Apple Made a Huge Mistake!
Today I’m writing this blog post in the office on my brand new iMac, as you have probably guessed already my Dad and I are big fans of Apple products and considering we use computers everyday why not use an Apple computer. Its just a shame Apple don’t make tea kettles 
Now Following on in my general theme of Apple based posts I’d like to share with you their latest revelation, which my Dad seems to think doesn’t fit with their normal marketing genius. Apple have announced launches of FOUR brand new products, yes that’s right FOUR. A new iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, iPod Touch and Apple TV all at the same time. Now your probably wondering why my Dad thinks this is a bad thing, maybe it’s because he was telling me this after he had been out for a drink and a curry with Lee McIntyre and Dave Nicholson and was slightly drunk
Or maybe, just maybe he actually knows what he is talking about, but anyway he said, and I agree with him if I am honest, that Apple, and anyone for that matter, could make a lot more money by launching these products at separate times, for example if you are a bit of a connoisseur of technology you would most likely be interested in all of these releases. Therefore, if Apple first released the new iPod Shuffle (cheapest) and you bought it and then they released the new iPod Nano, a more expensive but considerably better iPod, the chances are you would be interested in purchasing one, unless that’s just me but you can see where I’m going with this, I know if had multiple good products I have just created I would want to launch them separately:
- Because the chances are I would make more money from separate launches.
- Because then people would see I have successfully created more than one product over a longer period of time.
So again, this is something else I have learned simply by observing how a big company goes about its business, so keep your eyes open as you never know what lessons you may may come across.
Until next time.
Alex
P.S. On a final note Apple are a mega huge company and they know what they are doing but I still feel they made a mistake with this one.
Filed under: Internet Marketing
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Hey Alex,
I must agree with you also that Apple made a mistake in launching these products at the same time. A lesson of what not to do.
Later
Mike
Hey Alex,
I am not a big apple fan like you and your Dad, I don’t even own an ipod ha ha, but I really do want an iphone for the online business side of things.
It’s a really interesting post, and I never really looked at it that way, but it looks like separate launches are certainly the way to go.
I think it’s soooooo funny that when you start working online, you get to see a side of business marketing that many offline companies apparently don’t, weird huh.
Apple should maybe hire your Dad and pick his brains for their future marketing tactics!
Shame you didn’t get to go for the curry too ha ha,
Speak soon, Sally
Howdy Alex,
Dagnabbit pal, I don’t know you and I like you already!
I am a proud student of your dad’s 2010 masterclass and I must say that I just love the way both you and he are so straightforward, transparent and honest.
Its friggin refreshing and very rare – especially on the internet.
I look forward to watching you kick your old man’s butt by building a bigger online following than he has.
Excellent post buddy, keep up the great work.
Barry
Hi Alex,
Great point to remember. Of all the niches, not to mention, sub- niches out that you can create a series or volume of products on so as to create a sense of anticipation for the customer – Apple makes this simple mistake.
Keep up the great work you’re doing.
Kindest
Joanne
Hi Alex
Sorry mate, just can’t agree here. I’m an Apple Mac devotee since years before iMacs and the big cats.
I always supported Macs in both my business and at home, and I thought they made a terrible mistake when they stepped away from their Mac platform to ‘branch out’ to new stuff (stay with me).
When I first saw what they were doing, I thought “What the heck are the idiots doing? this could be a fatal mistake!”
They were introducing a new device that had nothing (then) to do with Macs and Laptops, and were calling it . . .
iPod.
Whoops. Think this might be MY mistake, not theirs.
Launching many products at the same time? In the case of Apple it’s always “. . . there’s just one more thing . . .”
Their audience expects more, they give more, they grab the media’s attention, they sell the products.
Taking your comment from above. Look at it another way.
They launch the iPod Shuffle. Coo – you buy one.
They launch a new better Nano. Whaat! Why didn’t they tell me. I don’t want the Shuffle – you buy one (but now have a redundant Shuffle, and annoyance at Apple).
They then launch the iPod Touch. WHAAATTT!!! What’re they playing at? This is what I want! You buy one (but now have a redundant, but virtually new Shuffle and Nano – and you’re really miffed at Apple).
Next launch. They announce a new iPod Whatever. After what happened last time, you wait. This time you don’t buy the latest because you believe there may be something else coming soon.
More to the point – You don’t trust the company, because you feel tricked. In the case of Apple you can’t go elsewhere because their products are (arguably) the best in each category, but anybody else doesn’t have that power.
I hope this waffle made sense!?
Cheers Alan
PS Rumour Factory: Maybe Apple 32″ & 48″ iMac/3D TV in the works, with iPhone/iPod as remote.
Or maybe not.