Despite its fame, Apple needs lessons in patient care

China is already iPhone's biggest market. The company's latest quarterly report revealed in July that greater China market contributed 26.7 percent of its group revenue and 29.9 percent of its operating profit. However, by March, of the company's 450 retail stores globally, just 21 were open here.

This huge global firm has made strenuous efforts to lure Chinese customers by launching continually bigger and brighter screens, better-looking devices in every conceivable color, and functions that are too many to list.

But with the emergence of China's very own smartphone makers, and increasingly fierce competition in the market, Apple appears to be missing one of the fundamentals of business: Ensuring its after-sales service is as slick as its products.

For those who are addicted to the Internet, nothing can ruin your day more than a sick smartphone.

But unlike real patients, who must be cured, anyone can replace a malfunctioning device with a cheaper and newer substitute. Be warned Apple.