The iPhone welcomed its newest members on Sept. 19 as Apple unveiled the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus worldwide. According to Apple’s website, the new products boast a total upgrade from previous models including larger screens (4.7in for the 6 and 5.5in for the 6 Plus), an A8 processor, and support for Apple Pay, among other features.
Regarding initial sales, the iPhone 5 saw preorders of 2 million units within 24 hours according to Forbes, while the 6 and 6 Plus garnered 4 million preorders in the same time frame. Clearly the public is excited for the Apple’s flagship devices.
This excitement, however, has not spread to The Outlook. Nearly every member of The Outlook editorial staff is an owner an Apple product, with the iPhone 5 5c and 5s being most common. MacBooks are also prevalent among the staff, albeit with less ownership than the iPhone.
Why is it that The Outlook can favor the iPhone without being excited for Apple’s newest creation? Apple’s ecosystem is the reason. While the newest iPhones add varying levels of functionality to Apple’s existing lineup, Apple’s previous (and still supported) products are able to offer a similar experience to current users.
The synergistic relationship Apple has created between its devices has made purchasing the newest iPhones less than desirable for The Outlook. One editor said, “I’m not that excited because I don’t care to update my phone. I like the easiness of what I already have.”
Arguably no other mobile platform has the inclusivity of Apple products. By purchasing an iPhone 5, 5c 5S or 6, iPad, Mac, or other device, the customer is not only getting a high profile product, but is also joining an international community.
Apple has crafted their products to create a common way by which users can communicate. The Outlook notes that Apple products have a certain familiarity which allows for ease of use across multiple devices. While having access to various platforms, many iPhone users will feel comfortable using Macs whereas Android fans may find the switch incomprehensible.
Apple has crafted this ideal tactfully, building each new product off of its predecessors without drastic changes to the design philosophy. Another editor noted that while the iPhone 6 a plethora of new features, Apple has been espousing this mantra for years without too much deviation.
One of Apple’s commercials, featured on its YouTube channel, is titled “Diversity – Inclusion Inspires Innovation.” The minute long video features approximately one hundred people while a voice over describes Apple’s “collective of individuals.” This mindset extends itself to consumers who feel confident using Apple products that feature inclusive services like iMessage and FaceTime.
When The Outlook describes Apple, the most common word used is dominant. It has taken over a preexisting market by creating an ecosystem in which users are part of a greater mission. Instead of the Android approach which resembles a grassroots movement, Apple implements a tested formula that keeps buyers coming back for more.
Even though The Outlook is not jumping on the bandwagon of the iPhone 6, the truth remains that Apple will stay a global powerhouse for as long as it keeps its inclusive structure.