One word. WOW. Apple rocks. I didn’t buy the iPhone early. And even if I had, I’d be a little upset but I’d get over it quickly. The bottom line, however, is this: I do understand why people would be mad, but that’s business. Prices drop all the time. New products are out. How many of us bought a PowerBook to find the new, better, cheaper one came out 2 months later? That’s life in technology.
That being said, this was probably one of the smartest things Apple could’ve done. First, making their customers happy. I LOVE Apple support. They’ve always been good at keeping us happy, but this is just unprecedented. Truly a first, and an amazing decision. Here’s why this will help Apple more than a multi-million-dollar ad campaign ever could:
- Every syndicated news group will advertise this. Cost to Apple? $0 upfront.
- How many people do you think will go to the Apple store and find something for JUST EXACTLY $100? No. They’ll buy more.
- How many people will get on their phones (iPhones?) and tell all their friends and family about this?
- How many people will absolutely be thrilled when just hours ago they were ready to boycott Apple forever?
It’s simple. Customer loyalty. Free advertising. And sending people to the Apple store to buy more Apple stuff. Another Mac sold is another Mac in their market share margin. Another accessory is another Apple-designed product out there to make someone say, “Wow, cool, what’s that?”
Brilliant. Simple. Beautiful. Undeniably an Apple move. Way to go Steve. Here’s hoping you have the best Holiday quarter ever. I know I’ll be stocking up! I’m on the way to my Apple store to buy the 8GB iPhone and some accessories and some other stuff for my new iMac, too.
Apple just keeps on rollin!