When the iPhone was first released, it appealed to the early adopters who wanted 3G and some basic GPS functionality instead of the junky EDGE we became accustomed to. And although the applications were still an important piece of the iPhone-buying puzzle, it wasn’t the main reason most of us wanted Apple’s latest.
But now that most of those who wanted the iPhone already have it and the luster and hype has worn off, it’s the App store that will sell more iPhones and it’s that App store that will ensure that people continue to use Apple’s devices through future generations.
The iPhone, by itself, is a somewhat dull device after you get over touching the screen of a cell phone. Sure, it’s a fine device, but it’s just another cell phone with a unique way of interacting with it before applications are added. But once applications are added to the device, it becomes a far more compelling product with a series of great applications that easily make it the best cell phone on the market for both consumers and the enterprise, alike.
The App store is the key to more iPhone 3G sales. For all those that are willing to wait and see if they want an iPhone 3G, the applications are the main reason they would want to pick one up. Looking for some productivity tools or good games on your cell phone? The App store can provide it.
Beyond that, it’s the App store applications that most people will show off to non-iPhone users and the one element that will help Apple sell more iPhones. Sure, it may go beyond the applications, but we can’t forget that most people have already seen the run-of-the-mill Apple apps, but few have experienced the breadth and quality of countless applications from skilled developers.
The App store is the key to the iPhone’s success going forward. And although 3G and location-based GPS is an important element in the success of the iPhone’s enterprise business, we can’t forget that the App store provides a whole new level of interactivity and usefulness that will bring more people to Apple’s side and will create a value proposition that should see the iPhone rise to a new level of success.