Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“DS articles (of which there are far too many on the iphone for an entertainment site) get a more enthusiastic response, its around 50/50 "yay excited"vs "yawn how is this news"
In some ways I hope Apple have a trick or two up their sleeves for the 'big reveal'. There really isnt anything in the rumours to justify the hype around it and, like last year, will lead to a lot of disappointment. I'm not sure Apple can afford a reaction of "Is that it?" to their flagship. (well they can *afford* it, along with several medium sized countries, but it wouldn't be good for them)”
With one (major) release a year Apple, ideally, need to have some 'wow' factor to each new model IMHO.
The 4S didnt really have this. From initial 'leaks' im not convinved that the 5 has it either.
Apple always prided themselves on design. They like to make 'pretty' items. The current images of the 'assumed' final unit dont look like anything very different. Now a percentage of people will feel this is fine, and that Apple dont need to change anything. A percentage will buy anything that Apple sells regardless.
But .... a number of people will just 'fancy a bit more change'. With Android (and W7/W8) this is catered for by the selection of manufacturers. With Android in particular a swap between Sense, TouchWiz or even 'vanilla' feels like a very different phone and a change of experience. With Apple they are more reliant on a change of style to give people a better impression of a 'new shiny toy'.
The 5 will sell in millions regardless. Apple has a huge and (strangely) loyal fanbase due to great marketing. The smartphone market itself is still increasing so whilst a percentage market share decrease may still result in an actual sales increase.
One has t wonder if Apple have boxed themselves into a corner with their suing based on design. Between HTC, Samsung, LG, Asus, Motorola (etc) they will have to do something very unique to make it look like they havent copied another brand now.
Much as I dislike Apple Id still love to see something more 'wow' in theiPhone5. There needs to be competition and at the moment it is purely (from a hardware perspective) between Android phone manufacturers. Its a benefit to ALL smartphone users to have new features release as it drive innovation from all sides.
Nokia is a prime example of a company that rested on their laurels for a year or two. The market moves very quickly these days.