14 DAY TRIAL // I don't know why, but today seems a good day to look into the future, so after checking the estimates on Apple's future, I think it's a good idea to take a look at what future may have in store for two of its products, one that started a revolution in the past that still goes on, the iPod, and the other, a revolutionary product that promises to change the future, and I am talking about nothing else than the iPhone, of course.
For starters, let's take the iPod. Despite all the problems some users claim to have (obviously, most so-called problems are shouted out by those that don't have an iPod yet or simply had bad luck with their first one, but there are also enough real problems), such as batteries that are hard to replace and have their capacity "fade" with time or the fact that most iPods are prone to damage without additional protection, the iPod established itself as the market leader and things are not going to change that easy.
Despite the fact that the iPod is leading the market, every notorious products line needs fresh air from time to time, and people familiar with Apple's internal affairs say that a new model will be available pretty soon, but it won't really change the world as we know it. Sometimes even a slight variation, like the (PRODUCT) RED, is welcome, so most probably, the new iPod will come with new colors available.
Since Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away, I wouldn't be amazed to see a pink iPod, or if they try to take it to the next level, a pink, heart-shaped iPod, why not? Also, the most popular iPod model, the 2GB nano, is also available in a monotone silver color, so this could be another target of a facelift...
Now, to the iPhone! A lot of people are scared of its price, but estimates are really optimistic, and according to Needham and Co., the overall cost of Apple's first phone is going to fall at a 20% annual rate over the next decade. There's only problem in this - the new versions launched during this period are going to feature more and more advanced technology, so this rate may be unrealistic, after all.
Anyway, the good part is that on the short term, we should have more iPods available by Valentine's Day, while in the long run, the iPhone may enter the sweet spot in the mobile phone market, becoming an interesting choice for more and more people. Obviously, there's only one thing to do - wait and see. First stop is Valentine's Day, and the second is in June (or earlier, as I found out) and beyond, when the iPhone's market battles will be ranging all over the world.