With the recent developments of Apple Campus 2, Apple Watch and iPhone 7, it’s undeniable that Apple is the titan of the tech industry.
What’s less clear is whether Apple’s products are still worth their high price.
Take, for instance, the new iPhone 7, priced at $650.
Boasting of a waterproof design, louder speakers and dual camera functions, the iPhone 7 is certainly not a step backwards for Apple. However, it’s not the leap forward that consumers have been waiting for, either.
Phrases such as “the first water resistant iPhone” and “the longest battery life on an iPhone, ever” create an impression of innovation, but other companies have incorporated these features in their older models, such as Samsung’s waterproof Galaxy S7 Phone released on March 11.
Stock prices and research both show that demand for new smartphones is decreasing as consumers become satisfied with the devices they have. As companies like Apple develop only minimal changes to their products, they lose potential revenue when consumers choose not to upgrade.
During the height of Apple’s innovative period, former CEO Steve Jobs inspired huge jumps in innovation, creating a massive market and high expectation levels. Now, however, the limited changes to already well-made designs no longer attract consumers.
These new additions are innovative but not exactly useful; the 3-D Touch mechanic of the iPhone 6S, which allowed users to press firmly on app icons to access special features of them, was not used often, so it became more of an accessory than a tool. The same will be true for the iPhone 7. Many customers believe that the $650 price tag on the new phone is extreme; after all, who really needs a waterproof phone?
These examples of Apple’s stagnation predict the gradual decline of the company. Apple’s ability to offer vision and novelty is decreasing, and it is instead using its brand name and popularity as its main selling point.
The bottom line: Unless Apple drastically improves its innovations or lowers its prices, it’s time to stop buying its products.
