Apple is Risking its Brand Image
Just as Apple succeeded to light consumers’ enthusiasm once again with Apple’s tablet (Twitter tweets: trend volume, mostly positive sentiments), Apple seems to be risking its well known reputation.
Since the launch of the iPhone, the Apple brand was influenced by negative attitudes towards AT&T, mostly for issues of connectivity and costs. Only thanks to its brands strength (high involvement among Apple’s fans, high emotional engagement, design and innovation credits) Apple’s brand image was protected.
It seems today this status quo might change as Google Voice service is getting pulled from Apple’s App Store. Reading the extremely negative posts and tweets (see some of the sentiments analysis here) I wonder if Apple is not risking too much.
Will social pressure work on Apple as it did for Facebook? or Digg?
Blocking Google seems a risky game even for Apple’s fans. Don’t you think?
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July 29th, 2009 at 3:07 am
Please, name ONE person who’s going to drop the iPhone because of this. Apple isn’t tarnishing its image one damn bit.
Notice how you’re writing about it. Publicity!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:06 am
I was going to buy a smartphone this year, I think I’ll wait for one of the Android phones coming out.
August 1st, 2009 at 1:13 am
Couldn’t agree with you more, I’ve got a geek rage video lined up for a post tomorrow with some questions about Apple’s judgement and thoughts on what we can do to “fix it” before it seriously jeopardizes the long term brand.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I was going to wait for one of the new Android phones to come out rather than get a new Iphone 3G(S), but I had preview access to a couple of them, not impressive at all. I now have my iphone – no regrets.
August 10th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Apple is not just the iPhone and their computers are such a genius product that nobody is going to drop their’s because of some image problem, especially to get some PC…
August 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
What about them allowing Adobe to drop power pc support of Adobe CS5?
To me, (as a designer with a perfectly functioning G5) that’s worse than anything you mention above.
August 18th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Apple needs to get rid of the anchor holding them back. Consumers like choice and this deal is hurting them.
August 19th, 2009 at 1:49 am
What a great discussion!
This is in fact a legit contradiction: Most people appreciate Apple and its brands. That emotional bonding was Apple’s core strength.
But, the bigger it gets – the more complicated and demanding is their business model (sounds familiar? Microsoft maybe?).
As a result, the brand is no more “ours”.
Apple is torn between the forces.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are contributing to a fruitful marketing debate.
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