Apple’s latest quarterly financials reveal the iPhone is losing some momentum. For the first quarter 2009, which ended Dec. 27th 2008, Apple sold 4.4 million iPhone 3G devices. That’s 36% less than the previous quarter, which saw 6.9 million iPhone 3G sales. Is the economy slowing down Apple’s momentum, or are their competitors catching up? Probably a little of both. The slowing sales had Apple executives in a foul mood, especially as it relates to iPhone 3G competitors. “We like competition, it makes us all better,” said Apple COO Tim Cook said. “We are ready to suit up and go against anyone. However, we will not stand for having our IP (intellectual property) ripped off and we will use whatever weapons we have at our disposal,” he said.
He may have some reason to be concerned. Competitors are definitely catching up to Apple. The pending launch of the Palm Pre may accelerate this competitive battle. Recent news also alludes to a growing number of handsets using Google’s Android operating system about to hit the market soon. Threats withstanding, Apple competitors are lining up to take a ‘bite’ out of their momentum. The battle is on.
