Apple and Verizon have finally partnered up. The hardware maker will be offering its tablet to Verizon Wireless customers starting in a couple weeks. When that happens, the debate over when Apple would finally start its growth strategy in the United States will be over. And then, the debate will turn to how the company will use its Verizon partnership to its advantage.
Unfortunately for Google, Apple will use its new Verizon partnership to start chipping away at the search giant’s lead in the mobile market. Apple is simply too big and too powerful not to do that. And it undoubtedly has its sights set on Android OS as it attempts to control the mobile market.
Here’s why Google should be so concerned about an Apple-Verizon partnership.
1. Android OS is the central Verizon player
Verizon has made it clear over the past couple years that it’s riding the Android train as far as it will take it. Since AT&T had Apple and the iPhone, Verizon needed something of its own. And it found that with Google and Android. But now that the company is warming to Apple, its desire to work so closely with Android OS might wane.
2. The focus will be off
It’s hard to see why Verizon’s focus won’t shift as the company continues to add Apple products to its lineup. After all, Apple commands the kind of respect that few other firms in the industry do. And it will probably help Verizon increase its revenue by a wide margin. It would only make sense for the company to shift its focus from Android OS to Apple.
3. Steve Jobs plays a role
Steve Jobs will undoubtedly play a role in the issues Android will now face. For a long time Jobs has been making Verizon salivate over its products. Finally, it has allowed it to get a taste. Verizon won’t pass that up. And Jobs definitely won’t let the moment pass without getting as much as possible for it. That means Android OS will probably get caught in the cross hairs.
4. If the iPad sells well, Verizon will be off and running
Quite a bit is riding on the sale of the iPad at Verizon. If the device performs well, Verizon will be far more likely to give in to Apple’s demands and focus its efforts there. If the device doesn’t sell all that well, Android might get a reprieve. But unfortunately for Google, the chances of the iPad not selling well seem slim, which can only mean bad things for the company’s mobile operating system.