Apple’s iPhone 4S has been out for nearly a month, and the device is selling extremely well. Thanks to its support on several major mobile carriers, including Verizon, AT&T and Sprint, the device should have some of the strongest sales figures ever for the iPhone. And for good reason. As nice as the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 were, the iPhone 4S is clearly the most capable version of Apple’s smartphone ever released. That said, there’s another side to the iPhone 4S that Apple doesn’t necessarily want customers to know about. If one examines Apple’s marketing materials for the iPhone 4S, they’ll find that it’s packed with glowing comments about all the handset can do. However, the device does have several shortcomings, and it’s competing in a market that is packed with devices that in some ways deliver far better features than the new iPhone. This eWEEK slide show will focus on those apparent shortcomings—the things that Apple doesn’t necessarily want consumers or enterprise users to know about its iPhone 4S. Are they big issues? That’s up to individual customers to decide. But if nothing else, they do detract a bit from the device.
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Beware the Battery Issues
Apple has officially admitted that iPhone 4S owners are experiencing reduced battery life due to a bug in iOS 5. If an outlet is nearby, that might not be such a big deal. But considering many people rely upon their smartphones to travel and since a removable battery isn’t available, the iPhone 4S’ battery troubles are a real problem.
4G Speeds? It Depends on the Network
When Apple announced the iPhone 4S, the company said that the handset would deliver 4G speeds, even though it can only connect to a 3G network. Apple said that it would achieve that goal with the help of a new “wireless system.” However, what Apple didn’t say is that the 4G speeds are only available on AT&T’s network. Sprint and Verizon customers, on the other hand, are stuck with 3G speeds. Too bad.
The iPhone 5 Is Coming
Apple wants to make everyone forget that the iPhone 5 is coming. In fact, the company hasn’t even discussed the possibility of that device launching. But those who have been following Apple over the last several months know that the iPhone 5 is right around the corner. Therefore, waiting until that device launches might be a good idea.
It’s Making More Than You Think
Last month, iSuppli performed a teardown that revealed the iPhone 4S has a $188 bill of materials. Some thought that at that price, Apple was only making $11 on its cheapest iPhone 4S. However, Apple actually sells the smartphone to carriers for much more than that—approximately $649, it is believed. At that price Apple is making a large amount of cash with each new iPhone it sells. And for some consumers, that might not be so nice.
An 8-Megapixel Camera Isn’t Groundbreaking
Apple has made a big deal about the iPhone 4S’ 8-megapixel camera. However, it’s far from unique. There are several devices on store shelves today that come with 8-megapixel cameras, and in some cases, those devices offer even better quality than that found in Apple’s handset. So, while the 8-megapixel is a nice addition, it’s not groundbreaking.
Android Competitors Have Better Features
Looking around the smartphone market, it’s not hard to find some devices that at the very least, can match the iPhone 4S. The Galaxy S II, for example, comes with a great design, big display and an affordable price that will appeal to many consumers. There are other devices on store shelves that come with similarly appealing features that, in one way or another, top those found in the iPhone 4S. Simply put, as nice as Apple’s smartphone is, there are other devices available that come with better features.
Siri Can’t Execute All Commands
As much as Apple would like customers believe that they can do whatever they’d like with Siri, the iPhone 4S’ personal virtual assistant application, they can’t. In some cases, Siri doesn’t adequately understand what users are saying. In other cases, the application can’t perform a desired action. Siri is certainly a great first step, but it can’t do as many things as Apple would have customers believe.
Steve Jobs Had Little Influence
If rumors are to be believed, Steve Jobs had little influence on the iPhone 4S. Instead, the Apple co-founder spent most of his time before his death trying to help Apple develop the iPhone 5. That should play into consumer decision-making. Apple’s co-founder knew how to develop and sell smartphones and the iPhone 4S wasn’t necessarily his brainchild. The iPhone 5, though, was, according to rumors.
It’s Little More Than a Shareholder Play
For customers, it’s not always nice to be a pawn in a financial game. And unfortunately, that’s exactly what iPhone 4S customers are. Apple needs to launch a new iPhone every year to help bolster revenue and profit figures. Although it’s planning something groundbreaking next year with the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4S was a necessary launch to keep shareholders happy.
It’s Late to the Game on World Phone Support
World Phone support is nothing new in the mobile space. In fact, there are several companies that offer the ability for customers to connect to mobile networks around the world on their devices. So, while Apple is touting the feature as an important breakthrough, perhaps it’s worth noting that it isn’t unique.
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Apple’s iPhone 4S has been out for nearly a month, and the device is selling extremely well. Thanks to its support on several major mobile carriers, including Verizon, AT&T and Sprint, the device should have some of the strongest sales figures ever for the iPhone. And for good reason. As nice as the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 were, the iPhone 4S is clearly the most capable version of Apple’s smartphone ever released. That said, there’s another side to the iPhone 4S that Apple doesn’t necessarily want customers to know about. If one examines Apple’s marketing materials for the iPhone 4S, they’ll find that it’s packed with glowing comments about all the handset can do. However, the device does have several shortcomings, and it’s competing in a market that is packed with devices that in some ways deliver far better features than the new iPhone. This eWEEK slide show will focus on those apparent shortcomings—the things that Apple doesn’t necessarily want consumers or enterprise users to know about its iPhone 4S. Are they big issues? That’s up to individual customers to decide. But if nothing else, they do detract a bit from the device.