Not in Apple-pie order

The new products launched by Apple have got a lukewarm response from consumers. It seems the company, known for its innovative products until recently, is now facing a serious innovative dilemma, says an article on youth.cn. Excerpts:

Of late, some consumers have become indifferent to Apple products. Apple, under Steve Jobs, caused a revolution in the cell phone market after releasing its first smartphone in 2007. As a result, it took home almost 70 percent of the cell phone market's profit by releasing just one or two new products a year.

The new iPhone 5C in five colours are placed together at Apple Inc's announcement event in Beijing, September 11, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] 

But after the death of Jobs, it seems Apple products have changed from a "work of art" to common industrial products.

With Samsung controlling a big chunk of the smartphone market and Android software application creating waves among consumers, Apple is now busy trying to cut costs and lower its products' prices to maintain its market share. In a way, Apple has become like any other company.

Apple should realize that it takes five years at most for a non-innovative company to lose its advantage in the high-tech market. It should also realize that consumers have very high expectations from its products as far as innovative products are concerned, and they will start looking for other companies' gadgets if it fails to meet their expectations.

Innovation is what made Apple the market leader. And lack of innovation can cause its downfall.

(China Daily 09/23/2013 page9)