Apple cofounder Steve “The Woz” Wozniak thinks that Apple has allowed itself to fall behind Android in some features. In other areas, Mr. Wozniak said that competitors have caught up to Apple, and he praised Samsung for making great devices.
Steve Wozniak
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Woz made the comments to Wirtschafts Woche, a German publication. The comments we are quoting in this article were translated into German by the magazine, and then back into English by Google Translate, making for some curious wording that won't directly reflect his specific wording.
The publication asked Mr. Wozniak about the “increasing doubts” about whether or not Apple can continue to enjoy the incredible success the company has experienced over the last ten years.
Mr. Wozniak said that Apple's brand is strong because its customers are so loyal, adding that this loyalty has been earned by the Cupertino company by making the best products on the market.
The designer of the Apple I and Apple II said, “Currently, [however], we are in my opinion in the smartphone business with the features somewhat behind. Others have caught up. Samsung is a great competitor. But precisely because they are currently making great products.”
He added that it's too soon to know how Apple will do without the other Steve, Apple cofounder Steve Jobs.
“It usually takes at least two years to come up there fresh things,” he said. “I hope, however, that Apple has great managers who are guided in their decisions by the Apple culture of the past. I hope that the quest is always for the best products for its customers receive.”
He also pointed out that the reason he waits in line at new Apple product releases is because he likes Apple's devices.
“The launch of a new Apple product is for me like a big, major concert in which you absolutely must attend personally,” he said. “It's history. Sure, I could order online or call the store manager so that the smuggled me out the back door. But that would be nothing. No, I will have the experience like any normal customer. But one thing is certain. If Apple would make lousy products, I would not be in line.”
Mr. Wozniak has a long history of being honest about his opinions of Apple, a company he is still symbolically employed by. He is also known for carrying multiple smartphones as he tries out the latest technology available.
[Via AppleInsider]