The 'Apple' effect
Discussion
So I watched the Apple event earlier today, revealing the next generation of iPhones.
Just like every year, we gasp at the pricing - and some dismiss ever buying one all together.
... and yet there will be early adopters eager to whip out the card and buy the '$1099 max s' on day one.
Will these early adopters be mocked at the workplace by colleagues for paying such a premium? In my experience, no.
Whenever someone has the latest iPhone in the office, crowds form - people love seeing it in the flesh and gaze in wonder.
These people also become the spotlight... "hey did ya know he/she has the latest iPhone?".
As prices eventually soften to psychologically attractive area ($999?), they'll likely be a horde of folk ordering them, paying in full or on a plan.
My point is, if Android or Huawei had the same tech and tried to market their new phones at similar pricing, would it work?
If someone brings in the latest Samsung/Huawei into the workplace, virtually no one will care.
It's a similar thing with Apple Macbooks vs Microsoft Surface offerings. No one gives any attention to the Surface hardware... even though it's clear it takes clean design cues from Apple hardware.
Is there a term in economics to describe what's going on here. It seems like a 'Bernays' thing; "make them feel they need it".
Whatever it is, Apple has a connection with it's consumers like very few others.
Just like every year, we gasp at the pricing - and some dismiss ever buying one all together.
... and yet there will be early adopters eager to whip out the card and buy the '$1099 max s' on day one.
Will these early adopters be mocked at the workplace by colleagues for paying such a premium? In my experience, no.
Whenever someone has the latest iPhone in the office, crowds form - people love seeing it in the flesh and gaze in wonder.
These people also become the spotlight... "hey did ya know he/she has the latest iPhone?".
As prices eventually soften to psychologically attractive area ($999?), they'll likely be a horde of folk ordering them, paying in full or on a plan.
My point is, if Android or Huawei had the same tech and tried to market their new phones at similar pricing, would it work?
If someone brings in the latest Samsung/Huawei into the workplace, virtually no one will care.
It's a similar thing with Apple Macbooks vs Microsoft Surface offerings. No one gives any attention to the Surface hardware... even though it's clear it takes clean design cues from Apple hardware.
Is there a term in economics to describe what's going on here. It seems like a 'Bernays' thing; "make them feel they need it".
Whatever it is, Apple has a connection with it's consumers like very few others.
TheAngryDog said:
I can't say I've ever worked anywhere where crowds form because someone has a new phone. Either the people you work with are all obsessed with shiny stuff or the people I have always worked with have been well adjusted..
I work in tech.DukeDickson said:
What they have got absolutely nailed is the Scientology/Mormon/Soylent Green angle. If you believe and/or the generally not that consequential differences work for 'you', then the ever increasing cost seems not to matter one iota.
That's more of the angle I was getting at - it's remarkable how they have done it.The purpose of this thread wasn't to bash Apple, I have some Apple products.
It just seems whatever ground breaking advancement happens in the tech space isn't considered worthy unless Apple have done it - they appear to have the authority in the tech space.
To put it another way...
"Volkswagen announces 50% increase in electric vehicle range" = { tumbleweeds, crickets }
"Tesla announces 50% increase in electric vehicle range" = mass hype/hysteria
Just trying to deconstruct what gives Apple/Tesla that edge, and if it easily replicated.
Coolbanana said:
Not all Flagships are equal and it is a complete and utter nonsense that a phone half the cost of the Apple and Samsung flagships will match them in every way. I like the OnePlus 6 for example. A lot cheaper than the aforementioned flagships but to say it is just as good in every respect is rubbish.
I've had the same conversation with a co-worker... he was trying to persuade me to get the One-plus and how amazing it was for the price. As soon as I saw the screen quality in comparison to my galaxy I was no longer interested. It's a good phone but isn't on the same shelf as a Galaxy.
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