Neil Hughes
Apple could easily make the most products in a category, but that wouldn't be good for the company, Chief Executive Tim Cook told shareholders on Wednesday.
Cook was asked during the question-and-answer session of his company's annual shareholder meeting what he plans to do about Android's explosive growth in the smartphone business. But "success is not making the most," Cook said.
The CEO told shareholders that his company could press "a button or two" that would have Apple make the most products in a particular category. But that "wouldn't be good for Apple," he said.
Some market watchers have continuously called on Apple to expand the iPhone lineup to appeal to more customers. Some believe Apple needs to make a cheaper iPhone that could be sold contract-free in developing countries like China, as well as a large-screen iPhone to compete with popular devices like Samsung's Galaxy Note series.
But while some investors are concerned about market share, Apple has historically focused on maintaining its high margins with products like the iPhone. Though Samsung's overall handset sales exceed Apple, the iPhone maker collected a whopping 69 percent of handset industry profits last year.
Cook also noted on Wednesday that Apple's iOS mobile platform is on "a lot more tablets" than Google's Android is. While Android has grown exponentially on smartphones, through multiple carriers and manufacturers, Google's mobile platform has not had the same success in the tablet market, where Apple's iPad is dominant.
Malcolm Owen
Andrew O'Hara
William Gallagher
201 Comments
Sounds good
I think that Apple should be more flexible. A much less expensive phone is needed around the world, and possibly, even here. They might also need to figure out a way to have a less expensive 8" tablet. In addition, they've got to adopt more strategies towards the market. Avertising is small when compared to Samsung. $14 billion in total for Samsung last year compared to about $1 billion for Apple. It's aking a big part of the difference in sales. For those who believe that marketshare is worthless, I'll say that it's not. As the market shifts, so do developers. This isn't speculation, it's fact. I'd also like to see Macbook Airs at $899. Mini's at $599, and iMac's at $999. Except for Air's, they've been there before. There's no reason why they can't be there again.
Now can you stop asking for an iPhone for the masses at the low end?! It will not happen.
but that's not what shareholders want to hear.. they only care about making more money.
I think that Apple should be more flexible. A much less expensive phone is needed around the world, and possibly, even here. They might also need to figure out a way to have a less expensive 8" tablet.
In addition, they've got to adopt more strategies towards the market. Avertising is small when compared to Samsung. $14 billion in total for Samsung last year compared to about $1 billion for Apple. It's aking a big part of the difference in sales.
For those who believe that marketshare is worthless, I'll say that it's not. As the market shifts, so do developers. This isn't speculation, it's fact.
I'd also like to see Macbook Airs at $899. Mini's at $599, and iMac's at $999. Except for Air's, they've been there before. There's no reason why they can't be there again.
This is /s correct? You do realize Apple is one of the larges companies in the world with over $140 Billion in cash reserves, correct?
Why do people continually think Apple needs to go cheaper? Apple never has, never will, it is not their way of doing business.
The better question is why do I keep replying to utter nonsense!