Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has finally revealed not one, but two new iPhones in an event last week, both with larger screens compared to the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus feature 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens respectively, along with a faster dual-core A8 SoC (System on a Chip) and a 128GB storage variant. It also features an 8MP camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), phase-detection autofocus and NFC payments.
Apple Is Behind The Curve In Hardware Specifications
Although Apple was the first smartphone vendor to utilize new generation hardware such as multi-touch capacitive screen and accelerometer in its devices, they have kind of slowed down since the release of the iPhone 4. Just after the announcement, an image comparing the iPhone 6 with the 2 year older Nexus 4 from LG Electronics Inc. (KRX:066570) went viral on the Internet. The image mocked the iPhone fanatics by explaining how Apple was at least 2 years late in bringing a smartphone with a 4.7-inch HD screen, NFC payments and 3rd-party keyboards. All these features were already present in the LG Nexus 4 which was released 2 years ago.
Now, all these allegations about the iPhone may be true, especially about hardware specifications. For instance, 1080p screens have existed in the Android world since December 2012. Same goes with the OIS and phase detection autofocus in the camera. The Nokia Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) Lumia 920 was the first smartphone to feature an optical image stabilisation while the Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (KRX:005930) Galaxy S5 was the first Android smartphone to feature the phase detection autofocus. The NFC was first introduced in Android smartphones starting with the Samsung Nexus S with Android 2.3 Gingerbread on-board.
Almost all the Android smartphone brands including Samsung, HTC Corp (TPE:2498), Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE), OnePlus, Asus (TPE:2357), Meizu, and Oppo took a dig at Apple. Samsung claimed that it took Apple three years to imitate them with a big screen like the Galaxy Note line-up. HTC wittingly mocked Apple for bringing a bigger screen and an elegant design while Oppo said that it wasn’t impressed by the iPhone 6 Plus, as it isn’t as compact as the Find 7 in spite of both featuring a 5.5-inch screen. Here are some of the hardware features that were introduced in the iPhone, though they were present earlier in devices based on other platforms.
| Features | iOS | Other Platforms |
| 1080p Display Resolution | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | December 2012 (HTC Butterfly) |
| Dual-Core Processor | October 2011 (Apple iPhone 4S) | January 2011 (LG Optimus 2X) |
| LP-DDR3 RAM | September 2013 (Apple iPhone 5S) | October 2012 (Samsung Nexus 10) |
| Phase Detection Autofocus | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | February 2014 (Samsung Galaxy S5) |
| OIS | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | September 2012 (Nokia Lumia 920) |
| Zero Shutter Lag | October 2011 (Apple iPhone 4S) | October 2011 (Samsung Galaxy Nexus) |
| Simultaneous Video/Image Capture | September 2012 (Apple iPhone 5) | October 2011 (Samsung Galaxy Nexus) |
| 1080p Videos @ 60 FPS | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | August 2013 (LG G2) |
| 4K Videos | Not Present Yet | September 2013 (Samsung Galaxy Note 3) |
| LTE-A | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | June 2013 (Samsung Galaxy S4) |
| Wi-Fi 802.11 ac | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | February 2013 (LG G Pro & HTC One M7) |
| P2P File Transfer | September 2013 (Apple iPhone 5S) | Since Forever |
| Fingerprint Sensor | September 2013 (Apple iPhone 5S) | January 2011 (Motorola Atrix) |
| NFC | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | February 2006 (Nokia 6131) |
| Contact-Less NFC Mobile Payment | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | October 2011 |
| Shatter Proof Display | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | January 2013 (Sony Xperia Z) |
| Barometer | September 2014 (Apple iPhone 6) | October 2011 (Samsung Galaxy Nexus) |
As you can see above in the comparison table, Apple was at least 6 months late in bringing new hardware technologies into their smartphones. But, a big question looms that is bringing new hardware the only biggest achievement?
Apple iPhone 6 Success: Thoughtful Execution, Not Specifications
There is no doubt that Apple has slowed down a bit in terms of introducing new hardware in its devices, but their forte has been execution since the start of the company. Meaningful and perfect execution of features have been in Apple’s DNA since their inception. During the introduction of the first iPhone, not only they used a multitouch capacitive screen for better touchscreen sensitivity and accuracy, they also designed the UI in such a way that the hardware was fully being utilized with features such as pinch-to-zoom and kinetic scrolling. These two features turned out to be so impressive that it changed the whole landscape of how touchscreen smartphones went on to evolve. Every smartphone platform which came into existence after the first iPhone used pinch-to-zoom and kinetic scrolling as the basic way to navigate around the UI. Similar was the case with the introduction of iTunes. The iTunes music management and music purchase service was introduced with the first iPod. It was with iTunes that consumers, for the first time, had an ability to purchase individual music tracks.
Barometer was first used in the Samsung Galaxy Nexus which was released around 2 years ago, but neither Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) nor Samsung made any practical use of it. Apple has introduced it in the iPhone 6 and is planning to measure elevation data during jogs, running and cycling. All of this data, coupled with vital information from Apple Watch will be integrated and measured in HealthKit. All the major fitness measurement product manufacturers are expected to integrate all the captured data into HealthKit APIs. This can make the HealthKit a holy grail of fitness related information of a user.
Apple had already introduced the Passbook last year, which allowed users to store coupons, event tickets, boarding passes, loyalty cards and other generic cards. Now with the introduction of NFC and Touch ID fingerprint recognition in the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Pay might be a success. Apple has already tied up with VISA (NYSE:V), MasterCard (NYSE:MA) and American Express (NYSE:AXP) for Apple Pay. They have also tied up with major banks in the US and managed to attract a lot of big retail and food store chains to work with them. Even though Google introduced NFC based mobile payment solution with Google Wallet 2 years ago with the Samsung Nexus S, they failed. According to reports from Financial Times, Apple will receive 0.15 percent cut from all the purchases made through Apple Pay. If this turns out to be even half the success of what is being expected, it would be a huge earning source for Apple in the coming years.
Just like these few examples, even though Apple is slightly late in introducing new hardware and features, almost all the business steps taken by Apple are usually very thoughtful and turn out to be successful in the long run. Not only Apple works on the implementation of those features, Apple also make sure that users actually use those features in their daily lives right from the day their devices are available for purchase. Combine these things with a possible massive upgrade cycle for the iPhone 6 and record prebooking for 4 million units of iPhone 6, it looks like 2014 will be a very successful year for Apple.
 iPhone 6 is facing criticism because of the late adoption of technology. But, its success doesn't relate to hardware specs){kind=link}
jgpmolloy Nathillien msuozzi1
Just curious but does Apple maps have Streetview or Earth? You can not in anyway compare Apple maps to Google maps. Sorry. However I do believe that having a closed ecosystem will temporarily help Apple with the Apple Pay because they can work as one to negotiate with retailers. Where as Google’s Wallet has to deal with all service providers. So no Apple did not innovate NFC technology, they can utilize it better (for now).
This is how Google wastes your money.
jgpmolloy
No, I don’t think Apple shouldn’t do larger phones.
I think; It doesn’t matter what Apple is doing with the phone size or with anything else for that matter. That is not the same as saying Apple is doing everything right or right on time.
You know very well who can claim such things.
Since Google maps are better (or at least more mature) than Apple maps would mean that 70% (if true) of Apple users are using subpar application. Why?
When I’m thinking about Apples mistake I think in the first place about how those mistakes influence their users and not how much Apple lost or gained by that.
Yeah they gained 70% of the users using their maps buy they lost two years of share growth because of it – among other things.
Nathillien msuozzi1
So I get from this influx of insults that you think Apple shouldn’t do a larger phone?
“The time was right for that shift years ago.”
Save Apple has done pretty damn well not going there.
“Now the question is – how is it that Apple failed in such a simple fact.”
Not sure how selling more phones year over year is a “fail” Please elucidate.
“I guess the time was right when they released Apple maps 2 years back – and look what that did to them. LOL”
Oh, dragging the old maps thing, eh? Here’s the thing Google refused to do turn by turn on the map monopoly they had on the iPhone. Apple got fed up and did it themselves. They jumped too early and they jumped too far, but actually it was the right thing to do and for the vast majority those maps worked well.
Google released it’s own map application with turn by turn but with other bits missing (Google claims they had to rip out the contact integration, because “Apple wouldn’t let them do it” despite the APIs all being in place, but I digress).
So a few years down the line, where do we stand? Apple’s maps app is pretty good now and Google have managed to retain at best 30% of the iOS market where they once had 100%.
I think Apple came out pretty well in the maps front.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oieDSQJFy8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioL7MRQvHM
BillyBob4 for you Apple iPhone 6 is not as great as msuozzi1 portrays here. Introducing the features at the right time is definitely an important aspects, but Apple is missing the touch of innovation its known for with every new series of iPhone, and this time its looks like Apple has completely missed it out !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpMQhyRDT2s
msuozzi1
So you are saying; only now the time is right for bigger sized phones because Apple did it.
Now, after 70% of the phones on the market have bigger screens (over 4.5).
Ridiculous claim.
The time was right for that shift years ago.
Now the question is – how is it that Apple failed in such a simple fact. How come they went in the wrong direction for so long regarding a such obvious design decision? And if so, what else are they doing and will do wrong if they missed such a trivial thing as the phone size.
I say a bunch of things. Will not be the first time.
I guess the time was right when they released Apple maps 2 years back – and look what that did to them. LOL
JoeBautista Oh Quelle Surprise. JoeBautista is also spamming comments section along with BillyBob.
I suspect both of these false contributors are in fact the same person.
msuozzi1 Pogue made the point in his review that he visited a 7-11 to check out NFC sales when Google Wallet was introduced. He went back last week and apparently he’s been the only person to have whipped a phone out to do that according to the owner.
BillyBob4 Looks like you needed to create yet another account to continue your spamming of all Apple related material. Sad. I hope it brings you money otherwise you’re wasting your time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA132ca0GRk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbxYXWKySKg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRjnDMgEJNM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvx9scLAALc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLUgaLE1YnQ
cheap
Asian markets slipped on Wednesday following a slide on Wall Street, with Tokyo hurt by a pick-up in the yen, while Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL – news) suppliers turned lower as investors were left unimpressed with the US giant’s latest iPhone and watchRead more at http://www.stockhouse.com/companies/bullboard/aapl/apple-inc#igbymRVSLKJi7jOR.99
So, you’d think that after just announcing record preorders for the iPhone 6, Apple’s shares would be surging to new highs, right? Actually, no — Apple shares are falling on Tuesday morning and the biggest reason why is that new reports out of China indicate that the world’s largest mobile carrier might not even launch theiPhone 6 this year.
RELATED: Apple announces record-smashing iPhone 6 preorders: 4 million in just 24 hours
Bloomberg brings us word that China Mobile “will focus on selling cheaper phones that don’t require subsidies as the world’s largest carrier said it doesn’t know when Apple’s iPhone 6 will be available in the nation.” The decision to push cheaper phones to customers comes as China Mobile is looking to cut $2 billion in subsidy costs it pays for high-end smartphones from Apple and Samsung.
Just how much more expensive is the iPhone in China compared to other 4G phones? According to Bloomberg, China Mobile is selling the iPhone 5s for 5,288 yuan with a contract, whereas a new 4G-capable phone from Huawei costs 1,199 yuan without a contract.
Given that China Mobile has nearly 800 million subscribers, news that the device might not launch on the carrier this year would obviously have a big impact on Apple’s holiday quarter iPhone sales. Because of this, Apple shares fell by more than 1.7% in pre-market trading and immediately dropped by 1.4% once trading officially started on
Read more at http://www.stockhouse.com/companies/bullboard/aapl/apple-inc#MTA6uQb1vjflgrg8.99
Joy Corrigan Next on Deck to Sue Apple Inc. for iCloud Leak09/16/2014 12:55 pm Filed Under: http://www.pfhub.com/news/aapl-apple-inc/, http://www.pfhub.com/news/technology-news/ by http://www.pfhub.com/author/kaitlin-longmire/
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It seems like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) hasn’t been able to completely block the aftermath of the iCloud hacking controversy. Joy Corrigan, a model and victim of the controversy has come out all guns blazing at Apple, saying that she warned the http://www.pfhub.com/how-to-form-a-llc-limited-liability-company/ in early July about the hack.
She felt her account was being tampered with and she reported it to Apple for the first time back in July; the company brushed it off saying that she should http://www.pfhub.com/cashier-gave-me-to-much-change-what-would-you-do/ her password as it was nothing more than phishing. Carrigan went back to Apple with another complaint but was given the same response. After the hacking incident that compromised over 100 iCloud account, Carrigan was contact by Apple, but not for an apology; the tech giant told the American model that it was not responsible for the hack.
Controversial photos of over 100 celebrities were leaked online by an anonymous user and posted on web forum 4Chan last month. It was clearly evident that Apple’s security system had been compromised, but Apple refused to accept that and said the hack was targeted and a result of phishing.
Now the model is gearing up to sue the tech giant company and she plans to go big; Corrigan wants other iCloud hacking victims to join her in the law-suit against Apple. She is pursuing the law-suit because Carrigan believes that Apple had “http://www.pfhub.com/top-10-lowest-paying-jobs/” security.
Is Apple really to blame?
Analysts and tech bloggers have consistently pointed out over the years that the ‘Find my iPhone’ feature has many glitches, which can be used as a vent to hack into the database. Apple Inc. has always denied this fact saying that its security is fool proof and the hacker got through to the victims simply by phishing and not by breaking into its database. The company said that a 40-hours long investigation was done to find the source, which revealed that the hack was nothing more than a targeted acted. No matter what Apple says, the tech giant will have to deal with numerous law suits.
One cannot help but question Carrigan’s wisdom here; she knew that her account was being targeted and yet she chose to keep her intimate picture online. However, Apple cannot be seen as the innocent party in this incident. When a company claims to have impregnable security then its users should be able to keep their personal data online using the company’s accounts. Apple was constantly reached by a user, but chose to ignore the complaints, which should never be deemed right.
Apple is not the only big name to have suffered this; Google also became a victim of a breach with 5 million hacked accounts. Cyber crime is on the rise like never before and the hackers are targeting all the big companies.
The http://www.pfhub.com/top-10-highest-paying-jobs/ thing to do for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) now is to man up and confront the situation with honesty and integrity and, most importantly, strengthen its security; it should make all efforts to apologize to its hack victims instead of freeing itself of all charges.
Read more at http://www.stockhouse.com/companies/bullboard/aapl/apple-inc#Z0FKuJdwLryjFGKh.99
ITS A PIECE OF JUNK OVER PRICED HACKABLE JUNK
Funny thing is that most specs you list were useless at the time released. AAP is about “when the time has come” execution.
NFC payments were unheard of in 2011 !
Just like TV….Samsung has had a smart TV for years; but nobody wants it because the market is not ready. When it is, so will AAPL; and then others benefit from AAPL’s validation by entry in the category.
AAPL is rarely first. But they are always “best”.