A Difficult Decision Ahead For Apple
Author: Richard Francis | Filed under: Websites & Applications
As I’m sure many of you know, Spotify recently submitted their iPhone application for Apple’s approval (see Spotify in the iPhone App store - will Apple approve it?). It looks really exciting, especially considering it’s ability to cache playlists, eliminating the need to hang around WiFi hotspots all day.
In my opinion it’s an incredibly difficult decision on Apple’s part. On one side they have to consider that Spotify could potentially be (as it has often been dubbed) an ‘iTunes killer’, but they also have to consider the Public Relations side of things. If Apple reject this app, to what extent will Apple’s reputation suffer in the minds of the many passionate and excited iPhone wielding Spotify users?
In addition, of course, this app could bring more people to buy an iPhone. After all, word on the street is it will be the most groundbreaking iPhone app to date. Many people are questioning whether users will pay the premium subscription fee, but I don’t think this will be an issue.
I for one will have my bank card ready and my fingertips poised.
Tags: application, iphone, spotify
Very true, I definitely think it’s a hard decision for Apple. I think Apple’s reputation could even be tarnished in the minds of non-iPhone wielding users. I believe Spotify has a very passionate and dedicated user base.
My question is if Apple were to reject the app, will their relationship with iTunes’ record labels suffer too? So many big labels have taken to Spotify, many of which are also on iTunes. They may be slightly miffed if Apple inadvertently introduce a ‘revenue barrier’, by proxy.
Good point, it could harm the relationship with the labels. I don’t think many blogs / sites have discussed this possibility??
Ash
Thanks for the feedback! News just in: Apple have rejected the Google Voice app! http://mashable.com/2009/07/28/google-voice-banned/