iPhone Sales Strong in U.S., U.K. and Australia, Weaker in Much of Europe

[rmwebs]

All MS needs is new management. At this point almost any change would be quite welcome. Just some fresh ideas to get everyone energized. Easier said than done, I know. I have a feeling that Sinofsky can be great (and that he has ideas completely opposite to what MS is pushing now), but he's forced to push the suits' agenda. :/

They need a bit more than that. I read a very interesting article a couple of years ago which was written by a department manager at Microsoft. Basically when a department or person comes up with an idea, regardless of how awesome it may be, it almost never gets approved. There are inter-department battles, and the whole structure of staff is flawed. I'll see if I can dig it up because it gives you a great insight into most, if not all of Microsofts failings in recent years.

That being said I think that the quicker Balmer is ousted the better, the guy is a clueless moron.

 

[knarzie]

Personally I'd say upgrade to a second hand 3G for now - its just as powerful as the 4 as its not got to power a retina display. A good handset IMO....I prefer it over the 4.

You can pick them up real cheap too. Might work for you until the 5 comes out

Had a look around. £289 brand new

goes down to about 200 if refurb/used in good condition. Crazy prices IMO, especially for something that I don't actually want, other than the iOS5.

 

[G.I. Joe]

Headline should read:

iPhone Sales Strong In Countries With Loads of Money, Not Strong In Countries Who Are Broke.

lol. As if this is news

You do realize the US is is 10x more broke than any country in europe. As long as China is willing to pay the bill and rating agencies (all american) pretend nothing is going on, you can keep raising the debt limit a few more trillion dollars each year. Not to mention the financial meltdown not so long ago..

Bottom line it has nothing to do with countries being more or less broke. I see tons of iPhones. The 4S just didn't catch the eye of the consumer. Many people have an iPhone just for show. Why buy a 4s that that brings nothing new on that aspect.

 

[indubio80]

Britain's "Bonus"

Last time I checked, the Euro had plummeted against the Pound, so 1 Euro was worth 82p, and $1.30.

And they want the UKs money more, seeing as how the EU have now demanded that we fork out £30 Billion, on top of the £15 Billion we are expected to give to prop up the failing Euro currency.

And what do exchange-rates tell??? You really want to compare the German economy (4th largest in the world) with UK economy? Good luck there. And by the way: it speaks for itself that Britain still is not a full payer in the EU; they only want the advantages - open markets - that they could sell their goods to, if they still actually made something. And did you take a look at unemployment rate for people from 25 to 30? The UK has a huge problem there. There more than enough sources on the internet to check on economic data, even though not everyone will like what he/she will find out. The UK is the 3rd largest economy in Europe and the gap between Germany and the UK is quite big. And if Britain still holds to its lack of interest in the EUR, their problems will get even bigger. It should ring a bell that there are nearly no goods made in the UK anymore. This could have something to do with the fact, that due to the Pound, goods from the UK are way to expensive on both the international and the european markets. If Britain had the EUR, it might be more competetive and would not rely on services alone.

 

[rovex]

And what do exchange-rates tell??? You really want to compare the German economy (4th largest in the world) with UK economy? Good luck there. And by the way: it speaks for itself that Britain still is not a full payer in the EU; they only want the advantages - open markets - that they could sell their goods to, if they still actually made something. And did you take a look at unemployment rate for people from 25 to 30? The UK has a huge problem there. There more than enough sources on the internet to check on economic data, even though not everyone will like what he/she will find out. The UK is the 3rd largest economy in Europe and the gap between Germany and the UK is quite big. And if Britain still holds to its lack of interest in the EUR, their problems will get even bigger. It should ring a bell that there are nearly no goods made in the UK anymore. This could have something to do with the fact, that due to the Pound, goods from the UK are way to expensive on both the international and the european markets. If Britain had the EUR, it might be more competetive and would not rely on services alone.

We heard the same thing all those years ago when Gordon Brown rejected this new currency France and Germany were shoving down our throats, and now the tables have turned. Absolute isolation from the Euro is uncalled but the Euro has inherent issues which have yet to be thought through and tackled. By the way, one major asset we have is the most plentiful area of north sea oil, and neither france nor Germany have such a significant and invaluable commodity at their disposal should anything go wrong.

 

[Dr McKay]

And what do exchange-rates tell??? You really want to compare the German economy (4th largest in the world) with UK economy? Good luck there. And by the way: it speaks for itself that Britain still is not a full payer in the EU; they only want the advantages - open markets - that they could sell their goods to, if they still actually made something. And did you take a look at unemployment rate for people from 25 to 30? The UK has a huge problem there. There more than enough sources on the internet to check on economic data, even though not everyone will like what he/she will find out. The UK is the 3rd largest economy in Europe and the gap between Germany and the UK is quite big. And if Britain still holds to its lack of interest in the EUR, their problems will get even bigger. It should ring a bell that there are nearly no goods made in the UK anymore. This could have something to do with the fact, that due to the Pound, goods from the UK are way to expensive on both the international and the european markets. If Britain had the EUR, it might be more competetive and would not rely on services alone.

And yet we in the UK, pay far more into the EU than we get out of it, unlike the French, who actually get more out of the EU than they pay in, so they're the ones only in it for the benefits.

I'd rather we werent in the EU, a broken system full of childish politicians who are only in it for themselves, or chasing some broken dream about turning Europe into a kind of USA.

It's funny to watch the Euro politicans truly throw their toys out of the pram when things don't go their way, like when the people of Ireland voted "No" on the Lisbon treaty, and the EU threatened Ireland with sanctions, and then immediately demanded they make the country retake the vote, to get the "Right" result.

 

[macbook pro i5]

I had almost convinced myself to drop £699 on a 64GB 4s. This thread reminds me why I haven't yet. Why oh why can I no be told when the 5 comes out? My 3G is so slow it enrages me more than anything

some one doesn't know bout HSDPA+

 

[lilo777]

We heard the same thing all those years ago when Gordon Brown rejected this new currency France and Germany were shoving down our throats, and now the tables have turned. Absolute isolation from the Euro is uncalled but the Euro has inherent issues which have yet to be thought through and tackled. By the way, one major asset we have is the most plentiful area of north sea oil, and neither france nor Germany have such a significant and invaluable commodity at their disposal should anything go wrong.

Britain is a new Brunei (minus bananas).

 

[JakeinSeoul]

And why trust these statistics at all? What Reuters didn't bother to say is that Kandar is owned by WPP, which has long has ties to Samsung as corporate client, including a stint as their global advertising agency.

 

[Oletros]

And why trust these statistics at all? What Reuters didn't bother to say is that Kandar is owned by WPP, which has long has ties to Samsung as corporate client, including a stint as their global advertising agency.

Ah, when numbers are not so good we have to look at the owners, clients, etc?

 

[Dbrown]

and NFC is just useless its just a gimmick.look at it this way you take your wallet out take your card out and swipe or you unlock your phone open app or what ever and there is no time difference.

You obviously havent used NFC if you dont think its not faster than swiping a credit card. You prep the app while you're standing in line and you tap the contact when you're ready to pay. Takes a few seconds and you're done.

 

[rolfbert]

I disagree entirely. The Euro has been an overwhelming failure both in terms of its mechanisms and purpose. Refusing to join the euro and its various other contractual obligations (much to the dismay of Eurozone members) was the right decision. Investors are hesitant to invest and in consequence of that a country like France is badly positioned right now which in turn depends entirely on how long this predicament continues and what the politicians have in store to solve it. A lack of investors hurts any economy, and instead of investing in France they're opting for the UK.

If investors are investing out of € countries how comes that Germany has the lowest unemployment rate since 1991 while the Uk has the highest since 1991???

 

[knarzie]

some one doesn't know bout HSDPA+

:unno

 

[macbook pro i5]

:unno

??????

 

[divinox]

If investors are investing out of € countries how comes that Germany has the lowest unemployment rate since 1991 while the Uk has the highest since 1991???

Because the chosen level of analysis is retarded. :- )

 

[rovex]

If investors are investing out of € countries how comes that Germany has the lowest unemployment rate since 1991 while the Uk has the highest since 1991???

The manufacturing industry has shrunk, the service sector is where investors are putting their money which is one the principal reasons why unemployment has been rife. Not to mention, we have too many graduates and not enough skilled workers.

Because the chosen level of analysis is retarded. :- )

Far from it, just requires some thinking. Something's obviously gone amiss with someone.

 

[knarzie]

??????

I don't know what your HDSPA post means

 

[kokako]

yeah but Europeans no1 priority before buying an iPhone is buying their cigarettes, smokes are way more important, you'd look odd without a cigarette in your hand in europe and you'd have nothing to flick on the pavement.
Ofcourse iPhone sales are down.

 

[macbook pro i5]

I don't know what your HDSPA post means

it is basically 4g

 

[albert3324]

At least, in my hometown it sells really well

 

[John Dillinger]

Its pretty clear

There are just far too many capable mid-range Android phones selling for 140-190 EURO/GBP... unlocked, that are more than enough for most people's needs.

These phones are coming with 600-1GHz single Cpu avg 512 ram, 5 mpx cam, flash, gmaps, navigation, angry birds, facebook, twitter, broswer.. by brands like HTC, Samsung who make very tidy hardware even at these price ranges.

What more do most people need?? Not much evidently.

All the snobbish comments from some make me sick on here.. would you rather these people have none of these capabilities? get out loans, work 3 jobs just to pay for the holy iPhone- which isnt even all that much better??
I say God Bless Google, even if it wasnt purely altruistic on their part, but choosing their model does mean more people can have better things than the elite few.

People need to look at the big picture and stop worrying about Apple's profts. Open sourcing and allowing OEMs to add their own UX's etc means that we will see more innovation than if just from the one vendor. and it can all get fed back into the source. Its fantastic.

Its not about poor people, its about not wasting money. How the hell is 140-200GBP viewed as cheap anyhow, and 500GBP, more than quite a few laptops (except macbooks of course) viewed as a "fair"/respectable price. That shows you how good Apple marketing is worked on some of you.

Highly telling that U.S and U.K big spenders, they are also the economies that led to the crisis, spending money they can in no means pay back.

I heard that more and more students are turning to the adult industry/prostitution to pay tuition fees in the UK. Now thats f*cked up.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16157522

Also software updates? fragmentation? AT these prices you can afford to upgrade yearly and just get the version (most normal people havent even heard or care about) out then. Not at iPhone prices.

iPhone does not even dominate high-end anymore. That is Samsung too (GS2).

 

[kaizenmx]

There are just far too many capable mid-range Android phones selling for 140-190 EURO/GBP... unlocked, that are more than enough for most people's needs.

These phones are coming with 600-1GHz single Cpu avg 512 ram, 5 mpx cam, flash, gmaps, navigation, angry birds, facebook, twitter, broswer.. by brands like HTC, Samsung who make very tidy hardware even at these price ranges.

What more do most people need?? Not much evidently.

All the snobbish comments from some make me sick on here.. would you rather these people have none of these capabilities? get out loans, work 3 jobs just to pay for the holy iPhone- which isnt even all that much better??
I say God Bless Google, even if it wasnt purely altruistic on their part, but choosing their model does mean more people can have better things than the elite few.

People need to look at the big picture and stop worrying about Apple's profts. Open sourcing and allowing OEMs to add their own UX's etc means that we will see more innovation than if just from the one vendor. and it can all get fed back into the source. Its fantastic.

Its not about poor people, its about not wasting money. How the hell is 140-200GBP viewed as cheap anyhow, and 500GBP, more than quite a few laptops (except macbooks of course) viewed as a "fair"/respectable price. That shows you how good Apple marketing is worked on some of you.

Highly telling that U.S and U.K big spenders, they are also the economies that led to the crisis, spending money they can in no means pay back.

I heard that more and more students are turning to the adult industry/prostitution to pay tuition fees in the UK. Now thats f*cked up.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16157522

Also software updates? fragmentation? AT these prices you can afford to upgrade yearly and just get the version (most normal people havent even heard or care about) out then. Not at iPhone prices.

iPhone does not even dominate high-end anymore. That is Samsung too (GS2).

This guy clearly knows what he's talking about. Everyone should just shut the ****** up and listen to this man.

 

[AppleScruff1]

There are just far too many capable mid-range Android phones selling for 140-190 EURO/GBP... unlocked, that are more than enough for most people's needs.

These phones are coming with 600-1GHz single Cpu avg 512 ram, 5 mpx cam, flash, gmaps, navigation, angry birds, facebook, twitter, broswer.. by brands like HTC, Samsung who make very tidy hardware even at these price ranges.

What more do most people need?? Not much evidently.

All the snobbish comments from some make me sick on here.. would you rather these people have none of these capabilities? get out loans, work 3 jobs just to pay for the holy iPhone- which isnt even all that much better??
I say God Bless Google, even if it wasnt purely altruistic on their part, but choosing their model does mean more people can have better things than the elite few.

People need to look at the big picture and stop worrying about Apple's profts. Open sourcing and allowing OEMs to add their own UX's etc means that we will see more innovation than if just from the one vendor. and it can all get fed back into the source. Its fantastic.

Its not about poor people, its about not wasting money. How the hell is 140-200GBP viewed as cheap anyhow, and 500GBP, more than quite a few laptops (except macbooks of course) viewed as a "fair"/respectable price. That shows you how good Apple marketing is worked on some of you.

Highly telling that U.S and U.K big spenders, they are also the economies that led to the crisis, spending money they can in no means pay back.

I heard that more and more students are turning to the adult industry/prostitution to pay tuition fees in the UK. Now thats f*cked up.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16157522

Also software updates? fragmentation? AT these prices you can afford to upgrade yearly and just get the version (most normal people havent even heard or care about) out then. Not at iPhone prices.

iPhone does not even dominate high-end anymore. That is Samsung too (GS2).

Bravo. Very well said.

 

[MrNomNoms]

There is an uptick in carrier branded Android phones but the same phenomenon happened in New Zealand and Australia as well - soon enough the customer will realise that there is a reason why cheap crap is sold cheap and it isn't because the carrier feels charitable thats for sure!

The fact that there are people here who buy their phones on contract I really have to ask myself whether I should laugh or cry - pay a low entry price for the device and then effectively pay for the same device many times over for the life of the contract. If you think you're 'really smart' and 'got a bargain' then I think you need to be introduced to mathematics. Let me suck up my pride, pay out the full cost of the phone and the plonk me on a prepaid so that I am not at the mercy of the carrier that so many here seem to love to be - some sort of sadomasochist streak by some here I guess (not that there is anything wrong with sadomasochism).

As for John Dillinger's sermon on the mound regarding the 'virtues of frugality' - no one forces you to extend the mortgage on your house so you can live a champagne lifestyle on a Coca Cola budget and quite frankly it was their own fault for the financial situation they got themselves into. With that being said to make the link between iPhone prices and the current economic clusterf-ck is simply stupidity - there are people like me who buy the phone outright by saving up our money each week and pay for it in cash and not because we've got a loan against our second kidney. If you want to have a house then followed by kids then guess what - you're going to have to make sacrifices rather than believing you can live a single persons life whilst maintaining a family, something that this generation has sorely forgotten in their pursuit of using material possessions to make up for the lack of quality time spent with the kids.

Why would you be glad about this strictly from a consumer's perspective? Yes, I'd understand it if you were an investor in AAPL, but other than that, the race to the bottom helps consumers pay less.

It makes no sense to the consumer if the company ends up going down the toilet with you as the consumer left high and dry with no support. A healthy company making healthy profits benefits shareholders and consumers both - it isn't a situation that some how the business must get screwed over for the customer to feel as though they've got value for money.

 

[ombrenelcielo]

Well, for the most part externally identical; better antenna design in the 4S, and you can see this reflected (purely from a visual point of view) with the 4S having four evenly spaced black separators, whereas the 4 only has three.

What I was trying to say is that there are no new killer HW features the "dumb" user can identify.
So Siri as a "killer feature" is really a way to market the device to the "dumb" users, those instead who really understand that Siri can be run by other older devices are more concerned by this new Apple trend not to offer/support/share plans to support the other loyal Apple customers that in the past have purchased their phones.

I own an iPhone 4 and I love it, but it bothers me so much that Siri could work on it that I'm pissed and angry vs Apple to a level that's impossible for me to think to get an iPhone 4s just for the sake of having Siri.