Where has Apple taken the biggest step back on the iPhone compared to the competition?

[Cakefish]

My top three;

- Camera not competitive enough in low light (competitors have larger sensors, larger apertures and OIS)
- 16GB storage (with competitors starting at 32GB)
- Battery life (specifically on the 6S, not the 6S Plus) is lacklustre

 

[theluggage]

The decline in sales is simply due to the fact that the market is saturated i.e. most people already have a smartphone.

True, and I think that's the major factor, but I were going for a smartphone right now, the looks of the Galaxy S7 + the MicroSD slot would certainly turn my head. Apple are acting as if they've made the Porche 911/Kenwood Chef/Little Black Dress of the phone world - and I'm not sure they have.

They've made some duff decisions, too: they should have launched a 'phablet' alongside the iPhone 5 and given people a choice, instead they stuck stubbornly to the small-screen (losing all the phablet-fondlers) then flopped the other way with the "big or bigger" 6 (alienating all the 1-hand-texters) and only recently launched a high-end small screen. Personally, I prefer phablets, but I can see why some people want small screens.

 

[stevemiller]

i'm not going to be an analyst and make broad proclamations; but just for me, if i was to sum up the single thing i want apple to refocus on, it's polish. "the little things"

i don't need a ton of new features, but existing features that don't stop working every couple weeks and requires settings resets and reconfigurations.

i want them to squash visual glitches before redesigning the app switcher (imo terribly) yet again.

i want them to think more carefully about experience; whereas they could have extended the pinch gesture on iPads to move between fullscreen > windowed > PiP videos, they instead restrict it to an icon that you have to hunt for because every app skins it differently.

stuff like that. lots and lots of that.

 

[cola79]

Internal storage is for grandpas...

We have 2016 and cloud storage! As you need to backup the pictures in iOS anyways if you want to move them to a new phone, why store them internal?

Nobody watches his 500+ photos daily, so "I have a limited data plan" is no point here and in most places wifi is available.

It's also better because in a cloud it is saved on multiple servers. While your internal storage is gone once corrupted and if you got bad luck your backup pc is damaged too, what do you do then?

Coming with privacy concerns is nonsense, as there is no privacy on internet devices. Who wants privacy has to quit using modern technology.

 

[Michael Goff]

Storage costs between 16, 64 and 128 are minimal. Apple can absorb that cost. The new direction will increase customers and retain more current customers.

Are you serious? You do know Apple is a company with a primary goal of making money, right?

 

[Zaft]

Internal storage is for grandpas...

We have 2016 and cloud storage! As you need to backup the pictures in iOS anyways if you want to move them to a new phone, why store them internal?

Nobody watches his 500+ photos daily, so "I have a limited data plan" is no point here and in most places wifi is available.

It's also better because in a cloud it is saved on multiple servers. While your internal storage is gone once corrupted and if you got bad luck your backup pc is damaged too, what do you do then?

Coming with privacy concerns is nonsense, as there is no privacy on internet devices. Who wants privacy has to quit using modern technology.

Your not seriously defending apple for having a 16gb iphone.. wait you are.....

 

[bufffilm]

That's your opinion, baseless, but still an opinion.
[doublepost=1461861056][/doublepost]
A lot of my points are valid, well considered and not hogwash.
[doublepost=1461861491][/doublepost]
I'm discussing a new fresh strategy for Apple to remain competitive and attractive to a new segment of users. There was once a brigade in the 1990s and early 2000s that discussed CPU figures. Storage GB is just as dated a concept as CPU figures. Customers don't need to know or choose between them, all customers need to know is can they takes photos without storage full error messages popping up and interrupting the experience. It's as simple as that. A great user experience from Apple.

But again, a low base storage model isn't one of the major reasons why iPhone sales are expected to be tougher in the coming years.

 

[smacrumon]

Are you serious? You do know Apple is a company with a primary goal of making money, right?

I'm serious. Storage costs are little in 2016. They're a stupid way to differentiate products. Apple's primary goal is to make the best product. Their shareholders goals are to make best profit. The best product in 2016/2017 must be one that has one top level storage at entry pricing. Customers will flock to Apple, shareholders will be happy. Win, win, win.

 

[aneftp]

At least in the USA. Most major carriers have eliminated "subsidized" contract pricing for phones even for grandfathered plans like ATT.

Doesn't matter what gimmicks 30 month financing installments carriers use. The average consumer (not Mac rumors consumers) will hang out to their iPhones longer and longer. It's hard to just a $650-$950 plus taxes phone even on installments. An almost 2.5 year old 5S still runs fine for day to day operations.


I see consumers not upgrading iPhones every 2 years but stretching it to 3 years. The yearly upgrade/leasing programs aren't cheap either $40/month essentially that's added to a bill (whether through apple upgrade program directly or carriers installments programs).

The iPad suffered similar as well. People don't want or feel the need to upgrade for at least 3 generations. Some would say 4 generations in between upgrades.

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

I'm serious. Storage costs are little in 2016. They're a stupid way to differentiate products. Apple's primary goal is to make the best product. Their shareholders goals are to make best profit. The best product in 2016/2017 must be one that has one top level storage at entry pricing. Customers will flock to Apple, shareholders will be happy. Win, win, win.

Agreed. I believe the cost to apple is between $5-$8 for the jump in sizes, yet the charge to the customer is $100. Keeping that 16GB out there has caused so many people to think hard about their decision to either find a way to make 16GB work, jump to a 64GB and thus an extra $92 - $95 in apples pocket, or leave. Be interesting to see what they choose to do with the upcoming phones.

 

[kilcher]

Already said multiple times but the decline is due in large part to market saturation. Another huge factor is that the phones are so good now - we've kind of hit the same peak PC's have where there's not as much reason to upgrade. Some of the slide may also have to do with getting people off of the subsidized 2 year upgrade cycle. I'm paying cash for my phones from here on out, you can bet I'll think twice before forking over $950 for a new phone. Most people seem to love payments though so I'm not sure how much of an impact that's really had.

What's going to become increasingly important is the software and how we use the phone. In my opinion these are the biggest areas Apple should work on:

- Truly eliminate the need to carry a wallet or purse. Not just a half-assed attempt but a true replacement. I don't want to carry a debit card just in case I go somewhere that doesn't accept Apple Pay - if I have to carry a debit card then why even use Apple Pay (yes, I understand there are security benefits)? I don't want to have to carry a driver's license or insurance card (yes, much of that is dependent upon the state). I don't want to carry rewards cards because Passbook adoption was so piss poor. Yes, they're saying Wallet will integrate Apple Pay with rewards but that sounds like more of the same - doesn't mean a thing if no one adopts it. I think we'll get there on all of this but I think it's going to take way longer than it should.

- Home automation. Wouldn't mind seeing Apple come out with some hardware of their own.

- Media consumption. Maybe work with TV manufacturers build-in a TV equivalent of Car Play. Basically allowing anyone with an iPhone to beam media to their TV - no need to buy a box or dongle.

IMO it's going to be more about what makes iOS stand out from Android and how each fits into your lifestyle.

 

[Cloudsurfer]

I'm going to be very honest: I have no idea. The only other smartphone I have ever used was a Blackberry. That was such a disaster that I didn't even sit out my contract. I sold the phone and got back with iPhone ever since. I have never used an Android product one day in my life.

iPhone works for me. The integration with my Mac is excellent, it works and troubleshooting any problems is a piece of cake. I personally don't need fancy stuff, octo-core CPUs and top-end cameras and all that. My phone just works and I like it that way.

I know, it's very shallow. Maybe the competition is light years ahead. I wouldn't know. And honestly I don't care.

 

[The Game 161]

Although I use an iPhone 6S Plus as my way of keeping current with iOS, I vastly prefer my Nexus 6P running Androids latest OS.

Fast, Smooth and Stable it's my Primary Smartphone of choice.

The quality of Google Maps, Docs, Sheets, Photos, Drive and all the other Google Apps have now surpassed Apple's counterparts by a very significant margin. An accomplishment of grand proportions.

Combined with true efficient multitasking, a fast set of three touch sensitive buttons below the display, in place of the single stodgy old 1950's style analog button Apple's married to, and you have a modern smartphone.

Thanks Google

Well my S7 edge arrives tomorrow so will compare it with my 6s plus

 

[Zwhaler]

Had a bunch of phones, both android and apple, including the 6S Plus. My current Galaxy S7 Edge is so far superior to the current Apple product that it is laughable.

Indeed, and for the next cycle Samsung will remain ahead of the game with the Note 6 unless Apple makes the OLED move this year.

 

[I7guy]

Indeed, and for the next cycle Samsung will remain ahead of the game with the Note 6 unless Apple makes the OLED move this year.

We could take a poll and find out if a screen is a deal breaker. To me there are no phones with subpar screens, so all else being equal to me iPhone is what I want to use.

 

[maxsix]

Well my S7 edge arrives tomorrow so will compare it with my 6s plus

The S7 Edge is an excellent smartphone.

The main reason I have avoided one is simply my preference of controls. The Mechanical Home Button causes a slow down in my workflow. For those who like that type Samsung has done an outstanding job.

 

[Michael Goff]

I'm serious. Storage costs are little in 2016. They're a stupid way to differentiate products. Apple's primary goal is to make the best product. Their shareholders goals are to make best profit. The best product in 2016/2017 must be one that has one top level storage at entry pricing. Customers will flock to Apple, shareholders will be happy. Win, win, win.

They won't do that, you might as well get used to that idea. It is the goal of Apple to make money. It isn't just the shareholders goal. Moving it to 32gb might happen, but giving up 200+ dollars because a minority would use over 32gb is laughable.

 

[Zaft]

I will say this, it all comes down to the software. It's the reason why I'm on IOS.

This is my opinion but android is a cluster f*ck. I have used them so I know. I have a 2 year old and I literally don't have time to tinker with this stuff like in the past.

At the same time Apple needs to step their game up. I want wireless charging, i want an oled screen etc.

But having FaceTime and iMessage built in as the default is a god send. And the general ease of use is important, especially for my parents who love to FaceTime.

 

[smacrumon]

They won't do that, you might as well get used to that idea. It is the goal of Apple to make money. It isn't just the shareholders goal. Moving it to 32gb might happen, but giving up 200+ dollars because a minority would use over 32gb is laughable.

I don't think you get the concept I'm trying to convey of moving away from archaic measurements like storage. Should we introduce different iPhone CPUs? Can you imagine Apple Watch made available in different storage sizes? Every extra thing a potential customer needs to think about or make a decision on is another potential hurdle to making a purchase or looking elsewhere. Who knows when imessage, with multitude of video and photos, will push my phone storage to the edge. All I really care about is a phone experience that doesn't spit up storage full errors when I want to take a photo forcing me then to manage the storage. Yuck.

 

[bufffilm]

Well my S7 edge arrives tomorrow so will compare it with my 6s plus

Too bad it's not the s7...I really dig the design and the screen is gorgeous. Let us know what the battery life is.

 

[The Game 161]

Too bad it's not the s7...I really dig the design and the screen is gorgeous. Let us know what the battery life is.

Yeah looking forward to the battery tests. Will download the same apps and see how it goes

 

[bufffilm]

Yeah looking forward to the battery tests. Will download the same apps and see how it goes

Reading the s7 forum on XDA about how to get the most from the battery has been interesting.

 

[e93to]

Nothing wrong with iPhone, or the company itself. Fantastic product from a fantastic company. However, at this point, I expect as much innovation from new smartphones as I'd expect from fridges, toasters, ovens, HVAC, etc - not much. Would I be enticed to upgrade to a toaster with built in system that automatically puts and cooks bread at designated time on weekdays? No... While that sounds really convenient, I can live without this feature. Furthermore the toaster I've had for more than 10 years works fine. Phones are now just another appliance to own in order to keep (social, work and family) life going. "Gotta have the latest" frenzy was bound to wear off. Just make the products reliable and hassle-free (ie. minimal bugs/glitches), and you have my $$$$. Upgrading from Motorola KRZR to iPhone 3G was truly magical... Now it's a financial burden. Upper-end phones from Apple, Samsung, HTC, etc cost $1000, and data plans are expensive. However, in manufacturers' favor, people gotta upgrade their phones at some point. So people will continue buying smartphones.

I would love to see HomeKit become widely adopted, but HomeKit-supported appliances are still few and far between. But then, even if they become moderately available, renovating the house costs thousands. But I really want Keyless-Go style door locks + alarm, and NOT HAVING TO walk to the thermostat to adjust the temp.

I also want option to carry digital IDs like drivers licence, health card, etc on my phone. That would free up some bulk from my wallet. However, I would still carry wallets even though Apple Pay becomes widely adopted. There is a satisfaction of opening a nice leather wallet.

Furthermore, I would love to see smartphones become car keys, hence eliminating the need for key fobs. Key fobs are too bulky these days, and they really are hassle to carry if you have multiple cars. No battery? Well, that's for the car manufacturers to figure out. Maybe card key can be back-up key? Or entering passcode on the car?

These are the "innovations" I would love to see happen very soon. If so, I'm getting the latest iPhone even if it costs $2000. Then I'll probably keep it for 10 years...

 

[Michael Goff]

I don't think you get the concept I'm trying to convey of moving away from archaic measurements like storage. Should we introduce different iPhone CPUs? Can you imagine Apple Watch made available in different storage sizes? Every extra thing a potential customer needs to think about or make a decision on is another potential hurdle to making a purchase or looking elsewhere. Who knows when imessage, with multitude of video and photos, will push my phone storage to the edge. All I really care about is a phone experience that doesn't spit up storage full errors when I want to take a photo forcing me then to manage the storage. Yuck.

And I don't think you grasp that storage costs money. Also, Macs differentiate by CPU because of costs. So it is all about costs.

 

[trifid]

I think form-factor is one of the biggest issues, iPhone 6s is practically a dinosaur, it's got huge top and bottom bezels, big side bezels, it's really archaic compared to a phone like the S7, I mean look at this, same screen size, yet the S7 is much more elegant and smaller:

And the ugly antenna bands? How in the world did Apple think this would be acceptable? It's really a joke, how can they expect the market won't react at some point? If this design was branded with a Microsoft logo, everyone at Macrumors would be making fun of it all day, but oh no, it's Apple must be cool right? No.