Monday, September 19, 2016

iPhone 7 in Japan

Very recently, Apple launched iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

(This image is not iPhone 7.)

The iPhone series is a flagship smartphone which is produced by Apple. It redefined the personal digital assistant. Nowadays, few people in developed countries have never seen iPhone even though they do not use it.

However, iPhone is struggling against the lack of innovation in recent years. Google Android smartphones have accomplished almost the same performance of iPhone with lower costs. In China, and several developing countries, Android smartphone has larger share upon iPhone in the market.

The newest iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have some characters, including water-proof body, dual cameras, and higher performance. But they are not so amazing that some other smartphones have already adopted these features.

So, it is doubtful that iPhone is recommendable for everyone to purchase a new smartphone.

One of the advantages to choosing an iPhone is the variety of accessories. You can select your favorite iPhone case from many options offered by third parties. No Android phones have such a large number of choices.

International Business Times: Top 10 best iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cases you can buy

In Japan, iPhone finally adapted to Apple Pay. It is a cashless scheme through connecting your credit card information to your iPhone, as I wrote previously. I believe Apple Pay is an innovation Apple introduced the most recently.

My past entry: Apple unveil iPhone6, iWatch, and Apple Pay

In addition, Suica and Osaifu Keitai, digital money systems widely spread in Japan, is available with iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. It was strange iPhone had not adapted to these services so far. Many Japanese chose Android phone for this reason.

Therefore, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus is quite valuable to be used in Japan. But, I am doubtful that many foreign people are willing to get the new expensive iPhone.

On the other hand, my concern is when Apple will adopt USB type-C connector to iPhone. It has already attached to the new MacBook. And the EU has decided USB type-C will be the standard for connecting electric devices in the next generation. Current iPhone has a Lightning connector. I guess Lightning and USB type-C are not so different in terms of the performance. Apple and other smartphone makers have to consider when the new architecture will be adopted.

My past entry: MacBook early 2016 has come

My past entry: One connecter law for mobile phones in EU

1 comment: