iPhone 5 Launched: Is it Underwhelming?

Hartford, CT -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/13/2012 -- Now that the much anticipated phone has been launched, many tech pundits feel—as evident by their blogs—that the launch was largely underwhelming. Was it really so? Not to me, but the sentiment was along expected lines.

Why? Generally, Apple’s big launches have always announced the software as well as the hardware at once. Think of the iPhone 4 launch, when the new design, the better hardware was released along with the iOS 4. There were many things to talk about and it seemed truly ahead of the competition. Even the original iPhone: the OS as well as the hardware was well and truly revolutionary.

The iPhone 5 isn’t disappointing at all. In fact, pit it against some of the best smart phones out there in the market and for benefits that people actually want, it will come well ahead of the rest. What makes it look like an underwhelming launch is the fact that the it was very unlike the customary Apple launches.

We already knew of the iOS 6 and the increments that you get with it. So it wasn’t a major surprise when Apple talked about it. The design change, too, was already leaked and even before the launch, all but confirmed. For the average public, hardware changes—unless it really has an impact—aren’t as attractive.

Put both the software and the hardware together as a package and you will see that there have truly been some great improvements, most worth talking about. However, the OS has already got all the attention that it sought at the WWDC so there was hardly anything worth talking about. Hardware changes are rarely as appealing and that is the reason why the launch is being dubbed underwhelming.

The iPhone 4S was also termed as a disappointing launch for Apple and yet, it went on to become the most successful phone for the company. They sold 98 million units. 98 million. That’s a staggering number by any means and ultimately, it’s the public who votes with their money. With the competition right now—only Nokia Lumia 920 comes close—I see Apple winning the game once again.