Apple’s product pricing has always been a hot topic for tech observers and consumers alike.
Most of their creations have been notoriously expensive: the about-to-be released iPhone 6s ranges from $649 to $849, depending on the phone’s storage space. The iPad Pro, the tech giant’s newest tablet computer, will be available in November and is slated to cost $799.
Historically, Apple has never shied away from hauling huge amounts of money from their products. After all, the company has always emphasized simplicity and user convenience, which always leads to consumers highly appreciating what the company offers.
Regardless though, should Apple still be burning holes in their consumers’ pockets with every product release?
Sizing up the competition
The tech giant faces stiff competition on all fronts – we’ve come a long way from the Zune.
In operating systems, its largest rival in the mobile front is Google’s Android, while in desktop computers, it has perennially fought against Microsoft Windows.
In mobile phones, it’s fighting a colossal battle with Samsung, while other manufacturers, like Chinese upstart Huawei and Taiwan’s HTC, are gaining ground.
In tablets, bitter rival Samsung’s Galaxy tablets are doing well, while Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 is critically-acclaimed and is even claimed to be better than iPad Pro, despite the latter not being in the market yet.
Apple has yet to face stiff competition in the smart watch market. Though Apple Watch hasn’t received raving reviews since its release, it is young and the recently rolled out watchOS 2 has addressed certain issues and opened up the system for developers.
In terms of prices, the other products are relatively cheaper. However, they have one glaring problem: they’re not Apple products. Over the years, the tech giant has created a large following of die-hard fans who are perpetually loyal to the company and would spend hours in line trying to get their hands on the newest iPhone.
Apple and user experience
One thing stands out from Apple compared to its competitors, which is its penchant to satiate user experience. It has always prioritized convenience and functionality in its designs. Take for example the old iMac G3: it’s still better designed than most personal computers today. Its ports, wires, and connectors are accessible and easy compared assembling wires at the back of a PC.
Nowadays, this tendency is evidently visible on the iPhone – every release banks on innovative features which somehow makes everything easy for users. The most notable one in the iPhone 6s is the 3D Touch feature, which enables users to navigate around their phones with fewer taps.
Spec focus
In terms of specs, Apple has always been “up there” but never the top dog. Take for example this comparison of the Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6: the Galaxy seems to be way ahead against the iPhone in terms of specs.
Other manufacturers like Oppo, HTC, and Huawei are creating better-looking smart phones, but why are they lagging behind Apple in terms of popularity? In this case, you could credit Apple’s better marketing schemes. Apple’s presentations, ads, and product pages are a notch higher compared to other manufacturers.
Sometimes, it’s not what it is. It’s how a product is presented.
Apple as a secure platform
Although the tech giant has been hounded with malware attacks in the past few days, particularly in the App Store, its software are relatively secure and safe compared to other manufacturers, like Microsoft and Google.
Apple imposes strong security protocols on its devices, making it hard for viruses and malicious software to penetrate their devices. Most viruses out in the wild are currently tailor-made for Windows computers – this is so mainly since Microsoft boomed in the 90s, which also coincided with the rise of viruses.
Though Apple is not immune to them, which is why installing antivirus software is still a must, there is a feeling of safety and security when owning such a device.
So, can Apple still demand a premium price for their products? Judging from their history, secure platforms, and the simplicity of their products, I think that they still can for now.
