Since Apple has become a $1 trillion company, here are my favorite things I admire about Apple. Even though in my last post I roasted Samsung on its bad ad campaign, I actually prefer Samsung, and Android overall, to Apple. I want to be able to write critically and not think Samsung can do no wrong and Apple is terrible and irredeemable. Apple does a lot of things well and that needs to be recognized.
1. Software Updates
With a new iOS update just around the corner, you have to wonder which devices will be supported. According to OSX Daily, Apple has confirmed that iOS 12 will be supported on devices as far back as the iPhone 5S. That is something I have to truly respect. Apple understands that some people keep their phones longer than a year or two. If you pay top dollar for a phone, you want it to last a while. The longer you have that phone, the longer you don’t buy a competitor’s phone. Android as a whole generally sucks when it comes to updates. This is mostly because different phone OEMs make their own version of Android to put on their phones whenever they get the chance. Samsung is notorious for being terrible at updates. No chance the Galaxy S5 is going to get an update.
2. iMessage
You can’t talk about Apple’s greatest features without bringing up iMessage. iMessage has literally changed the way we think about text messages. It’s fast, safe and convenient. One of it’s most popular features is the read receipts that show you when someone has read your texts. It also has encrypts the messages for a layer of security. Other key features are the blue text bubbles and the cross-device messaging. These assets really distinguish Apple from other phones. Text bubbles appear blue when texting other iPhone users which puts in the users’ heads that they are different. Because iPhones are a status symbol, if a user sees a green text bubble (an Android user), he or she is likely to think lesser of the person on the other end of the text.
The cross-devices supports lets you text on any Apple product with WiFi. This is what solidifies Apple’s ecosystem that keep its users loyal customers. In recent years, iMessages allow a person send gifs, songs, and other data. Many apps can replicate many of these features, but they aren’t built in to the phone’s core messaging app. Google does have a new option called Chat for Android, which mimics most of these tricks in the built-in messaging app, but it’s still not quite iMessage. Lastly, the emojis on iMessage/iPhone are just objectively better than Android equivalents.
3. Apple Stores
These stores are great (for Apple) because it gives Apple more control for how customers interact with the brand. While Apple’s products can be found in many different stores, there’s too many variables for the customer’s experience. Plus, Apple probably thinks it’s too good to always share space with a peasant’s Android phone. But seriously, Apple’s messaging and branding remains consistent down to last point of sale thanks to these stores. The design of the stores and employee training are carefully thought out. Maintaining control is a key part of Apple’s business strategy. The execs believe that they know what’s best for their customers even if they don’t know. This works most of the time, except for when Apple got caught throttling older phones. But back on the stores, they provide a controlled environment for customers to interact with Apple. You can feel the luxury of the brand when you walk in and the staff is trained specifically for your needs. The best example is if you need any tech support, going to the Apple Store cuts out the middle man. It also provides a place for Apple’s die-hard fans to camp out before a new release to show how excited people are for its products.
I have to say Apple is really good at running a business even if I am not an avid fan. Almost every decision it makes is about how to make the experience as simple, consistent and enjoyable as possible for the customers. This way of thinking has created great ideas that propel the company forward. It’s no wonder why Apple’s brand is as strong as it is. Who knows what exciting things will come as Apple continues to grow.
Make good choices,
Stan⚡
Stan Arnaud 