Hi, I'm Michael Mistretta, a student passionate about technology, photography, and design. Welcome to my online home where I write about technology, reviews, and my thoughts and opinions on technology-related matters. I’ll be the first to admit that Apple has had more than it’s share of trouble as of late—failed iPhone 3G and MobileMe launches, buggy iPhone 2.0 software, and the iPhone SDK NDA which hinders iPhone developers from sharing code and putting development resources like books into the market.
As a consumer, I had a horrible experience buying an iPhone. It wasn’t the worst experience I’ve had (buying a functional mouse from Best Buy took four trips to the store, and over 30 days), but it wasn’t an Apple experience. We traditionally hold Apple to a higher standard, because they have a history of excellence.
It seems that Apple is experiencing some growing pains. The iPhone 3G, MobileMe, and the iPhone SDK are all amazing products. However, the launch/implementation has left a sour taste in many people’s mouths. From leaving developers out in the cold to losing MobileMe emails to the several hour-long waits for the iPhone 3G.
Apple can’t use the excuse “we didn’t anticipate this much demand” anymore. They are growing up, and have begun to play hard ball with the big boys of the tech industry. If their superb marketing department hypes a product, the rest of the company better be able to handle the demand.
To be honest, I think it’s good that the iPhone and MobileMe launches were the failures they were. No doubt Apple has learned that they are no longer this little fruit company from Cupertino, but a tech superstar with global reach. And while they may be making the greatest products they’ve ever made, the experience they are giving consumers is severely lacking.
Michael, do you think any of the problem here in Canada could be as a result of the relationship with Rogers? I haven’t purchased an iPhone (yet) but it seemed there was frustration with them as well. What is your take?
Cheers,
Connie
Comment by Connie Crosby — August 1, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
I have no doubt that many of the problems Apple is facing are because they have to make deals with other companies—AT&T, Rogers, Vodafone, and other carriers.
Rogers had many problems activating iPhones. They didn’t even have iTunes 7.7 installed, rendering their efforts useless. I understand that Apple simply can’t force other companies to educate their employees up to Apple’s standard, but Apple has also been having other problems not related to other companies.
The more products and partnerships Apple make, the harder they will have to work to live up to their high standard.
Comment by Michael Mistretta — August 1, 2008 @ 1:51 pm