Apple (AAPL) : Tim Cook announces iForum. Dodds and Bryant prepare shut down operations (2 Viewers)

[cstu]

I agree that wallets aren't going anywhere soon, but I'd gladly reduce my wallet from the 1/2 inch brick stuffed with cards I rarely use to a nice thin one I can sit on without my right cheek going numb. I'm a believer that mobile pay is a disruptive technology that is only in the first inning, and if it plays out as projected, Apple Pay stands to benefit.

Why would I use Apple Pay over a credit card that gives me rewards?

Apple Pay uses those credit cards that give you rewards.

Ok, did some reading about it...so basically Apple get paid 15 cents per $100 spent (0.15%) for the use of their app. I can see the benefit to the consumer if it's faster (which it may be as slow pin and chip readers catch on) but what is the benefit to retailers? Card present transactions have a low rate of fraud and generally involve high value purchases (over $100).

 

[cstu]

Both IDC and Strategic Analytics said this week that global smartphone shipments surpassed a record 1.4 billion units for all of 2015, up by more than 10% over the prior year. For the fourth quarter of 2015, however, smartphone growth slowed to 6% compared to a year earlier, the slowest growth rate ever, Strategy Analytics said.

In the U.S. alone, Strategy Analytics estimated smartphone growth for the fourth quarter of 2015 was just 4%, and predicted it could drop to 1% to 2% growth in the current quarter. In China, the last quarter of 2015 actually saw a 4% decline. "China is a maturing market and facing economic headwinds," said Linda Sui, an analyst at Strategy Analytics.

For all of 2016, Strategy Analytics said all regions of the world will see single-digit growth, except for Africa, where double-digit growth is expected.

 

[humpback]

I agree that wallets aren't going anywhere soon, but I'd gladly reduce my wallet from the 1/2 inch brick stuffed with cards I rarely use to a nice thin one I can sit on without my right cheek going numb. I'm a believer that mobile pay is a disruptive technology that is only in the first inning, and if it plays out as projected, Apple Pay stands to benefit.

Why would I use Apple Pay over a credit card that gives me rewards?

Apple Pay uses those credit cards that give you rewards.

Ok, did some reading about it...so basically Apple get paid 15 cents per $100 spent (0.15%) for the use of their app. I can see the benefit to the consumer if it's faster (which it may be as slow pin and chip readers catch on) but what is the benefit to retailers? Card present transactions have a low rate of fraud and generally involve high value purchases (over $100).

The benefit to retailers is that some customers prefer to use Apple Pay. Happy customer, happy life, or something.

 

[NutterButter]

It was briefly mentioned upthread but now that my primary CCs require the chip to be inserted into the reader at POS, I'm really surprised at how much longer it takes than traditional swiping. I haven't timed it but it feels like a significant difference and could eventually stop me from pulling out my CC and using a mobile payment system instead.

Its painfully long. I don't understand it. Insert card, the machine quickly reads what it needs and now that it has that, you should be able to pull out so that it can do the processing. If this doesn't make transactions significantly more secure, its going to go down as the tsa of credit card security.

 

[Mario Kart]

I'm an Apple guy. Been one since '05' or so when I bought the 12" Powerbook. Awesome computer that was. I'm possibly looking at upgrading computers this year by going with a new 15" MacBook later this year. It depends though.

I sold my iPad Air 2 and am sticking with my iPad mini now. The size of the mini is rather good. I have an iPhone 6 and will probably keep it for some time.

Due to work, I might make a change to my phone. I have a Surface 3 that is loads better than any iPad, ever. But, I use it mostly for work and not as a tablet at home (like the mini). I think these are pretty set. What might change is my phone. I enjoy the iPhone 6 and have no issues with it but if Microsoft makes a kick ### phone in the coming year, I have to be open to having that as an option. Work is all Windows and Microsoft. I currently use the Surface 3 in class as a mobile class room (I'm the only teacher in my school doing this). A phone that works in a similar way or would help me do work on the go with Office 365... that might just sway me over. I'm not convinced yet but if the MSFT phone is at a good price point, it could push me that way. I'm surprised at how innovative MSFT has been and how nothing revolutionary has come from Apple in ~4 years or so.

 

[Mario Kart]

It was briefly mentioned upthread but now that my primary CCs require the chip to be inserted into the reader at POS, I'm really surprised at how much longer it takes than traditional swiping. I haven't timed it but it feels like a significant difference and could eventually stop me from pulling out my CC and using a mobile payment system instead.

Its painfully long. I don't understand it. Insert card, the machine quickly reads what it needs and now that it has that, you should be able to pull out so that it can do the processing. If this doesn't make transactions significantly more secure, its going to go down as the tsa of credit card security.

It's like 5 seconds vs. 1 second. Is this really that bothersome?

 

[NutterButter]

It was briefly mentioned upthread but now that my primary CCs require the chip to be inserted into the reader at POS, I'm really surprised at how much longer it takes than traditional swiping. I haven't timed it but it feels like a significant difference and could eventually stop me from pulling out my CC and using a mobile payment system instead.

Its painfully long. I don't understand it. Insert card, the machine quickly reads what it needs and now that it has that, you should be able to pull out so that it can do the processing. If this doesn't make transactions significantly more secure, its going to go down as the tsa of credit card security.

It's like 5 seconds vs. 1 second. Is this really that bothersome?

Absolutely. Why does it take that long? Its annoying too b/c I have to pay attention to the stupid device to see when I can finally take it out. I just want to insert and pull out immediately like you do at an atm?

 

[Mario Kart]

It was briefly mentioned upthread but now that my primary CCs require the chip to be inserted into the reader at POS, I'm really surprised at how much longer it takes than traditional swiping. I haven't timed it but it feels like a significant difference and could eventually stop me from pulling out my CC and using a mobile payment system instead.

Its painfully long. I don't understand it. Insert card, the machine quickly reads what it needs and now that it has that, you should be able to pull out so that it can do the processing. If this doesn't make transactions significantly more secure, its going to go down as the tsa of credit card security.

It's like 5 seconds vs. 1 second. Is this really that bothersome?

Absolutely. Why does it take that long? Its annoying too b/c I have to pay attention to the stupid device to see when I can finally take it out. I just want to insert and pull out immediately like you do at an atm?

 

[NutterButter]

It was briefly mentioned upthread but now that my primary CCs require the chip to be inserted into the reader at POS, I'm really surprised at how much longer it takes than traditional swiping. I haven't timed it but it feels like a significant difference and could eventually stop me from pulling out my CC and using a mobile payment system instead.

Its painfully long. I don't understand it. Insert card, the machine quickly reads what it needs and now that it has that, you should be able to pull out so that it can do the processing. If this doesn't make transactions significantly more secure, its going to go down as the tsa of credit card security.

It's like 5 seconds vs. 1 second. Is this really that bothersome?

Absolutely. Why does it take that long? Its annoying too b/c I have to pay attention to the stupid device to see when I can finally take it out. I just want to insert and pull out immediately like you do at an atm?

Tell me about it

 

[Slapdash]

It's odd that grown men who have preferences for one brand of product have such difficulty grasping the idea that some folks might simply have a preference for another brand of product.

You could copy and paste this into just about every Apple or Android thread ever started.

Such a weird dynamic.

Is he going to paste it in responses to his own ####posts on the subject?

 

[[icon]]

It was briefly mentioned upthread but now that my primary CCs require the chip to be inserted into the reader at POS, I'm really surprised at how much longer it takes than traditional swiping. I haven't timed it but it feels like a significant difference and could eventually stop me from pulling out my CC and using a mobile payment system instead.

This. Chipped card process is SLOWWWWW

 

[cosjobs]

It was briefly mentioned upthread but now that my primary CCs require the chip to be inserted into the reader at POS, I'm really surprised at how much longer it takes than traditional swiping. I haven't timed it but it feels like a significant difference and could eventually stop me from pulling out my CC and using a mobile payment system instead.

This. Chipped card process is SLOWWWWW

I'd rather be in line behind an old lady with a checkbook

 

[cstu]

I'm an Apple guy. Been one since '05' or so when I bought the 12" Powerbook. Awesome computer that was. I'm possibly looking at upgrading computers this year by going with a new 15" MacBook later this year. It depends though.

I sold my iPad Air 2 and am sticking with my iPad mini now. The size of the mini is rather good. I have an iPhone 6 and will probably keep it for some time.

Due to work, I might make a change to my phone. I have a Surface 3 that is loads better than any iPad, ever. But, I use it mostly for work and not as a tablet at home (like the mini). I think these are pretty set. What might change is my phone. I enjoy the iPhone 6 and have no issues with it but if Microsoft makes a kick ### phone in the coming year, I have to be open to having that as an option. Work is all Windows and Microsoft. I currently use the Surface 3 in class as a mobile class room (I'm the only teacher in my school doing this). A phone that works in a similar way or would help me do work on the go with Office 365... that might just sway me over. I'm not convinced yet but if the MSFT phone is at a good price point, it could push me that way. I'm surprised at how innovative MSFT has been and how nothing revolutionary has come from Apple in ~4 years or so.

Microsoft is a $400B company that has had its ### handed to them for over a decade. That forced them to up their game. Apple on the other hand nailing every product they put their hands on for 15 years thanks to their UI and OS. They will continue to print money and don't have much forcing them to innovate at this point.

 

[Mario Kart]

I'm an Apple guy. Been one since '05' or so when I bought the 12" Powerbook. Awesome computer that was. I'm possibly looking at upgrading computers this year by going with a new 15" MacBook later this year. It depends though.

I sold my iPad Air 2 and am sticking with my iPad mini now. The size of the mini is rather good. I have an iPhone 6 and will probably keep it for some time.

Due to work, I might make a change to my phone. I have a Surface 3 that is loads better than any iPad, ever. But, I use it mostly for work and not as a tablet at home (like the mini). I think these are pretty set. What might change is my phone. I enjoy the iPhone 6 and have no issues with it but if Microsoft makes a kick ### phone in the coming year, I have to be open to having that as an option. Work is all Windows and Microsoft. I currently use the Surface 3 in class as a mobile class room (I'm the only teacher in my school doing this). A phone that works in a similar way or would help me do work on the go with Office 365... that might just sway me over. I'm not convinced yet but if the MSFT phone is at a good price point, it could push me that way. I'm surprised at how innovative MSFT has been and how nothing revolutionary has come from Apple in ~4 years or so.

Microsoft is a $400B company that has had its ### handed to them for over a decade. That forced them to up their game. Apple on the other hand nailing every product they put their hands on for 15 years thanks to their UI and OS. They will continue to print money and don't have much forcing them to innovate at this point.

But, they do. The pendulum swings. Apple has been surviving on name only for ~4 years. Its a good name, btw, but not much "new" stuff has come from them. The iPad Pro is a joke. The Apple watch... meh for now. The 12" Air, joke.

MSFT has made tablets that are far better than any one else by a long shot. The Pro line as well as the S3 are better than anything Apple has put out since the original iPad.

I used to be 100% Apple when I made the switch, now, I'm 50/50 in less than a year. Granted, I'm only one person but the pendulum may just be swinging back to MSFT. It wasn't too long ago Apple was almost bankrupt. MSFT has not had that issue.

 

[[icon]]

Granted, I'm only one person but the pendulum may just be swinging back to MSFT.

Back to when Microsoft was the hardware king?

And keep in mind.. some folks will be entrenched on either side as they simply have a strong distaste for the interface/experience on the other side of the fence. I grew up on MS DOS then Windows machines.. old 80/86.. then 286...then 386..etc. I loved em. Then in the mid 90s I was exposed to Apple. Took some getting used to at first, but now I find the idea of having to use Windows machines tedious (at best). There are lots of folks who feel the same way about Macs.

 

[cstu]

Apple working on virtual reality headset.

Now this could be a huge project for them if they do it right (meaning not the bulky units like Oculus Rift).

Something like an improved version of Microsoft's HoloLens with a reasonable price (it's 3 racks).

 

[cstu]

Granted, I'm only one person but the pendulum may just be swinging back to MSFT.

Back to when Microsoft was the hardware king?

And keep in mind.. some folks will be entrenched on either side as they simply have a strong distaste for the interface/experience on the other side of the fence. I grew up on MS DOS then Windows machines.. old 80/86.. then 286...then 386..etc. I loved em. Then in the mid 90s I was exposed to Apple. Took some getting used to at first, but now I find the idea of having to use Windows machines tedious (at best). There are lots of folks who feel the same way about Macs.

Never thought I'd see Microsoft create a product like the Surface Book - that is literally the great laptop ever made.

If you prefer the Mac OS and the way everything works together then there's no reason to use a PC, but if you like Windows it's great to see revolutionary products being made by Microsoft.

 

[Todem]

I'm an Apple guy. Been one since '05' or so when I bought the 12" Powerbook. Awesome computer that was. I'm possibly looking at upgrading computers this year by going with a new 15" MacBook later this year. It depends though.

I sold my iPad Air 2 and am sticking with my iPad mini now. The size of the mini is rather good. I have an iPhone 6 and will probably keep it for some time.

Due to work, I might make a change to my phone. I have a Surface 3 that is loads better than any iPad, ever. But, I use it mostly for work and not as a tablet at home (like the mini). I think these are pretty set. What might change is my phone. I enjoy the iPhone 6 and have no issues with it but if Microsoft makes a kick ### phone in the coming year, I have to be open to having that as an option. Work is all Windows and Microsoft. I currently use the Surface 3 in class as a mobile class room (I'm the only teacher in my school doing this). A phone that works in a similar way or would help me do work on the go with Office 365... that might just sway me over. I'm not convinced yet but if the MSFT phone is at a good price point, it could push me that way. I'm surprised at how innovative MSFT has been and how nothing revolutionary has come from Apple in ~4 years or so.

Microsoft is a $400B company that has had its ### handed to them for over a decade. That forced them to up their game. Apple on the other hand nailing every product they put their hands on for 15 years thanks to their UI and OS. They will continue to print money and don't have much forcing them to innovate at this point.

But, they do. The pendulum swings. Apple has been surviving on name only for ~4 years. Its a good name, btw, but not much "new" stuff has come from them. The iPad Pro is a joke. The Apple watch... meh for now. The 12" Air, joke.

MSFT has made tablets that are far better than any one else by a long shot. The Pro line as well as the S3 are better than anything Apple has put out since the original iPad.

I used to be 100% Apple when I made the switch, now, I'm 50/50 in less than a year. Granted, I'm only one person but the pendulum may just be swinging back to MSFT. It wasn't too long ago Apple was almost bankrupt. MSFT has not had that issue.

Surviving?

More like thriving.

They only made home computers back then. The company has transformed the world with the smart phone, iPad, iPod....come on.

Yeah Jobs is gone...but they have the best and brightest there.

This stock is dirt cheap. Buy with confidence.

 

[cstu]

Surviving?

More like thriving.

They only made home computers back then. The company has transformed the world with the smart phone, iPad, iPod....come on.

Yeah Jobs is gone...but they have the best and brightest there.

This stock is dirt cheap. Buy with confidence.

Apple is having its best snatched away by other companies - Tesla claims they've hired 150 Apple employees.

The iPad 1 was released 6 years ago - what truly innovative product have they released since then?

 

[fantasycurse42]

RuhRoh

 

[culdeus]

Another opportunity to get in at the sub 100 price point!

 

[fantasycurse42]

Another opportunity to get in at the sub 100 price point!

It's always a good plan........................... until it isn't.

 

[pecorino]

At 96, a screaming buy.

 

[Gopher State]

At 96, a screaming buy.

X2

 

[humpback]

At 96, a screaming buy.

That's where it was ~3 1/2 years ago.  

 

[eoMMan]

X2

I agree.....Netflix is a great buy while it's in the 90s.

 

[Major]

That's where it was ~3 1/2 years ago.  

It sure was…before the 7-1 split

 

[humpback]

That's where it was ~3 1/2 years ago.  

It sure was…before the 7-1 split

 

[culdeus]

It sure was…before the 7-1 split

Schtick?  

This stock has been a dog since 2012.  

 

[Major]

Schtick?  

This stock has been a dog since 2012.  

It's almost doubled since 2012.  Not bad for AAPL.  

 

[culdeus]

It's almost doubled since 2012.  Not bad for AAPL.  

What exactly has doubled?

 

[Henry Ford]

Just a thought... "Puerto Rico Brought to You By Apple" has a nice ring to it.

 

[MattFancy]

IMO, I think Apple and most tech companies are in a rut. Phones and tablets seem to be in a pretty stable place. Which isn't a bad thing for consumers, but hurts the bottomline of Apple.

When I look at all the newer phones that have come out recently from Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, etc. what is the difference? Maybe some have a smidge bigger/smaller of a screen, a little bit better resolution than the previous version, camera a little bit better, slightly better battery life. And now with most wireless carriers getting rid of 2-yr contracts, consumers are more willing to hold onto phones longer since they're paying $400-$700 for a phone upfront. That's going to hurt Apple because more and more people won't be buying the latest iPhone every year.

 

[The Commish]

Appears I was about 18-24 months off....underestimated the abilities to stretch Jobs' initial vision.  Time will tell where this goes.  6S wasn't met with the fervor expected but that was probably more about the 5 and it's quality than anything else.

 

[eoMMan]

IMO, I think Apple and most tech companies are in a rut. Phones and tablets seem to be in a pretty stable place. Which isn't a bad thing for consumers, but hurts the bottomline of Apple.

When I look at all the newer phones that have come out recently from Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, etc. what is the difference? Maybe some have a smidge bigger/smaller of a screen, a little bit better resolution than the previous version, camera a little bit better, slightly better battery life. And now with most wireless carriers getting rid of 2-yr contracts, consumers are more willing to hold onto phones longer since they're paying $400-$700 for a phone upfront. That's going to hurt Apple because more and more people won't be buying the latest iPhone every year.

According to Lil Wayne, you can pour champagne on the new Samsung phone with no problems. 

 

[Mario Kart]

Apple dropped the ball at innovating the mobile laptop market. By making a larger iPad with the same capabilities of the iPad and not of a computer, that is their latest failure. I've said it before but my Surface 3 is the most innovative tablet/computer right now. Yes, the Pro 4 is tech better but for my purposes, the Surface 3 is awesome. Apple could have done something similar but they bring out some substandard large iPad. WTF? 

I also agree with the way the phones are priced now. Rediculous from a consumer point of view especially if they think people will pay that every couple years. Nope. 

But, I think this is just a hiccup for them. They aren't going anywhere but they are losing some focus as to how they this popular. Not saying that's on Jobs or anything but Apple is not what it used to be from a consumer POV. 

 

[matuski]

What are you guys putting in your orders at?  How far do we think this drops this morning?

 

[jonessed]

Getting mass produced self-driving cars on the road is still a long way off.  Apple is going to need a new product to fill the gap.  I have no idea what that will be outside of it's not going to be a watch.

The tech bubble has begun to let out steam.  I don't know what the impact will be for the established companies, but the start-up funding has notably decreased.  The unicorns are going to start to die off and/or merge soon.

 

[MattFancy]

Apple dropped the ball at innovating the mobile laptop market. By making a larger iPad with the same capabilities of the iPad and not of a computer, that is their latest failure. I've said it before but my Surface 3 is the most innovative tablet/computer right now. Yes, the Pro 4 is tech better but for my purposes, the Surface 3 is awesome. Apple could have done something similar but they bring out some substandard large iPad. WTF? 

I also agree with the way the phones are priced now. Rediculous from a consumer point of view especially if they think people will pay that every couple years. Nope. 

But, I think this is just a hiccup for them. They aren't going anywhere but they are losing some focus as to how they this popular. Not saying that's on Jobs or anything but Apple is not what it used to be from a consumer POV. 

Agree on the laptop/tablet front. The Surface seems way more innovative than an iPad and I own an iPad. My iPad is nice, but I basically just see it as a larger version of my phone, but not quite good enough to replace my laptop (MacBook Air). Yes, I own a ton of Apple stuff, but I blame my wife for that one. I really don't understand why they went with a larger version of the iPad and not try to do something like the Surface.

As for phones, I have a hard time spending $600+ on a phone and then buying another one a year later. Yes, I could sell it and upgrade, but I'm still probably shelling out $200 or so a year for a cell phone. Maybe that could be enticing if there were marketable upgrades, but with the current pattern, that just isn't the case.

Apple still makes good stuff, but I just think the tech world is in a holding pattern. Outside of VR, which seems niche, I don't really see much changing over the next couple of years. What else does my smartphone need to do at this point?  

 

[MattFancy]

Getting mass produced self-driving cars on the road is still a long way off.  Apple is going to need a new product to fill the gap.  I have no idea what that will be outside of it's not going to be a watch.

The tech bubble has begun to let out steam.  I don't know what the impact will be for the established companies, but the start-up funding has notably decreased.  The unicorns are going to start to die off and/or merge soon.

I know people keep talking about an actual TV, but I don't think that's worth pursuing for Apple.

 

[Mario Kart]

Agree on the laptop/tablet front. The Surface seems way more innovative than an iPad and I own an iPad. My iPad is nice, but I basically just see it as a larger version of my phone, but not quite good enough to replace my laptop (MacBook Air). Yes, I own a ton of Apple stuff, but I blame my wife for that one. I really don't understand why they went with a larger version of the iPad and not try to do something like the Surface.

As for phones, I have a hard time spending $600+ on a phone and then buying another one a year later. Yes, I could sell it and upgrade, but I'm still probably shelling out $200 or so a year for a cell phone. Maybe that could be enticing if there were marketable upgrades, but with the current pattern, that just isn't the case.

Apple still makes good stuff, but I just think the tech world is in a holding pattern. Outside of VR, which seems niche, I don't really see much changing over the next couple of years. What else does my smartphone need to do at this point?  

I'm keeping an eye on the next Microsoft phone cause that could sway me over. 

 

[[icon]]

IMO, I think Apple and most tech companies are in a rut. Phones and tablets seem to be in a pretty stable place. Which isn't a bad thing for consumers, but hurts the bottomline of Apple.

When I look at all the newer phones that have come out recently from Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, etc. what is the difference? Maybe some have a smidge bigger/smaller of a screen, a little bit better resolution than the previous version, camera a little bit better, slightly better battery life. And now with most wireless carriers getting rid of 2-yr contracts, consumers are more willing to hold onto phones longer since they're paying $400-$700 for a phone upfront. That's going to hurt Apple because more and more people won't be buying the latest iPhone every year.

This. 
 

 

[[icon]]

I know people keep talking about an actual TV, but I don't think that's worth pursuing for Apple.

Agreed. TV's have become commoditized. 

 

[[icon]]

Appears I was about 18-24 months off....underestimated the abilities to stretch Jobs' initial vision.  Time will tell where this goes.  6S wasn't met with the fervor expected but that was probably more about the 5 and it's quality than anything else.

There you are, LHUCKS! 

 

[stbugs]

Apple dropped the ball at innovating the mobile laptop market. By making a larger iPad with the same capabilities of the iPad and not of a computer, that is their latest failure. I've said it before but my Surface 3 is the most innovative tablet/computer right now. Yes, the Pro 4 is tech better but for my purposes, the Surface 3 is awesome. Apple could have done something similar but they bring out some substandard large iPad. WTF? 

I also agree with the way the phones are priced now. Rediculous from a consumer point of view especially if they think people will pay that every couple years. Nope. 

But, I think this is just a hiccup for them. They aren't going anywhere but they are losing some focus as to how they this popular. Not saying that's on Jobs or anything but Apple is not what it used to be from a consumer POV. 

The wireless companies doing away with the subsidies definitely hurts them a lot. I switched over to a family plan (work pays for my portion) since I have 4 people including my FIL on my plan. The unlimited data plan is outrageously priced for multiple people. With that switch over, we pay for new phones. I am almost done paying off my 6plus and my son's 6 and I don't foresee upgrading them. I'll just enjoy the smaller bill. I don't see anything coming down the line that would sway me to plunk down a lot more money. When I could upgrade for $100 or $200 when AT&T footed the bill for me, no problem.

I know I could sell it myself, but honestly, they have gotten to the point where they are like laptops, the only reason I would replace one is if the old one starting breaking down or was way too slow. I don't need a new processor for the things I do on my phone, just like you never see adds for the new processor line in PCs. Years ago, you did see adds for the new Pentium or new Windows and you upgraded because going from Windows 3.1 to XP was revolutionary as was going from a crappy Pentium 90 or whatever it was to a dual core, etc.

iPhones, IMHO, are like PCs now, the reason to upgrade is now less about huge leaps than when is my old one non-functional.

 

[tommyGunZ]

$35B more in share buybacks announced, so I'm guessing the folks in finance at AAPL this am are hammering away.  

No surprise that the tailwinds on the 6s have been light. I suspect the 7 upgrade this fall will be another runaway success.  

 

[stbugs]

IMO, I think Apple and most tech companies are in a rut. Phones and tablets seem to be in a pretty stable place. Which isn't a bad thing for consumers, but hurts the bottomline of Apple.

When I look at all the newer phones that have come out recently from Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, etc. what is the difference? Maybe some have a smidge bigger/smaller of a screen, a little bit better resolution than the previous version, camera a little bit better, slightly better battery life. And now with most wireless carriers getting rid of 2-yr contracts, consumers are more willing to hold onto phones longer since they're paying $400-$700 for a phone upfront. That's going to hurt Apple because more and more people won't be buying the latest iPhone every year.

LOL, I should have just liked your post instead of typing up mine.

 

[The Commish]

Appears I was about 18-24 months off....underestimated the abilities to stretch Jobs' initial vision.  Time will tell where this goes.  6S wasn't met with the fervor expected but that was probably more about the 5 and it's quality than anything else.

There you are, LHUCKS! 

 

[MattFancy]

The wireless companies doing away with the subsidies definitely hurts them a lot. I switched over to a family plan (work pays for my portion) since I have 4 people including my FIL on my plan. The unlimited data plan is outrageously priced for multiple people. With that switch over, we pay for new phones. I am almost done paying off my 6plus and my son's 6 and I don't foresee upgrading them. I'll just enjoy the smaller bill. I don't see anything coming down the line that would sway me to plunk down a lot more money. When I could upgrade for $100 or $200 when AT&T footed the bill for me, no problem.

I know I could sell it myself, but honestly, they have gotten to the point where they are like laptops, the only reason I would replace one is if the old one starting breaking down or was way too slow. I don't need a new processor for the things I do on my phone, just like you never see adds for the new processor line in PCs. Years ago, you did see adds for the new Pentium or new Windows and you upgraded because going from Windows 3.1 to XP was revolutionary as was going from a crappy Pentium 90 or whatever it was to a dual core, etc.

iPhones, IMHO, are like PCs now, the reason to upgrade is now less about huge leaps than when is my old one non-functional.

Exactly. I'll keep my 6 until Apple stops supporting it with upgrades or it just doesn't perform like it once did. Sure, you can be in Apple's upgrade program, but I can't see myself really needing the latest iPhone every year.

And going off of the OS upgrades, I could see Apple not supporting phones after a couple years now. I believe the 4S got the update to iOS 9, right? Instead of going back 5 years for the updates, maybe they'll only start going back 3

 

[Shutout]

Agree on the laptop/tablet front. The Surface seems way more innovative than an iPad and I own an iPad. My iPad is nice, but I basically just see it as a larger version of my phone, but not quite good enough to replace my laptop (MacBook Air). Yes, I own a ton of Apple stuff, but I blame my wife for that one. I really don't understand why they went with a larger version of the iPad and not try to do something like the Surface.

As for phones, I have a hard time spending $600+ on a phone and then buying another one a year later. Yes, I could sell it and upgrade, but I'm still probably shelling out $200 or so a year for a cell phone. Maybe that could be enticing if there were marketable upgrades, but with the current pattern, that just isn't the case.

Apple still makes good stuff, but I just think the tech world is in a holding pattern. Outside of VR, which seems niche, I don't really see much changing over the next couple of years. What else does my smartphone need to do at this point?  

I think where they really missed the ball was on the apple TV streaming box. They could have owned the market with their leverage power in the early days and that, by itself, would have compelled a lot of people to do what your and your wife (and me and mine) already did and that is invest heavily in the Apple ecosystem.  When you own the phones and the iPads and all MacBook, etc, and you can have those things mirroring and working together seamlessly, all they really had to do back in the day was pioneer the trail and half the world would own a small black streaming box or two.  

But for whatever reason they couldn't seem to find a sense of direction and partner up with the right folks.  Imagine, 4 years ago, having an Apple TV box with an exclusive deal to stream ESPN.  THe cable cutters by themselves (ourselves) would have shifted the needle.

The products are still top notch, great quality.  Stable...they work. They are great. But like most of you guys, I'm just at that point of my life where I'm done feeling like I need to shell out close to a thousand dollars every other year for two or more phones just so I can have "moving pictures" and processing speed + the nth nano-second.  At this point, my "phone" does everything I conceivably want it to. I certainly use it less as a telephone than anything else.  They are really going to have to wow me with some new tech feature to make me buy in anytime soon again.  NFC and fingerprint scans just don't cut it. I have a 6 and I don't see it going anywhere unless I break it.