Will Apple’s iOS 7 Suffer Windows 8’s Fate? (Ouch)
Apple (AAPL) is set to deliver iOS 7 for iPads and iPhones in September. But the buzz isn't all good. Bugs. Hiccups. And a new user interface that has some critics concerned. Will iOS 7 fall flat like Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows 8? Hmmm…
Let's start with the vision: iOS 7 is a major upgrade to Apple's mobile operating system for tablets and smart phones. Critics say Apple is no longer innovative. Apple is responding with a major iOS 7 launch. And now some critics think the overhaul could fall flat. Can Apple win this innovator's dilemma?
Balanced Report, Key Questions
According to an in-depth report on ReadWrite, Apple's iOS 7 development encountered the following problems or issues:
- Critics are questioning the new, simpler "flat design" pioneered by SVP Jonathan Ive.
- Mobile developers are juggling 1,500 new SDK packages with iOS 7, which ReadWrite claims is far more than developers normally manage. This has resulted in buggy apps, the site claims.
- Apple shut down its online developer center for more than a week amid a possible security concern — basically stealing a week of productivity from iOS 7 supporters.
- Most recently, some iOS 7 testers this week said the software locked them out of their iPhones.
Readwrite concludes:
"Apple only has a couple of weeks to get everything together. In many ways iOS 7 has been very un-Apple-like. It was apparently rushed into production, after which Apple then pushed a massive change out to its developer ecosystem in order to get the new iPhone out at its appointed time with the new OS. As a result, complaints about iOS 7 design, bugs and functionality have been louder than with previous iOS versions.
Apple has faced tough times with the iPhone before (remember AntennaGate?), and come out on the other side with a great product that millions of people bought and loved. None of the problems that iOS 7 has faced are impossible to overcome with a little time and patience."
Perhaps so. But the iOS 7 transition is a huge inflection point for Apple and its partners and customers. Over at Microsoft, CEO Steve Ballmer last year attempted a huge user interface overhaul with Windows 8. Now, Ballmer is heading for early retirement.
The VAR Guy isn't suggesting Apple CEO will face a similar hot seat situation. But the Cook could be feeling some heat if iOS 7 isn't up to snuff.
The VAR Guy's hunch: Apple will get iOS 7 right…
Apple fanboys will step up
Apple fanboys will step up and love it. Apple can do no wrong in their eyes.
Confirmed. It is the Windows
Confirmed. It is the Windows 8 of Apple. It must be one of the first UI style suggestions that Steve Jobs were not able to reject or rework.
Agreed. iOS 7 is the first
Agreed. iOS 7 is the first major disappointment (for me) that has come from Apple. I really don’t have that many complaints outside of just the appearance. It looks like they took the color scheme out of a children’s coloring book. Just like I refuse to buy clothing or shoes with bright, neon colors, same goes for my phone. Of course now it’s too late to go back. I hope Apple learns from this and reverts back to a design similar of those prior to 7. Otherwise I may not get another iPhone. It sounds like a dumb thing to drop a phone for but the lack of customization is what has deterred so many from Apple over the years. Now I understand why…