Apple iPhone could struggle in Japan
Mobile Phones - Devices June 8th, 2008
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Apple iPhone could struggle in Japan
Apple iPhone has been a major success in all the markets it has been launched in till now.
The company recently announced their deal with Softbank which would see them bringing the iPhone in Japan.
Japan is much different from other markets. Their mobile technology is very advanced and handsets available here are much more powerful and feature rich compared to other markets.
As a result, Japanese mobile users are used to getting a lot of work done on their mobile devices.
Apple on the other hand has focused on simplicity when it comes to their first generation iPhone.
Apple is expected to launch the second generation model of the iPhone next week. It would be interesting to see what they might have in store for us.
As for Japan, Apple just might surprise the analysts by become the mobile phone maker of choice as they have been dominating the MP3 industry here since quite some time now…
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Tags: Apple, Apple iPhone, Japan, mobile devices, Smartphones
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About
This article was clearly written by someone who does not live in Japan. While it is true the the average technology of cell phones are much higher here than other places, it is equally clear that the power of brand-cache outweighs a lot. Many people here have told me that they will get an iPhone once it is available here in Japan. And remember, that people said the same thing about Apple’s potential for making inroads to the mp3 market in Japan 10 years ago. Yet they dominate now…
Where are all these so called “very advanced and handsets available here are much more powerful and feature rich compared to other markets.” devices… Japanese phones are good for only 1 thing… 3d video games… do not expect to surf on the internet with them, their Mobile and PC browser (mainly Access) are slow and crappy at best… GPS features? Yes they are good, but no one use them, Taking picture with a Japanese mobile phone ? Better get a REAL camera… anyway, I predict a HUGE success for the iPHONE in japan for several reasons
1) the iPOD / iTOUCH is AMAZINGLY popular here
2) People Love Apple products here and their design
3) A REAL all in 1 device.
Now if only the lack of a Felica or Suica module could slow them down… but you will see, Apple will be clrealy soon among leaders in the Japanese mobile industry
Ditto that. Anyone who lives in Japan knows that the phones here have lots of bells and whistles but very few productivity functions and poor connectivity and integration. Also, Apple has a larger market share here. It’s sure to sell.
The iPhone will be a smash in Japan. It’s true that Japanese mobile phones are loaded with features that the iPhone doesn’t have but it’s also true that almost no one uses them because their crappy user interface makes it too much trouble.
The only things most Japanese use their phones for are email, taking pictures and making phone calls. Once they get their hands on the iPhone, they’ll add browsing to the list and then tell their friends how great it is, leading to an ‘iPhone boom.’
I’ll be picking mine up on July 11th. ;-)
Jimmie
Ashiya, Japan