The ecosystem is a significant reason why people buy Apple products.
People buy iPhones in the tens of millions because they like the hardware. However, that’s a big part of it, but because they’re part of an ever-expanding ecosystem of software and services that allows you to do more with the devices if you keep investing in it.
Allow me to explain.
When Apple released the iPhone in 2007, iPod customers already using iTunes recognised something familiar and far more user-friendly than the BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Palm smartphones available at the time. iTunes was the seed of an ecosystem that has grown into a colossal elm over the last ten years.
In 2008, the App Store was launched. When users purchased apps and games, they were also buying Apple stock. They were burrowing further into Apple’s offering and further away from BlackBerry and a new operating system on the horizon: Android, as they paid $0.99 and $1.99 for new software that only ran on their Apple handsets.
Apple kept expanding this ecosystem by altering how its goods interacted with one another. For example, Apple offered the ability to use iMessage and FaceTime from an iPad, allowing you to continue your iPhone discussions on your tablet. Then it brought similar functionality to Macs and the ability to make complete phone calls. As a result, the better your Apple products functioned together, the more you used them.
Siri was first released on the iPhone and iPad, then the Mac, Apple TV, and even the Apple Watch. So no matter where you were, it became a familiar voice to answer your inquiries.
ACCORDING TO APPLE CEO TIM COOK, Apple TV evolved from a “hobby” to an actual home streaming device with its app store. So if you have an iPhone used or iPad or even new ones, all of your photos are accessible across all of your devices, even your living room TV, thanks to Apple’s Photos app.
Home, an iOS app, allows you to control light bulbs, window shades, door locks, and other devices that have been built with Apple’s HomeKit development tools. As a result, customers decide to stick with Apple as they purchase these items.
Because Apple has such a significant retail presence, customers are more likely to be aware of them.
When you walk into an Apple Store, professional employees will demonstrate how to utilise any of your Apple products. Alternatively, you can browse the shelves and buy any number of goods that will function with your iPhone or iPad.
The Apple Store also serves as the company’s support centre, where you may get help with queries, broken items, and other issues. In addition, if you have AppleCare+, the company’s top warranty plan, you can often get your pricey Apple gadgets repaired for very little money, even on the same day.
Apple kept expanding this ecosystem by altering how its goods interacted with one another. For example, Apple offered the ability to use iMessage and FaceTime from an iPad, allowing you to continue your iPhone discussions on your tablet. Then it brought similar functionality to Macs and the ability to make complete phone calls. As a result, the better your Apple products functioned together, the more you used them.
Siri was first released on the iPhone and iPad, then the Mac, Apple TV, and even the Apple Watch. So no matter where you were, it became a familiar voice to answer your inquiries.
Competitors aren’t as knowledgeable about ecosystems as you are.
Apple’s competitors are attempting to follow in Apple’s footsteps. But they’re going about it in a chaotic manner that will perplex most customers who don’t spend their days studying the tech industry’s ins and outs.
Google is making parallel steps to combine devices such as the Google Home, Pixel smartphone, Chromecast smart TV, and more, a positive start.
However, Google’s network of goods is built and maintained primarily through partnerships, which can be perplexing.
The difference between SmartThings and Apple Home is that customers are familiar with Apple Home (look for the yellow icon on your new iPhone) and can control it using a single app on their smartphone. SmartThings, on the other hand, maybe managed by a variety of apps and devices, including Google Assistant and Amazon Echo. It’s adaptable, but it’s also a lot more for a consumer to comprehend, and it’s a lot more challenging to get started with. There’s no bright yellow app pleading with you to download it to your new phone.
How does an LG Android smartphone owner know what intelligent home gadgets it supports? For example, who should a customer contact for assistance if they purchase an Android TV box from NVIDIA and a Huawei smartwatch? (The correct answers are NVIDIA and Huawei, not Google.)
Samsung is improving its ability to create an ecosystem similar to Apple’s. In the United States, it sells smartphones, tablets, televisions, wearables, laptops, and programmes like SideSync that let you communicate with your smartphone from a Samsung tablet or laptop. Samsung Pay, for example, is probably better than Apple Pay because it is accepted in more places.
Clients also require a support system. You’ll be on the phone with your smartphone insurance provider if you smash your Samsung smartphone — assuming you bought insurance at all. Next, stroll into an Apple Store if you have an iPhone. Depending on your warranty status, Apple may charge you a premium, but you’ll have a solution from the retailer where you bought your phone. That’s a significant achievement.
Apple’s competitors may be able to produce a better smartphone, laptop, or augmented reality gadget than Apple. On the other hand, Apple has had years to develop an ecosystem of products that complement each other. Its services division is now nearly as big as a Fortune 100 corporation. Any competitor will have a long time to catch up.