Why Apple Watch has failed to strike a chord with the people

When it launched the iconic iPhone in 2007, Apple Inc took the world by storm. Eight years and multiple products later, the US tech giant continues to drive its customers crazy. Tales of long day-before-the-launch queues and loyal fans willing to even sell their kidney to buy a coveted device from the company are famed. The world waits with bated breath for each of the company's events, expecting Apple to go one up on its competitors or as some say, beat even its own products.

Under founder Steve Jobs, its continued efforts to offer innovative services not only endeared Apple to millions of fans but also set its cash registers ringing. As of July 22, Apple has a market capitalisation of $756 billion. Its cash pile has swelled to $202.8 billion.

The innovation and launches continue under Tim Cook, who has been at the helm since August 2011. His first unveiling after Jobs died was of the third-gen iPad in March 2012. But all records of his press briefings broke in September 2014 when Cook launched the Apple Watch, described by him as the 'most versatile device of the company till date'. Much was written about the smartwatch as analysts discussed the chances of Apple's success in the new segment.

However, the Watch failed to spin its magic on the world. The exact sales for the smartwatch have not been disclosed yet, but Apple's latest quarterly financial report, released on Tuesday, suggests the number was lower than expectations. The company sold 47.5 million iPhones in the April-June period.

Here are three reasons why Apple may have lost the plot with its smartwatch:

 

1. PRICING: Of course it has smart features like heart-rate tracker, e-mail and SMS services and also allows you to send doodles and emojis to your friends, but would you be willing to spend $350 (approximately Rs 22,000) for it? Moto 360 has similar features but is priced at approx. $285 (Rs 17,999).
   
2. PRODUCT SEGMENT: Despite having a super-successful device in the iPhone, did Apple have to venture in the smartwatch segment? At a time when smartphone penetration is increasing by the day, selling the idea of a watch - that works only with an iPhone - is a tough shot. 
3. SYNCING: The Watch doesn't always offer right information at the right time. One transit app on the Watch offers bus schedules for saved locations - even if they are far away - rather than the closest stops at the time, even though the app displays correct data on the iPhone.

Experts say apps will get better when Apple updates the watch's software this fall to permit more "native" apps - those that aren't just extensions of phone apps. Some apps could even work without the phone nearby, including games, audio recorders and tools that analyze golf swings.

 

(With inputs from Reuters and AP)