Comments on: iPhone 3G not instilling fear in Apple's music foes

Competitors don't think that Apple's iPhone, even an upgraded version, can repeat iPod's success with only one carrier.

[bousozoku]

I'd think that Rhapsody would be more afraid of their creditors than being afraid of Apple. When you're in a niche of the business, it's tough to be heard or get new business.

I'm sure Apple has some ridiculous agreement with AT&T not to overload their pathetic data network by allowing downloads. Still, if you can find a WiFi hotspot, you can get your downloads then. Considering that movies take longer to download than music, it's probably better that way.

One thing I didn't notice is whether AT&T's Mobile TV will be on iPhone. After all, you're paying extra for 3G data access, shouldn't you get something more from the carrier?

[dascha1]

You'd think that the 'smart' PC maker would actually work harder on .99/gal technology. But, as predicted, they go 2.0 and think ipod fill-ups make money. Leave the money in the consumer's pocket Steve and Apple. Build your own new green rig or partner with a company that has the money to do it.

[NPGMBR]

bousozoku - I'm not so sure. Apple was a niche for many years and they survived. Why can't Real?

[georgiarat]

It is too bad Apple is stuck only with AT&T. I would think that Jobs would understand the need to branch out even at the expense of the revenue model he has with AT&T.

[rturner2]

It would be good if Rhapsody was actually available in Australia (ie. outside the US) - Apple is winning hands down here (for obvious reasons). I would be very keen on a monthly subscription "rental" service.

The best part about iPhone 3G is the price - $199 US for 8GB. I hope us Aussie's are not overcharged for it, considering now that our dollar is at $0.95US.

[rtuinenburg]

Steve, said $199 everywhere. So I am assuming it will be converted to your currency.

[M C]

You mean Rhapsody doesn't fear slipping from a distant also-ran to a more distant also-ran?

Seriously, what is the point of this piece? That random spokesdude from Real can point out one drawback to the iPhone?

[gmon750]

Where the other carriers were snubbing Apple and the phone, AT&T was the only player that gave Apple the freedom it wanted (and needed) to make the phone the success that it is now. Love them or hate them, those two will be joined at the hip for the next four years. After that, it will be interesting to see what will happen.

[Musicvoid]

The reason it is not instilling fear in competitors like Nokia is that the price point for it is still way to high for the "emerging markets". Single carrier deals just drive consumer backlash much as music tracks only being available on one carrier have done.

Nokia sees growth in the emerging markets and that is where 90% of mobile subscriber growth was in 2007. even $199 is to expensive for those markets so until Apple address this fact the current incumbant manufacturers rightly feel no threat to their current market shares.

Check out this post for an in depth analysis of why apple needs to be presenting a viable option for the emerging markets:

http://themusicvoid.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/will-apple%e2%80%99s-iphone-penetrate-the-key-mobile-subscriber-growth-markets-and-therefore-become-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with

Cheers,
Jakomi

[benjaminstraight]

And the competition continues.