News Analysis: Too often, the blame for iPhone flaws is placed on AT&T. Sure, the carrier doesn’t offer the best wireless service in the industry, but should Apple really get a free pass? Of course not. Here is why we should remember that when it comes to the iPhone, Apple is calling the shots.
10 Reasons Why Apple, Not ATandT, Is to Blame for iPhone Flaws (
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Apple is a
well-respected company. It provides some of the best products on the market. It
offers up some of the finest software experiences we have ever seen. It rightly
carries the torch for all other companies that are trying to provide users with
products that don't simply match a standard, but set them.
But it isn't
perfect. Too often, Apple gets a free pass from those that only look at the
good the company has done, rather than some of the poor decisions it has made.
That's not to say
that Apple is always to blame—it isn't. But when it comes to the iPhone,
the hardware company has made some serious mistakes that have led to issues for
consumers, the enterprise and developers. With better decision making, some of
the issues so many folks have with the iPhone wouldn't be so damaging.
Let's take a look
at why Apple harbors blame for the iPhone's flaws.
1. Apple entered into an exclusive contract
It's easy to talk
about AT&T as if it's a company that doesn't understand the desires of the
user, but it was Apple that decided to enter into an exclusive
agreement with the carrier. I'm willing to
bet that any carrier would have been happy to offer the iPhone. Apple could
have brought it to multiple networks. But AT&T gave Apple a sweetheart deal
that Steve Jobs couldn't decline. Since then, we've been forced to deal with
AT&T's poor network.
2. Apple sets App Store policy
Although AT&T has asked Apple to institute some rules
for the company's App Store, it's Apple
that has set its App Store policy, not AT&T. So when neat apps get rejected
from the store or useless apps make their way into the marketplace, it's
Apple's fault. And it's important not to forget that.
3. The company has never played well with developers
Apple has a long
history of having problems with developers. With Mac OS X, Apple still limits
third-party involvement, citing concerns over the stability and security of its
operating system. That may sound
like a prudent policy, but let's face it; the more third-party
apps, the richer the experience. Considering third-party developers continue to
gripe over the iPhone, should we really blame any other company but Apple for
it? I don't think so.
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