It is perhaps a sign of decline when a major company loses the lead and starts to imitate its competition. Apple, which dominated the smartphone market in 2010 with its number one selling iPhone as well as its revolutionary iPad, now might be making concessions to keep pace with its South Korean competitor, Samsung. Specifically, Samsung’s large-screened Galaxy “phablets” are making a splash. Though Steve Jobs determined the perfect sized screen for an iPhone to be 3.5 inches, more people are using their phones for internet and streaming content. Samsung’s Galaxy s4 has a 5-inch screen, and its Galaxy Note 2 has a 5.5-inch screen.
That is perhaps why it is rumored from a few Apple insiders, as reported by Reuters, who claim next year iPhones could offer a 4.7-inch model and a 5.7-inch model screen. What’s more, Apple may or may not offer less expensive models of their phone. The expensive models would still be in black and white, but a $99 model could come in a variety of colors. This again, would be to keep pace with Samsung, as it offers individualized alternatives and a wealth of possible models for its smartphones.
The pattern at least is reminiscent of automakers. The T-model Ford automobiles used to come all in one color, black, until competitors offered different shapes, colors, and options. Some critics of Apple have claimed the company slowed down its innovations after Steve Jobs passed away. It seems that now they are following their competition in the market rather than leading them.