Dan Lyons, Again, on the ‘Android Will Do to the iPhone What Windows Did to the Mac’ Trope

Dan Lyons, in a feature story on Android for Newsweek:

Android has also transformed Google and its longtime ally Apple into fierce rivals. Until recently, Apple seemed destined to rule the mobile Internet, thanks to the popularity of the iPhone, which was introduced in 2007 and quickly began grabbing market share. But Android has enabled handset makers like Motorola and Samsung to develop credible rivals to the iPhone. This year, as those companies have gained traction, Apple’s momentum has stalled.

Android is, without question, doing well. Maybe it is the next Windows. But Lyons’ whole article is about phones. The Android success story, at least so far, is indeed all about phones. But Apple’s success story is about all iOS devices: iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads. Android-vs.-iOS is the game, and Android phones-vs.-iPhone is just a part of it.

And: how has Apple’s momentum “stalled”? Are iPhone sales down? I doubt very much that’s what we’ll hear in Apple’s next quarterly results.

★ Monday, 4 October 2010