The iPhone is Still Launching
March 2, 2008
Two articles this week reinforced my belief that the iPhone is still in launch mode, and will be for a long time.
The first was by Eric Zeman at Information Week. He was one of the many bloggers who noticed Apple COO Tim Cook’s comments at a Goldman Sachs event for investors. Cook said that Apple is “not married to any business model” when it comes to selling the iPhone. He also admitted that “being exclusive might not be in our best interests.” This clearly indicates that Apple is willing (and ready?) to open the iPhone to other carriers.
The second article is by Carl Howe at Seeking Alpha. He answers four key questions about the iPhone’s continued growth.
- Has the iPhone wave peaked?
- Are iPhone unlockers hurting Apple?
- Does Apple need to cut prices on its iPhone?
- Is Apple going to make its iPhone goal of 10 million phones by the end of 2008?
His answers provide a strong case for the idea that the iPhone is primed for continued success over the long haul. Here’s a clip:
Apple changed the mobile phone market worldwide with its first and uncertain effort in a new market. Just as it did with computers, Apple isn’t playing a market share game; it’s building mind share.
Apple has never been about trying to rapidly take over a market. They simply make a great product, market it well, and watch the viral-like effect take place.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the iPhone is upwardly mobile.
