What do the iPhone and George Foreman have in common? (Hint: It’s not a grill)
With the upcoming release of the sixth iteration of the iPhone, there have been plenty of educated (likely correct) suppositions that unlike the devices that have come so far, that the new iPhone will lack any sort of numerical designator - and simply be named “the new iPhone”. This seems to align with the most recent iPad - just known as “the new iPad”. Most commentators think that this is a fine idea, and that since automakers have done well with this model for as long as anyone can remember, that it won’t be a problem.
However, I say “not so fast”. The automotive example is not really a valid comparison. I drive a Nissan Frontier (yes, I live large) - and Nissan has used the Frontier name for over a decade now, ever since it supplanted the previous “Hardbody” model name in 1998. (Yes, I said “Hardbody”). In those 10-plus years, the Frontier has gone through at least two generations - but I have no problem always identifying the right parts. Why? Because the model year is an integral part of any automotive designator. I drive a 2008 Frontier. Other people have 1965 Mustangs, or 1957 Bel Airs. But the model year is what identifies the generation.
But, in the world of mobile phones, nobody uses years. At least I have never heard anyone say that they carry a 2009 LG Envy or a 2011 Samsung Galaxy S. But as Apple switches to a “they are all simply iPhones” model, I believe that this ultimately does a disservice to the ecosystem that has made the iPhone so incredibly successful. Without a generational designator, it becomes less clear as to which speaker dock has the correct system connector, which bumper fits which device, or which applications require specific features only found in the most recent hardware.
And, if the current Apple strategy of creating a “good, better, best” portfolio by keeping prior devices in market, how do retailers differentiate the offerings? Today, I can walk into an AT&T store and choose from an iPhone 3GS, an iPhone 4 or an iPhone 4S. In 2015, does that portfolio become a choice between an iPhone, an iPhone or an iPhone?
Don’t get me wrong, I can fully appreciate that a continuation of the current strategy would eventually result in some very unwieldy names (iPhone 8, the Ocho, anyone?). But, simply stamping out multiple generations of phones which will undoubtedly have different capabilities and form factors and giving them all the same name is simply not the solution. If you disagree, just go ask George Foreman what things are like for him at dinnertime.
