The Apple Corporation, Essay Example

The Apple Corporation practically invented the contemporary smartphone market when it introduced the first iPhone in 2006. Many of the features found in the iPhone were already available in other phones or devices, but the iPhone brought them all together in a way that consumers found very appealing, and the iPhone remains one of the leading models of smartphones on the market.

The iPhone series is extremely convenient, because the Apple Store makes thousands of apps available to users all in one place. Apple also maintains the iTunes music library system, which allows iPhone users (and users of other Apple devices and computers) to download, store, and listen to their music collection all from one location.  Apple recently introduced Siri, which is a digital voice assistant that can help iPhone users get directions and find other information without doing an Internet search.  The iPhone series also has fitness functions that can track users’ health and exercise data.

The iPhone has always been one of the leading performers in the world of smartphones, and the newest models have improved wifi and cell phone connectivity. The iPhone series is based on very thin, flat phones with beautiful screens, and the shape and design of the iPhone series has strongly influenced how competitors have designed their phones.  There have even been lawsuits filed and won by Apple against companies like Samsung because other companies have copied designs and functions taken directly from the iPhone.

The iPhone series suns on the Apple iOS operating system, and the latest iPhone now runs on the recently-released iOS 8. Like most smartphones, the iPhone series uses touch screen technology to allow users to access apps, play games, and perform other functions. The iPhone series is not as adaptable and customizable as phones that run on the Android operating system, but the Apple Corporation has such an extensive library of apps and other services that Apple users have made the iPhone the most popular smartphone in the market. The newest iPhones cost approximately $199 with a two-year contract for the basic 32gb model, and can be purchased unlocked (without a contract) for $649.  The iPhones with greater storage capacity (like 64gb or 128gb) cost slightly more than the basic model. Apple offers a basic one-year warranty against manufacturing defects, but damage cost by misuse or mishandling is not covered. Apple does offer extended warranties starting at $99 which cover defects as well as damage.

The smartphone market has become increasingly competitive, and new phones from companies like HTC and Nokia are also popular with many consumers. Apple’s biggest competition comes from Samsung’s line of Galaxy smartphones, which run on the Android OS. Samsung’s phones contain many similar features to the iPhone, and the S series from Samsung also looks very similar to the iPhone in shape and screen resolution. Apple remains the single most popular manufacturer of smartphones, but Samsung is a close second. For consumers one of the basic decisions involves which operating system they prefer. Users who wish to customize their phones may prefer the Android system but for users who just want a beautiful, functional phone without having to modify it, and who like the convenience of the Apple Store and other services, the iPhone remains the best choice.