“The persistence wins”, Apple must think. With the 15th anniversary of the iPhone behind us, Apple is taking the opportunity to an in-depth interview again accusing rival Samsung of copying iPhone. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s chief marketing officer, is one of the main protagonists in the interview. When asked about the rise of the Android phablets and the role Samsung played in it, his face darkens and he answers: “annoying”.
Understandable, because when Apple had a successful product, which was only available in one size (3.5 inches), Samsung came up with the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S4, which were at least an inch larger. In addition, the design and icons were very familiar. But Joswiak goes further: “They stole our technology. They took innovations that we made, half-baked it and put a bigger screen on it. We weren’t happy with it.” It is noted that the wounds do not appear to have healed yet, although from a legal standpoint they have.
The iPhone 5s next to the Galaxy S4 (photo: Android Authority)
In 2011 Apple sued Samsung due to patent infringement. The claim was that Samsung had adopted the look and feel of the iPhone 3GS. Samsung would later file a counterclaim itself, claiming that it was precisely Apple that had imitated them. It became a dragging and costly affair. Millions and years later, finally quietly fit in 2018† But now Joswiak still talks about it with pity and sprinkles salt in old wounds, as if Samsung and Apple hadn’t been partners for years. Apple uses suppliers for many components and parts, which they sometimes argue with (such as Qualcomm). Samsung supplies most OLED screens for iPhones.
Although the new devices and icons looked very similar to those of Apple, it is now clear that the designs are being driven by the market towards a similar approach: larger screens, biometric security, thinner housings, better batteries and cameras. In addition, it can be said that Apple has been inspired by the breadth of the offer from manufacturers such as Samsung. This is how Apple now offers eight different iPhones (iPhone 11, SE, and each in two sizes: 12, 13, and 13 pro), instead of one.
When you talk to an executive about past conflicts, they usually mention how they have led to growth and development. Joswiak, however, still seems really irritated. Maybe this is a good thing. Perhaps this will lead to new innovation and Apple will try to hit Samsung where it really hurts: the market share.
Bron:
techradar
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