Steve had with people and crowds. Articles like that are a neat read, but can't be taken too seriously, or used to compare and/or hate what Apple's doing now.

I'm constantly amused at the vast number of people who love living in the past.

Must be nice to have no regrets or bad feelings at all. :/

 

[TheRainKing]

The article is spot on. Steve would never released a phone in two differences sizes, and he would never have a million different designs for the iWatch. He would have had one iconic design that people could associate with the device.

When Steve Jobs came on stage and told you something was the most beautiful product Apple had ever made, you believed it, and it was usually true. Since Steve's death, Apple have used that same phrase at every single keynote and you can tell they don't fully believe their own words, they're just imitating Steve.

 

[Melrose]

He would have had one iconic design that people could associate with the device.

There were points in the article that were very much "Steve Jobs' Apple" - but the thing is, the Apple that lived under Steve we won't ever see again. It's a different company with a less singular vision. Fortunately, the quality of the products hasn't changed, and for educated consumers who know what they want and need having multiple choices won't have much impact on them.

I also see the importance of having one unified product around which you focus the entire campaign. This is something I've mentioned time and again about the myriad Android handsets; no one knows which one to get. It's like offering an OCD/ADHD child his choice of suckers: Red, blue, purple, orange, pink, &c.? In this case it manifests itself in reluctance to buy.

 

[TheRainKing]

Fortunately, the quality of the products hasn't changed,

That's debatable.

iOS 7, Apple Maps, iPod nano 7th gen, Apple Watch..

For me, all these products fall below the standards that I expect from Apple. I know it's just my opinion, but I believe all of those products would have turned out better under Steve's guidance. So for me, the quality has changed, and that's what bothers me.

 

[Rogifan]

The article is spot on. Steve would never released a phone in two differences sizes, and he would never have a million different designs for the iWatch. He would have had one iconic design that people could associate with the device.

When Steve Jobs came on stage and told you something was the most beautiful product Apple had ever made, you believed it, and it was usually true. Since Steve's death, Apple have used that same phrase at every single keynote and you can tell they don't fully believe their own words, they're just imitating Steve.

I guess I'm glad Steve's not running the show anymore. Users finally get choice rather than only what Steve Jobs thought was best for them. Apple sold 4 million iPhones in 24 hours. An all time record. I think the multiple screen sizes just might have had something to do with that.

People talk about Apple fans as Kool-Aid drinkers but the biggest Kool-Aid drinkers of all IMO are Steve Jobs sycophants.

 

[jav6454]

And Apple was wrong in that way.

Well, the results speak differently. Today, Apple is a me-too company. Please, the bigger iPhone is a joke.

 

[tdale]

It was a nice read. I do heartedly agree with the screen size. 4.5" should have been the maximum. Apple used to dictate what users wanted, not the other way around.

If 3.5 was deemed as perfect how could SJ provide a 4.5???

Highly admirable of SJ, and I re watch docos on him when they are on, his vision was yesteryear, creating the modern smartphone and tablet. Alas he will have continued to lockdown iOS and restrict the iPhone to the years it suited a phone, those years are gone. I feel that TC is a fresh direction in todays market. We have hardware parity, and closing in on OS partity. the other side are less and less into customisation, thats fading. Its more about use than playing

 

[jav6454]

If 3.5 was deemed as perfect how could SJ provide a 4.5???

Highly admirable of SJ, and I re watch docos on him when they are on, his vision was yesteryear, creating the modern smartphone and tablet. Alas he will have continued to lockdown iOS and restrict the iPhone to the years it suited a phone, those years are gone. I feel that TC is a fresh direction in todays market. We have hardware parity, and closing in on OS partity. the other side are less and less into customisation, thats fading. Its more about use than playing

The article does state that SJ does concede to a 4.5" device, we all know SJ eventually warmed up to many ideas once they got them right. However, 5.5" is idiotic. Double tapping to reach the top? The entire premise of the iPhone was to use your thumb and in one hand to reach everything.

The iPhone OS has been locked down since day 1 back in 2007. It is something called jailbreaking that gave you the apps you so much enjoy. Trust me on that one, SJ had to concede on that point once he saw what developers were doing in the 1.0.2, 1.1.1 and 1.1.4 days.

 

[tdale]

The article does state that SJ does concede to a 4.5" device, we all know SJ eventually warmed up to many ideas once they got them right. However, 5.5" is idiotic. Double tapping to reach the top? The entire premise of the iPhone was to use your thumb and in one hand to reach everything.

The iPhone OS has been locked down since day 1 back in 2007. It is something called jailbreaking that gave you the apps you so much enjoy. Trust me on that one, SJ had to concede on that point once he saw what developers were doing in the 1.0.2, 1.1.1 and 1.1.4 days.

Ah ok, I'm at work and haven't read the article. Cheers. Clarify the last sentence? The 5.5 isn't idiotic. If the iPhone is actual not a pohone, its a carry everywhere call capable 5.5 iPad Mini, then 5.5 is good. I knwo many who love their Notes. Its about using the internet more than a phone call. Everyone has different needs in this respect. Just like cars.