3 weeks ago, Apple emerged victorious over Samsung in a court case awarding Apple $1 billion in damages over "patent infringements", and banning several Samsung products from being sold in America. In a flash, the babyface turned heel.
For years, Apple has been everyone's darling. Back in the days when it was Mac vs Windows, almost everyone are favourable towards the company, hailing Macintosh as the last bastion between Windows and complete monopoly of the OS market. When Apple began making headway into the MP3 player market, and eventually dominating it with its line of iPods, their products were described as "stylish", "cool" and even "iconic". Very few people gave it the stick usually given to companies who are near monopoly in any field.
When Apple released the iPhone, it was immediately a hit, blowing away companies who have built an empire in the market. And despite being the most valuable company in the world, few begrudged their success. Apple was about to be the first company or organisation to fully dominate and still be loved by the people.
And then came this court case.
Making the statement, "At Apple, we value originality and innovation and pour our lives into making the best products on earth. We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy."
Which sort of disagrees with this:
Granted, it was said during a time when the late Steve Jobs had hair, but to completely go the other direction less than a year after his death, it seems like Apple is taking a new direction.
A lot has been made about Steve Job's influence on each new Apple product, and a lot has been said after his death that Apple can continue on the very same path that he has laid before the company. But looking at the new iPhone 5, the point has become wildly debatable.
Looking at this iPhone 5, it really just seems like my iPhone 4, with a bigger screen and faster technology made possible by others. The fresh ideas that always accompany the release of a new iPhone seemed missing.
Has Apple turned into a company that can no longer simply out-innovate its competition? Because up till a year ago, that seemed to be their operandi modus. It would be a sad day if Apple has to become this company that can only stay at the front by stifling its competitors, instead of outrunning them.
Please Apple, poisoning your opponent's tea is never a popular tactic.
