Google’s Android platform continues to make large strides in overall sales. In fact, during the third quarter, Google’s Android sales far outpaced that of Apple’s iOS platform, making it all the more likely that in a few years, Google will dominate the mobile space as all the other companies in the market, including Apple, try desperately to pick up the scraps.
For Apple, such setback defeat is unacceptable. The company is one of those firms that hates to lose, no matter what the market or the competitor. Steve Jobs typically does everything he can to regain lost market share whenever his company loses it.
But the mobile market is different. Apple’s single smartphone-the iPhone-is competing against a slew of products from different vendors. Trying to compete with so many other companies can be difficult. But that doesn’t mean Apple won’t try. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean that the hardware company can’t find ways to stymie Android’s growth.
Read on to find out how Apple can slow down Android’s growth in the mobile market.
1. Keep the patent pressure on
Recently, Apple filed another lawsuit against Motorola, claiming the mobile company violated several of its patents, including how multitouch is handled on the company’s Android-based devices. Earlier this year, Apple took issue with functionality built into HTC smartphones running Android and Windows Mobile. Apple should keep the pressure on. It might not make everyone love the company, but if it can win, which it obviously believes it can, the company could go a long way in helping its cause.
2. Maintain the design lead
Part of the value of the iPhone and Apple’s iOS platform is their design. Both products deliver an experience that easily bests that of the competition. If Motorola, HTC or other competitors start delivering similar experiences, it could be big trouble for Apple. The company has the unique ability to continue leading on design and easily beat the competition every step of the way. If it doesn’t, it will lose out.
3. Continue to innovate on software
Aside from the design of iOS, Apple needs to think about how that software is improving the lives of people using its smartphones. Right now, most would agree that iOS is doing a far better job of improving the user’s experience of using a smartphone than others on the market. But allowing iOS to cruise in the market without further improvements would be a mistake. Apple needs to find areas where iOS falls short and fix them. It should also bring new functionality to the market, to ensure Google constantly needs to catch up.
4. Make the antenna issue a marketing ploy
When the iPhone 4 first launched, consumers were concerned that the device lost some of its antenna signal when users held it a certain way. The uproar over the issues has long since died down, and Apple has effectively weathered that storm. But during the height of the outcry, Apple made it clear that other products suffer from antenna problems. If the company can find a way to actually improve the iPhone’s reception and start taking the fight to competitors, it can go a long way toward holding Android back.