Thursday, April 21, 2011

Apple on Android Fragmentation, LTE, Steve Jobs' Involvement


Apple released their record financial numbers today and fielded questions from analysts during their financial conference call. As usual, Apple executives were unwilling to provide much concrete data on their future plans.

A few interesting questions brought expected responses. One analyst asked if Apple saw any parallels between the rise of Android and that of Windows in the past, and how Apple will maintain growth for iOS. The response reiterated recent Comscore data and talked of Apple's integrated approach vs Android's fragmentation:
The Comscore data released yesterday reported the iOS platform outreaches the Android in the U.S. We launched the iPad 2, sold every one we make. We are gaining traction in enterprise. Largest App store. We feel very good about where we are, and our future product plans. We continue to believe that iPhone's integrated approach is materially better than Android's fragmented approach. The user appreciates that Apple takes full responsibility for the experience. Few customers want to be a system's integrator.
Another question raised the use of LTE in future phones. Apple said that the first generation of LTE chipsets forced a lot of design compromises, and Apple was unwilling to make those compromises.

Finally, on Steve Jobs health, the executives reported that they continue to see Jobs on a regular basis and that Jobs continues to be involved in major strategic decisions. They commented that Jobs wants to be back full time as soon as he can.

No comments: