Apple Wins Again: Gets iPhone On Verizon - Not Verizon iPhone
January 11, 2011
With the iPhone, Apple revolutionized more than just the mobile phone itself. They have managed to change the relationship between carriers, phone manufacturers and mobile customers. They have succeeded in creating a new model where the phone maker sells directly to customers, and while the mobile carriers can sell too, they primarily just provide the network access.
They did this with the iPhone. The iPhone comes worldwide without pre-installed applications from the carriers. Also, there is no carrier branding as used to be standard. Apple decides what features come on your phone and pushes updates to it directly. For an example of how this was traditionally done, and still is with all other handsets look at Android. Android devices still come with carrier branding, special pre-installed junkware like official apps and game demos that you can't delete. This isn't a good model, as it creates a situation where carriers are the customers of the handset makers, not us, the users. Therefore, very often, our interests are relegated to the background.
Apple, with the iPhone, is the only exception to this status quo. They are the only manufacturer that has complete control of their product and platform. That was the very reason that prevented them from launching the iPhone on Verizon originally. Verizon wanted control, their branding and their own apps. Steve wouldn't have it Verizon's way, so Apple went with AT&T.
Now, thanks to the iPhone's tremendous success, Verizon is the one who had to give in to Apple. They didn't have a choice. Therefore, what you'll be getting in early February is not a Verizon iPhone. It's the iPhone on Verizon. There is a huge difference that should not be ignored, but celebrated. Once again, Apple has won, and will have it their way. We the customers are the winners.
Once again Steve, good job.
