As noted by Katrina Ma, the long-awaited arrival for the “new” iPhone ended as a disappointing extension of the last. I agree that the lack of innovative pizzazz will definitely give other competitors a chance to gain market share; however, let’s not overlook the iPhone 4S. Rather, view the packaged iOS 5 as a further implementation of Apple’s most powerful concepts: brand community, connectivity and user-friendly.
Apple has created its own brand community where users proudly stand by their brand’s products. This creation of an elite network is unmatched by any other company, which justifies its rightful place atop Forbes’ World’s Most Valuable Brands. Furthermore, it has executed what Google has been struggling to achieve; the new iCloud allows for flawless integration of information between personal Apple devices. And let’s not forget the upcoming Siri that builds upon the company’s reputation of convenience and user-friendly functions.
Innovation, in this case, does not require a new digit after a phone model; Apple has strengthened its pioneering brand image by doing what it does best. But in the competitive mobile industry today, that may be enough for it to lose footing and allow the next best thing to reach its “prime”. The spotlight has now turned to Samsung, who teases consumers on the possible release of the “Ice Cream Sandwich” and the Nexus Prime within a week’s time.
Grievances to Steve Jobs and his family. Your creativity lives on. 🙂