Considering I have a total of... zero Lightning cables and accessories, but a ton of standard USB-C? I would consider the 2019 iPhone line totally useless (but given by my lack of Lightning accessories, you can assume I use Android phones and thus consider all of the iPhones useless).
No, he's a potential new customer, which actually makes him more valuable. He's someone who, in large numbers, would change the market-share of the product. Getting people off competitors' products and onto yours is a higher priority for businesses, or do you think it's just an odd accident people switching from one broadband provider to another get discounts and loyal customers get nothing? Or that people get bonus rebates at their local Ford dealer when they trade in a similarly-classed Chevy vehicle?
No, he's a potential new customer, which actually makes him more valuable
Business schools teach a "potential new consumer" is worth about 10% of an existing consumer. Because he is likely to have many reasons not to switch. (You think a new cord is a bigger deal than his entire app library?) You want to keep your customers happy first.
The Ford example is very wrong because it's not a potential new customer. It's a new customer.
And frankly, I don't see anyone switching to an iPhone who is going to care about the cables. If you're willing to pay a premium for the hardware/OS/store, then you're willing to pay a premium for a new cable. Meanwhile, if you think getting rid of the headphone jack made people not want to upgrade, get rid of their new lightning headphones, and all their other accessories. Getting rid of the lightning port hurts their best customers the most.
Also, the lightning cable is better than USB-C. It's more solid (can support the weight of the phone), and it's more wear resistant and it's designed so the wear goes more on the cable, not the phone.
Rolling Eyes (Score:2, Interesting)
Most customers want to keep the same connector, because they already have chargers and cables, and sometimes even accessories, for it.
USB-C is better in the long run, but that doesn't make it better now.
Re: (Score:1)
Considering I have a total of ... zero Lightning cables and accessories, but a ton of standard USB-C? I would consider the 2019 iPhone line totally useless (but given by my lack of Lightning accessories, you can assume I use Android phones and thus consider all of the iPhones useless).
Re: (Score:5, Insightful)
Considering I have a total of ... zero Lightning cables and accessories, but a ton of standard USB-C?
Who cares? You’re not a customer.
Re: (Score:4, Insightful)
Who cares? You're not a customer.
No, he's a potential new customer, which actually makes him more valuable. He's someone who, in large numbers, would change the market-share of the product. Getting people off competitors' products and onto yours is a higher priority for businesses, or do you think it's just an odd accident people switching from one broadband provider to another get discounts and loyal customers get nothing? Or that people get bonus rebates at their local Ford dealer when they trade in a similarly-classed Chevy vehicle?
Once
No no no no no (Score:4, Interesting)
Business schools teach a "potential new consumer" is worth about 10% of an existing consumer. Because he is likely to have many reasons not to switch. (You think a new cord is a bigger deal than his entire app library?) You want to keep your customers happy first.
The Ford example is very wrong because it's not a potential new customer. It's a new customer.
And frankly, I don't see anyone switching to an iPhone who is going to care about the cables. If you're willing to pay a premium for the hardware/OS/store, then you're willing to pay a premium for a new cable. Meanwhile, if you think getting rid of the headphone jack made people not want to upgrade, get rid of their new lightning headphones, and all their other accessories. Getting rid of the lightning port hurts their best customers the most.
Also, the lightning cable is better than USB-C. It's more solid (can support the weight of the phone), and it's more wear resistant and it's designed so the wear goes more on the cable, not the phone.