Tech pundits say the Apple Watch is a flop, but Apple begs to differ – so who’s telling the truth?
Read almost any tech website’s coverage of the Apple Watch and a familiar story emerges. It’s a failure. No one wants to buy one. It was a huge mistake on Apple’s part, a gamble that hasn’t paid off and should simply be shelved. You get the idea. This narrative is persistent and near-universal. But is it true? We decided to take a look at the numbers to see whether the Apple Watch really is in a slump, and what can be done by Apple if it is.
It’s not hard to see why people might think the Apple Watch is struggling – almost the entire wrist wearable industry is still trying to find its feet. Former giants are falling left, right and centre. In 2014, Nike abandoned its Fuel Band wearable. Jawbone is going out of business. Samsung and LG have given up. Even Pebble, which more or less kicked off the entire smartwatch craze, has been bought by Fift bit after incurring huge debts. Right now, this is an industry that may be best described as ‘chaotic’.
So why have these companies struggled so much in an industry that was once seen by many as a potential goldmine? Well, it may be a classic example of the Gartner hype cycle, named for the market research firm that first proposed it. The cycle describes the hype that surrounds new technology. First comes the peak of inflated expectations, soon followed by the trough of disillusionment as a number of players falter and collapse. Then comes the slope of enlightenment and, eventually, the plateau of productivity. It is likely that the hype peak drew in companies that simply weren’t able to compete, and have failed as a result. Apple though? That’s a different story.
A different approach
This story is from the Autumn 2017 edition of MacFormat UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Autumn 2017 edition of MacFormat UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Adobe Premiere Elements 2025
Create eye-catching videos for sharing on social media
Photoshop 2024
Your imagination is the limit with this AI-powered pixel creator
Wispr Flow
Bring the power of AI dictation to DMs, documents and Discord chats
From Eva with Green
A pretty peaceful variation on pinball
How green is your AI?
Artificial Intelligence has a sustainability problem - here's why
Tiny, but mighty Mac min
Apple’s most affordable desktop shrinks in size, but grows in power
Apple's 'exciting week of announcements' revealed
Apple Intelligence finally goes live - and lots of new Macs!
Amazing Projects for your Mac, iPhone & iPad
Great ways to get more from all your Apple gear
Death Stranding Director's Cut
An outstanding horror tale
Hidden Kingdoms
Panic relief for the nervous traveller