Apple fights to keep DOJ antitrust suit from reaching trial

I see apple as like LVMH, but for phones. It has a minority of overall sales, but a majority of the “luxury” part of the market. This gives them influence over the whole market, but not a real monopoly.

It's strange how they've convinced people that, considering there's nothing at all luxurious about their products, not even the price...

What's luxurious about Apple products is that they tend to respect your time

Those are words without much meaning. So, how do you think they "respect" your time more than other smartphones?

> how do you think they "respect" your time more than other smartphones?

I have an iPhone. It just does its job. Updates in the background. Repairs are a peach, especially by mail. They don’t spam me.

Updates in the background? It's not 2005 anymore... All phones do that. Androids have done that since version 1.0. Just works? Ditto. So the answer is just... vibes?

Partially yes, Android vs iPhone is largely vibes. The point is it’s a product that works for years without the user having to fuck with it too much for most use cases. If the hardware fits your needs, it’s the best in the world. If you like a 3.5mm jack, there are other options—hence why it’s tough to argue they have a smartphone monopoly.

If you’re asking why it’s luxury, it’s a combination of the materials, machining and service experience. Luxury products aren’t necessarily better, certainly not for someone who can’t afford them. They’re simply more luxurious. Easier, more comfortable, et cetera.

This is the thing though. Non-Apple phones are made of equally nice materials, have equally nice design and equal or more utility. Several Samsung phones and the folding Pixel are more money than the top end iPhone. Hell, because of carrier subsidies the top end iPhone can be had for $0 up front.

So what makes an iPhone more luxurious than say, a Galaxy S24 Ultra, Z Fold 6, Pixel 9 Pro XL or 9 Pro Fold?

> Non-Apple phones are made of equally nice materials

The machine quality is totally different.

> what makes an iPhone more luxurious than say, a Galaxy S24 Ultra, Z Fold 6, Pixel 9 Pro XL or 9 Pro Fold

Start with the BOM.

Lol so it's the logo and marketing. Gotcha.

I mean yes, that’s a big part of what distinguishes luxury goods. Again, luxury doesn’t mean better.

When I say machine quality, though, I’m referring to their titanium and aluminum. I’ve machined some aluminum and know people who have done titanium. It’s really hard, and they do it well.

What does that add to the user experience? I can’t say it’s anything tangible. But I appreciate it. That’s luxury. It’s orthogonal to utility in many ways.

I know you're referring to the materials. And I'm saying you can find those same materials in Android phones.

I'm used to actual luxury goods, watches and clothing for example, where the quality is very much noticeably better. A Rolex or Audemars has way more attention to detail than, say, a Tissot or Tag which has far nicer materials than a Timex. Or suits, the kinds of fabric on higher end suits are very noticeable.

Or luxury restaurants. Where the ingredients, techniques, staffing levels and attention to detail far surpass normal restaurants.

Whereas with iPhone versus Samsung S24 Ultra, both are titanium, Samsung has nicer glass, less bevel and more utility (also costs more). The only real difference is Apple has much better marketing and their stores are nicer. Better logo too. Beyond that, there's no quantifiable quality advantage.