This doesn’t refute what I’ve stated, and actually, market share only tells part of the story, as Apple turns a larger profit for their segment of the market…more so than any other company. This also misses the fact that the Android proliferation, as listed in your link, includes every Android OEM…versus iOS, which is only Apple. So yes, Apple is doing fine, but of course they must protect their interests.
Within context, my idea states that minor features aren’t responsible for any real losses or gains of this type, anyway. There is a longer list of more critical market forces to consider, and I’d say more likely, Android has been able to gain a foothold and the lead in market share, largely due to entry-level devices which are cheaper, followed by heavy carrier influences (at least in the US), and what I’m sure are a number of other factors.
However, if you asked your average user what “local search” was or whether or not they’d purchase an Apple device vs a Samsung one, due to “uniformly rounded corners”, you’d likely be met with a confused look, as most consumers are oblivious. So no, Apple, Google, Samsung, etc. don’t bleed due to the sharing/“copying” of minor features like these in competing devices-- no more than an automotive company would lose a car sale, because two cars shared the same radio dial. The only reason such frivolous details are called into question, is for the specific intent of an eventual product ban. That’s where most people are taking issue.
This hurts the consumer, since we receive less features, less choices, and more expensive products. Meanwhile, Apple, Google, Samsung, etc. continue to turn in billions of profits, each year. I think the loser here is very clear.
Agreed.
I agree here, as well. And actually, I don’t fault Apple for legally doing what is within their power. I’ve actually sided with them on multiple issues regarding Samsung. However, I feel they can choose better battles, at times, as this sets a dangerous precedent.
They’ve already made that determination, and it was a 3.5 inch display. If/when that changes, we can’t really ignore the fact that it was due to market pressure, brought on by consumer reception to the wide range of competing devices with bigger displays. This will be similar to how they’ve continued to compete at the OS level, by introducing/improving on features from rivals. They’ll adapt in order to stay relevant, or fade…they really don’t have a choice, because they can’t sue their way to victory.