I am not talking about technical superiority when I write that many Android phone users appear to use them like a dumb phone. I am talking about web usage statistics and use for purchases that are regularly reported by platform. Apple users have higher incomes, spend more readily (not surprising, given the hefty markups on the hardware). This isn't a reflection on the OS itself.
When it comes to the malware claim, I am referring to reported percentages of malware that exists for each platform. Apple tightly restricts what is available. So yes, there's a lower rate of malware. The rate of malware for Android users who follow proper default protocol is incredibly small too (reports to the contrary are from 2+ years ago when things weren't as refined). Android, unlike Apple, gives users the choice to download non-approved apps. Those who do take risks. But they also get the upside of having access to such apps. Again, it's a matter of preference, not objective superiority.
We could also talk about how companies do at generated revenues and profits from their respective platforms. Simple. Google makes nothing on Android itself. They make all their money from ads. Mobile ad growth is going gangbusters and isn't susceptible to going away. They could sell hardware at a loss (or subsidize to achieve the same) and still end up ahead because they make money from the *use* of the devices, not the devices themselves. Apple, on the other hand, makes money from primarily the hardware, but also the software. As long as they remain dominant and command large premiums, this works great for them. The second they get into a situation where premiums erode and/or they lose dominance, the tower can collapse rapidly.
These are, in my view, metrics that matter more than raw market share numbers. Apple has a platform with a large enough market share They have a massive user base, indeed. And it's really not shrinking too quickly.... just a slow, modest erosion. If they want to lock in and focus on their current share, much as they do with their Mac lines, they could continue to command high premiums and make solid, steady profits for many years. I think they should go this route, and I suspect they eventually will. The downside is that profits would likely be more like $20/share/year, but at least they'd be stable. If, however, they wont to continue to be a big player, they need to act soon. Android has become overwhelmingly dominant worldwide over the past couple of years. |
