The Woz: Apple got 'arrogant' with iPhone 5

Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, has taken another jab at the company.

During an interview, the Woz was asked about his thoughts on the iPhone 5 in which he responded:

Part of me wishes Apple had not been so arrogant and feeling like 'We're the only one with the right clue.' I wish they had made a wider version [of the iPhone 5]...I think Apple tricked itself by saying 'Oh, you can reach everything with one thumb.'

I don't see anybody having trouble using the larger screen. But Apple said that as a defensive move because everyone else had larger screens...Not all people want the same thing. A lot of people really like big screens.

As he usually is, Wozniak is of course right that Apple has become arrogant believing that consumers only want one thing and that they can provide it. Android and even Windows Phone offer larger screens, expendable memory, and removable batteries (for the most part), making them more consumer friendly.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 11 Oct 2012 12:06

KSib

Two things:

First, this implies they weren't arrogant already. Secondly, they can be arrogant all day every day. You think people won't still buy the next iPhone even if the changes are minimal from the previous version that they already have? If it ain't broke and it's making you truckloads of money, then don't fix it.

11.10.2012 13:24 #1

i1der

You get to love Woz! guy loves tech just like us.

Quote:If it ain't broke and it's making you truckloads of money, then don't fix it. That's what Nokia thought, look where they are now.

11.10.2012 15:13 #2

KSib

The big difference is Nokia doesn't have a cult following the size of Apple. Most companies can't do what Apple does and still keep making even more money than the last time.

11.10.2012 15:24 #3

SProdigy

I know that expandable memory is a "go to" for some, but I never liked the idea of having some things on my phone and some spread out on a card. Everything in one place is good for me.

Replaceable batteries are only necessary for extreme business types or if you feel you're going to have the same phone 4 or 5 years from now (unlikely.) I usually have a charger nearby on my desk or in the car, swapping out an extra battery (that also needs charged) just seems like a pain to me.

Larger screen - yes. Why on Earth Apple did this is beyond me. Every device had a ratio that was equal, even the retinas being 2x the old devices and iPad was the same. Now this ugly thing comes along and every dev has to redo their apps, all because they think wider videos are a great idea? Get a clue Apple, you caused more headaches for devs, which is the one thing you have over Android right now.

Oh and that new connector - way to shaft every single person that's supported your products over the years. These guys love to sell you a $30 adapter for everything. Ridiculous.

11.10.2012 15:33 #4

Frogfart

I had an iPhone 4 and I loved it. Then last month I got a Galaxy S3 and I loved it even more than the iPhone 4, but, I couldn't get a telephone signal at home or at work so I got an iPhone 5. Both phones have great and bad features and none is better than the other.
What I want to say is that all Companies/Empires rise and fall and it can be currently seen in the global west versus east politics.

11.10.2012 16:05 #5

DVDBack23

Just thought I should throw in here that Apple's stock has fallen 12 percent since the iOS 6 fiasco, the equivalent of about $60 billion in value lost. It's still worth $600 billion...but losing that kind of value in two weeks is insane.

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11.10.2012 16:44 #6

wheelstb

Originally posted by KSib: Two things:

First, this implies they weren't arrogant already. Secondly, they can be arrogant all day every day. You think people won't still buy the next iPhone even if the changes are minimal from the previous version that they already have? If it ain't broke and it's making you truckloads of money, then don't fix it. Apples marketing is brilliant and I do not understand it at all. I have no idea how they are able to keep people flocking to the stores for a device that has changed minimally over the previous generation.

I have to admit I do not own an iPhone and I never will, partly because Apple changes something minimally and acts like they have created the greatest product the world has ever seen.

Maybe those of you who are continually upgrading your devices can explain to me why people are constantly running out to get the latest and greatest Apple device even though it's very close to what's already in their pocket and does your budget no favors.

11.10.2012 18:59 #7

cyprusrom

Originally posted by SProdigy: I know that expandable memory is a "go to" for some, but I never liked the idea of having some things on my phone and some spread out on a card. Everything in one place is good for me.

Replaceable batteries are only necessary for extreme business types or if you feel you're going to have the same phone 4 or 5 years from now (unlikely.) I usually have a charger nearby on my desk or in the car, swapping out an extra battery (that also needs charged) just seems like a pain to me.

Larger screen - yes. Why on Earth Apple did this is beyond me. Every device had a ratio that was equal, even the retinas being 2x the old devices and iPad was the same. Now this ugly thing comes along and every dev has to redo their apps, all because they think wider videos are a great idea? Get a clue Apple, you caused more headaches for devs, which is the one thing you have over Android right now.

Oh and that new connector - way to shaft every single person that's supported your products over the years. These guys love to sell you a $30 adapter for everything. Ridiculous. Everything you mentioned, comes down to personal choice, it doesn't necessarily means it is practical.
The "replaceble battery" for example. batteries stop keeping charge long before 4-5 years. Why would I buy another phone, or spend a good chunk of money to have some crApple bozo change it for me, when I could do that for $10 or so?

I have a Samsung GS2. I have the original battery, for day to day use, and then I have an extra one, that lasts about %60 more. If I go on a trip/hiking,etc..., and don't care to be charging my phone every day, I take the big battery with me, leave the small one home. It is an option that I want to have, because it's useful, and makes sense. cannot do that with a rotten apple...
Removable memory...Without it, couldn't run the extra GPS software, with the maps on board available off line any time. Would never buy a phone/device without expandable memory. That's why Nexus 7 failed in my eyes,and waiting for the next iteration...

11.10.2012 20:11 #8

Dmite30

Originally posted by wheelstb: Originally posted by KSib: Two things:

First, this implies they weren't arrogant already. Secondly, they can be arrogant all day every day. You think people won't still buy the next iPhone even if the changes are minimal from the previous version that they already have? If it ain't broke and it's making you truckloads of money, then don't fix it. Apples marketing is brilliant and I do not understand it at all. I have no idea how they are able to keep people flocking to the stores for a device that has changed minimally over the previous generation.

I have to admit I do not own an iPhone and I never will, partly because Apple changes something minimally and acts like they have created the greatest product the world has ever seen.

Maybe those of you who are continually upgrading your devices can explain to me why people are constantly running out to get the latest and greatest Apple device even though it's very close to what's already in their pocket and does your budget no favors. I read an article awhile back(if i can find it again i'll post it), that said, they took full fledged religious-peoples and apple fan-boys. They did an MRI on each person thinking about their own thing (apple, or their god), the scans showed that the same part of the brain was "working" in both groups. So, they see it has a "religious" type of technology. If you ask me, more brain-washed then anything.

Stupid questions are for google. Learn how to use it, because everyone has a stupid question every now and then.

http://google.com

11.10.2012 20:24 #9

swayze215

Expendable memory is one of reasons I don't have a iphone no torrent apps for downloading
needs to play any video format avi,mkv

11.10.2012 21:01 #10

Ibid34 (unverified)

iPhone 5 just went from itty bitty baby screen to toddler size.

12.10.2012 07:02 #11

SProdigy

Originally posted by cyprusrom: Originally posted by SProdigy: I know that expandable memory is a "go to" for some, but I never liked the idea of having some things on my phone and some spread out on a card. Everything in one place is good for me.

Replaceable batteries are only necessary for extreme business types or if you feel you're going to have the same phone 4 or 5 years from now (unlikely.) I usually have a charger nearby on my desk or in the car, swapping out an extra battery (that also needs charged) just seems like a pain to me.

Larger screen - yes. Why on Earth Apple did this is beyond me. Every device had a ratio that was equal, even the retinas being 2x the old devices and iPad was the same. Now this ugly thing comes along and every dev has to redo their apps, all because they think wider videos are a great idea? Get a clue Apple, you caused more headaches for devs, which is the one thing you have over Android right now.

Oh and that new connector - way to shaft every single person that's supported your products over the years. These guys love to sell you a $30 adapter for everything. Ridiculous. Everything you mentioned, comes down to personal choice, it doesn't necessarily means it is practical.
The "replaceble battery" for example. batteries stop keeping charge long before 4-5 years. Why would I buy another phone, or spend a good chunk of money to have some crApple bozo change it for me, when I could do that for $10 or so?

I have a Samsung GS2. I have the original battery, for day to day use, and then I have an extra one, that lasts about %60 more. If I go on a trip/hiking,etc..., and don't care to be charging my phone every day, I take the big battery with me, leave the small one home. It is an option that I want to have, because it's useful, and makes sense. cannot do that with a rotten apple...
Removable memory...Without it, couldn't run the extra GPS software, with the maps on board available off line any time. Would never buy a phone/device without expandable memory. That's why Nexus 7 failed in my eyes,and waiting for the next iteration... Good reply and makes sense to me, but you're probably in the minority. I'm also capable of changing my own battery (heck I replaced an entire cracked iPhone screen) but I'm also in the minority.

The one thing some people still believe in is customer service and I know Apple has English speaking tech support and stores you can walk into and get help right away. Not saying if it's good/bad one way or the other, but it's something they do have a leg up on against say, Samsung. If you're Galaxy breaks, what do you do with it? Good luck getting Best Buy to fix or replace it right then and there!

12.10.2012 15:38 #12

YOBUZZB

I've found far more people who like expandable memory and removable batteries than not. Also the ability to use a range of formats seems to be a driving point that steers many people to the Android most notably Samsung.

I do wonder though, how many of the avid Apple iPhone5 users are new to iPhone. My guess is that Apple has more repeat customers than new.

I own an iPod Touch which I received as a Christmas gift. I don't like that I 'have' to use iTunes. I'd like the choice. When the battery stops holding a charge, I'll have to take it to the Apple store to replace the battery. With only 8GB of storage, I am limited in what I can load on it unless I won't to pay an additional $100-$300 more for 16GB or 32GB, which I don't and I won't. So for me, most people I know and those that I've talked to...expandable memory is a big deal and cost much less and the choices vary much more than with Apple.

"In all your getting, get an understanding!"

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12.10.2012 18:53 #13

xboxd00d

Originally posted by wheelstb: I have to admit I do not own an iPhone and I never will, partly because Apple changes something minimally and acts like they have created the greatest product the world has ever seen.
Seriously dude, it's a phone, what do u expect it to do, make u a coffee or rub your feet after a hard day at work?
Lmao.
If we liken it to a pc, they haven't changed much since back in the day, they just get better, faster, and do things more efficiently, just like each iPhone that comes out does it tasks faster than its predecessor!

Originally posted by Ibid34: iPhone 5 just went from itty bitty baby screen to toddler size.
Compared to what, a 50 inch tv???
How big do u want your phone to be? I personally don't wanna hold a tablet sized device up to my ear!
Lol

"Trying is the first step towards Failure" Homer.J.Simpson

13.10.2012 04:11 #14

cyprusrom

Originally posted by SProdigy:

Good reply and makes sense to me, but you're probably in the minority. I'm also capable of changing my own battery (heck I replaced an entire cracked iPhone screen) but I'm also in the minority.

The one thing some people still believe in is customer service and I know Apple has English speaking tech support and stores you can walk into and get help right away. Not saying if it's good/bad one way or the other, but it's something they do have a leg up on against say, Samsung. If you're Galaxy breaks, what do you do with it? Good luck getting Best Buy to fix or replace it right then and there! I am extremely doubtful that I am in minority...people do like things that are practical and make sense, more often than not. As for changing a battery on your own on an Apple device, opening it up, voiding the warranty and all that...that's definitely something for a "minor" minority!

The ability to walk into an Apple store for help-definitely not a plus. Most times they cannot help you with a real problem, they'll just tell you to wait for the next OTA update.Lets assume they were capable geeks, the stores are so scarce in most states(there are many that have one or two stores statewide;driving to a store for 400 miles to troubleshoot your gadget is really not that practical, at least not for me).So, you still have to pick up the phone and take your chance with someone with a funny accent. Or, you have to take it to a retailer that sells it, in the hope that they can help you- just like you'd do with any other phone brand.

13.10.2012 10:15 #15

wheelstb

Quote:Seriously dude, it's a phone, what do u expect it to do, make u a coffee or rub your feet after a hard day at work?
Lmao.
If we liken it to a pc, they haven't changed much since back in the day, they just get better, faster, and do things more efficiently, just like each iPhone that comes out does it tasks faster than its predecessor! I see your point but I can't help but think that Apple could make more substantial improvements between releases. You can't possibly expect each product release from a company to be revolutionary but you should be able to expect them to be worthwhile. I'm not really talking about the last iPhone to this iPhone particularly, I'm talking about Apple's reputation and track record as a whole.

13.10.2012 17:56 #16

bolsonic1 (unverified)

Let us all be realistic here. Apple has its isheep that always follow their every move and are willing to consistently shell out their hard earned cash for their next product that usually has minimal improvements. Apple rose from the ashes with their iPod, and because of the media showing every celebrity buying one it became the hottest selling item in the world. Even though BETTER AND CHEAPER MP3 players had already long been all over the market the sales figures of ipods were through the roof. Gotta also love the fact that Apple knowingly shipped defective ipods over one holiday season and because so a ton of kids received junk for Xmas/Hanukkah. I will admit I do think some of the iPhones and iPods have some cool cosmetics to them but I still prefer my Samsung phones. I've had the fascinate and now the Galaxy S3 and they've never let me down. As much as I love seeing a American tech company do well I cannot stand the way Apple does business. Constantly suing competition over the most idiotic reasons, locking retailers in with no profit for selling their merchandise, make a proprietary connector and squeeze any third party manufacturer who tries to make accessories, and the list goes on and on. Screens and hardware made by and on the same assembly lines as the competition and most of their rivals phones have more features. Its only a matter of time before their long run is up. The Android platform is gaining more momentum and once companies start adding compatibility for mobile docks and other accessories where Apple has mostly been unchallenged I believe the public will smarten up. Like another poster has said Apple is missing features like memory expansion and battery replacement that are commonplace in the mobile phone world, and not to have 4g on the last phone was stupid. Another fine example of why Apple pisses people off, because like always Apple has their eyes set on $$$ and not whats best for the consumer. When the company can no longer have the "buy it or piss off" attitude then we will see what happens.

13.10.2012 23:58 #17

GernBlan

Originally posted by SProdigy: Oh and that new connector - way to shaft every single person that's supported your products over the years. These guys love to sell you a $30 adapter for everything. Ridiculous. Palm did the same thing -- they first F'd their decade-long userbase with a new connector, then they F'd their 3rd party developers with a new file system that made every app at best kludgy and at worst not working, put out another completely new connector, then a completely new OS, got rid of expandable memory, user replaceable battery, comparatively tiny screen, tried a whole new proprietary app store (F'd the 3rd party devs again)....and? Where's Palm now? A proof of concept in a HP's development lab.

Now Apple isn't the same as Palm, but remember that for a decade Palm was THE tech gadget...period. I agree with Wozniak -- Apple is not only arrogant, they're worse --they're complacent. They also need to realize that Android has 68% (and growing) of the market share to iOS's 17% (and shrinking). Apple does have the cult following and just one device focus, but...so did Palm and they had the majority chunk of market share back in their day.

No, I'm not predicting the immediate demise of Apple, but arrogance and complacency can easily lead to it.

14.10.2012 09:37 #18

wheelstb

I completely agree with everything Blan just said. I haven't really given it much thought but Palm was king of the hill for a long time and now they have taken a serious fall.

I believe that sooner or later apples marketing style is not going to be able to generate the demand and they are currently enjoying. I remember when iPods first became popular you have people saying "I want an iPod, what is an MP3 player I don't want one of those." The company and their products have become household names for everyone who wants to be in possession of the coolest gadget. Eventually there will be a change in substance and their style over substance approach could lead to their demise.

Sorry for the typos I am half sleep.

14.10.2012 19:50 #19

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