|
|
 |
|
Viewing report
|
|
|
|
Converged Devices Perspective / Vol. 1, Issue 6, Edition 9
Pyramid Research, Inc., Sep 2008
The iPhone Aint So Bad
By the look of recent press on the iPhone 3G, the handset has disappointed many in the market. Some criticize the 3G network availability — or the lack thereof — raising questions about AT&T’s 3G coverage and capacity as well as the quality of the 3G chip used in the handset. Others are simply dissatisfied with the battery life, as the iPhone requires a daily charge or two, depending on usage. Nonetheless, while the criticism of its performance piles up, the iPhone 3G continues to draw crowds at Apple and AT&T stores and to pioneer new, promising business models for mobile data. Specifically, Apple’s App Store, launched at the same time as the 3G version of the iPhone on July 11, aspires to be the iTunes of mobile data applications and comprises a slew of data applications created for mobile use by some big-name brands. The App Store drove over 100 million downloads, some for a fee and some free, in its first two months of availability.
We argue that the iPhone 3G is not as disappointing as the recent press would have you believe, and while there is certainly room for improvement, we rank it right on top today for its capabilities and features. What is more, its ongoing impact on the development and adoption of both smartphones and mobile data services in the US and beyond is unprecedented. Indeed, the iPhone together with the BlackBerry have popularized the smartphone among consumers, making smartphones the fastest growing segment of the US device market. By our estimates, smartphones will account for 20% of total US handset sales in 2008, up from 14% in 2007, and will continue to gain share, reaching 30% of sales by 2013. The implication of an increasing base of smartphones has been positive for mobile data revenue growth, and the iPhone 3G data pricing model suggests that they will come if you build it.
|
|
|
|
