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 isnt available, the iPhone 4S battery troubles are a real problem.

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 didnt say is that the 4G speeds are only available on AT&Ts network. Sprint and Verizon customers, on the other hand, are stuck with 3G speeds. Too bad.

Apple wants to make everyone forget that the iPhone 5 is coming. In fact, the company hasnt 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.

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.

Apple has made a big deal about the iPhone 4S 8-megapixel camera. However, its 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 Apples handset. So, while the 8-megapixel is a nice addition, its not groundbreaking.

Looking around the smartphone market, its 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 Apples smartphone is, there are other devices available that come with better features.

As much as Apple would like customers believe that they can do whatever theyd like with Siri, the iPhone 4S personal virtual assistant application, they cant. In some cases, Siri doesnt adequately understand what users are saying. In other cases, the application cant perform a desired action. Siri is certainly a great first step, but it cant do as many things as Apple would have customers believe.

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. Apples co-founder knew how to develop and sell smartphones and the iPhone 4S wasnt necessarily his brainchild. The iPhone 5, though, was, according to rumors.

For customers, its not always nice to be a pawn in a financial game. And unfortunately, thats exactly what iPhone 4S customers are. Apple needs to launch a new iPhone every year to help bolster revenue and profit figures. Although its planning something groundbreaking next year with the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4S was a necessary launch to keep shareholders happy.

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 its worth noting that it isnt unique.