Windows Phone always struggled to keep up with iPhones. Both in terms of sales figures and general notoriety, Windows Phones have never been able to reach the heights that iPhones have reached, and there are numerous reasons. In this article, we will look at a few main reasons why Windows phones failed to compete with iPhones and discuss what sets Apple apart from most other mobile phone developers.
The Brand Loyalty That Apple Has Built Is Awe-Inspiring
The history of Apple is incredible. From the cold walls of Steve Jobs’ garage to the most luxurious shops in the world, the iPhone has been through a lot, and the fact that it is one of the longest-standing mobile phones on the market works overwhelmingly in its favor.
Apple has been in the smartphone game for much longer than Microsoft, and as a result, they have a much larger user base and a stronger reputation. This gives iPhones a significant advantage in attracting new users, as many people are likelier to choose a brand they know and trust.
The brand loyalty that Apple goes beyond all reason and logic. It is one of the few businesses that barely has to do anything to stay on top.
In addition, iPhones have generally received better reviews and have been considered to have better overall performance. While there were undoubtedly some high-quality Windows Phone devices on the market, they have not consistently matched the performance and user experience of iPhones. This made it difficult for Windows Phone to compete with iPhones, as many users place a high value on performance and user experience.
Finally, iPhones have a robust ecosystem of accessories and peripherals that make it easy for users to enhance their experience. From cases and chargers to headphones and smartwatches, there is a wide range of options available to iPhone users. In contrast, the ecosystem of accessories and peripherals for Windows Phone was much smaller, making it more difficult for users to find the products they need to customize their experience fully.
The brand that Apple has built over the years is one of the wonders of the modern world, and there are very few businesses out there that can stand up to Apple in terms of brand loyalty.
iPhones Have Much Better Games & Apps
Another factor contributing to Windows Phone’s struggle was the lack of app support. Many popular apps were only available on iOS or Android, meaning that Windows Phone users were often left out in the cold. This lack of app support can be a significant drawback for users who rely on their phones for various tasks, making it difficult for Windows Phone to keep up with the competition.
It’s also worth mentioning that Apple caters to a demographic that is becoming increasingly prominent in the modern day and age; gamers. The number of incredible free iPhone games on the market makes iPhones incredibly appealing to the average person.
From indie darlings to psychological thrillers, iPhone has thousands of high-quality games that blow Windows out of the water, slowly exacerbating the gap between iPhone and Windows.
Microsoft’s Marketing Campaigns Leave a Little More to be Desired
On top of poor brand loyalty and lacking app support, Microsoft also falters heavily regarding marketing. Marketing for Windows Phone has historically been pretty unsuccessful compared to its competitors, and any attempts to change the tide have been met with a lukewarm reception.
Learning how to throw a marketing campaign is essential for any company, especially one as large as Microsoft. Most marketing campaigns focused on Windows phones have been lackluster at best, and it seems as though Microsoft has still yet to find a unique selling point (USP) for its flagship phone. Unless this changes, Windows phones are not likely going to be a viable competitor to iPhones.
Overall, there are several reasons why Windows Phone struggled to compete with iPhone. From a larger market share and established brand presence to a lack of app support and better overall performance, iPhone had several advantages that made it difficult for Windows Phone to keep up.