By Jo Best, 25 May 2007 12:30
NEWS
Consumers have never seen one, touched one or even got the full details of what it is and how it works - but apparently almost everyone thinks it's better than the one they've got now.
According to research from analyst house Strategy Analytics, 90 per cent of mobile users said they believe the forthcoming iPhone will be better than the mobile they currently have.
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The research also found more than 40 per cent of individuals rate the iPhone much better across key functional categories - including music player, web browsing, voicemail and phone call management than their own phone.
It's unclear how consumers have made their value judgement given that, to date, only a handful of Apple execs have been given an iPhone handset to use. The device itself is yet to be released to the public and no firm launch date has been set beyond the company saying it will appear in June.
Consumers aren't happy with every aspect of the iPhone, however. Strategy Analytics found they balk at the cost - the phone will be sold at two price points, $499 for a 4GB device and $599 for an 8GB version.
Other industry watchers have also queried the pricing of the handset. A report from Harris Interactive suggested 40 per cent of would-be iPhone buyers would wait for the price to come down before putting their hand in their pocket.
Comments
There are 7 comments. Join the discussion
1. GK
It's all to do with the branding and marketing, and the associations they have with the brand. No doubt the success of iPods have played its part in this.
2. JH
So, consumers think it is better than their existing phone even though they have never used or seen one. How about telling me next week's lottery numbers now and i will then believe it will be better (when it finally reaches the UK at some overly stupid price).
It is no better than the mobile phone I currently use due to the fact I can use my current phone to make calls, take pictures, listen to music, watch video's etc whenever I want to, not in 6 months or so time.
3. Julian Nicholls
Err, No!
I have a Nokia N95, which outstrips the iPhone in just about every way possible, except screen size and resolution, but my screen isn't taken up with buttons.
I can't believe that it's not even a 3G phone.
4. anonymous
Having seen the keynote demo of the iPhone, I wait for the release of this device with much anticipation. Having the misfortune for being responsible for managing an assortment of handsets and smart phones as part of my job, and struggling with their clunky and slow interfaces, I am hoping that Apple's entry into the market will up the ante generally and lead to an improvement in all similar devices.
5. JS
Thats because 90% of consumers use "Dumb" phones. If they had a smart phone or PDA then, features like a music/media player, web browser, touch screen and more sophisticatd operating system wouldn't be such a big deal. I am sure it will be very pretty with some innovations and be a huge success which will be more down to brand perception and marketing. I hope they intentionally have a 3.5G model lined up so they can have another woohaa revolutionary launch.
6. Karen Challinor
imac, ipod, ilife, itunes, iphone, imedia, icaramba, ipriced, icantplayitanywhereelse, idontwantany
7. anonymous
Most phones are usability nightmares, they are clearly put together to match an engineering specification with very little thought as to how they will be used.
Whether people have seen the onlines demonstrations of the iPhone or just expect Apple to make something elegant and easy to use based on past products I hope that it encourages other manufacturers to try to catch up.