The Apple Brand Is a Powerful Selling Point

At the Intel Developer Forum this week I saw a number of interesting products and product concepts from a wide range of manufacturers.

As I looked over many of these products, some from known brands and some from more obscure brands, which are known as white labeled laptops, I started thinking about how important the role of the brand is as it relates to consumer purchasing decisions.


Currently my consumer research focus is North America, so I can’t speak for the other regions, but in the west consumers resonate with brands.

I saw many very thin and very light notebooks called UltraBooks from Acer, Asus, Toshiba and a slew of others.

Many of the UltraBook designs that I saw were poorly attempting to look like the MacBook AIR. One from Asus came incredibly close. However it was that product that got me thinking about the role of brand.

My thesis, which is and has been evolving, is that Apple’s brand is a major factor in the overall appeal of their products. This is something that can not be created or duplicated overnight by competitors.

Of course Apple makes great products but these products fall under a very distinguishable and relatable brand.

I see a lot of interesting UltraBook designs coming from manufacturers. Intel wants to get these prices down so the lure of one of these products over the MacBook Air would be price.

But here is the problem. A growing number of American purchasers don’t want cheap. Our research is showing that the value and premium segment of the market is growing at an alarming rate. And, with that segment, brand matters.

In the US and perhaps even in growing segments all over the globe, the strength of the Apple brand is unparalleled in computing currently. That causes real problems for companies like Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Toshiba etc who don’t have nearly the brand strength as Apple.

I view what is happening in personal electronics similar to what has been happening with fashion. People make brand or style centric decisions based on what they feel reflect them as a person. Again in this reality brand is very important.

Never before did this hit me with such truth than when I was doing consumer market research for a PC OEM who was struggling in the consumer segment.

My goal of the research was to explore the role of design with the younger more influential early adopter audience. The issue of design as a personal statement hit home when I showed the current non-Apple notebook design to a college student and asked for his thoughts. Calmly and quickly he said to me “I wouldn’t be seen in public with that notebook.”

Consumers in the west are now making conscious decisions about the tech products they buy and how carrying that brand around is a part of their self-image. Because of that, brand matters.

The Apple brand is just one part of a fast and deep collection of competitive advantages.

We will be doing more research on this subject soon, but I have a hunch that if you stuck any of the current UltraBooks next to the MacBook Air and asked which product would these customers would buy, a very large group of them would choose the Air and the Apple brand would play a role in that decision.

Many could argue that price matters. To this I would agree however I don’t believe that in the US, where PC’s are a mature market, that price is the only factor in that decision. Even if UltraBooks come in at $200 or more less than the MacBook Air, I don’t believe in any way that threatens Apple’s growth going forward.

Published by

Ben Bajarin

Ben Bajarin is a Principal Analyst and the head of primary research at Creative Strategies, Inc - An industry analysis, market intelligence and research firm located in Silicon Valley. His primary focus is consumer technology and market trend research and he is responsible for studying over 30 countries. Full Bio

232 thoughts on “The Apple Brand Is a Powerful Selling Point”

  1. naturally like your web-site but you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will surely come back again.

  2. I have been surfing online greater than three hours nowadays, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the net will likely be much more useful than ever before. “I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.” by Hellen Keller.

  3. I just like the valuable info you supply to your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check once more here regularly. I’m fairly certain I will be informed lots of new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the following!

  4. Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided brilliant clear idea

  5. Hi! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!

  6. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site so i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  7. Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Bless you

  8. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve be mindful your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve bought here, certainly like what you are stating and the way by which you assert it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to stay it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific site.

  9. Generally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice article.

  10. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 sure. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

  11. Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful information specially the closing part 🙂 I handle such information much. I used to be seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  12. Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is really frustrating. A good website with interesting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

  13. Nice post. I be taught something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It would at all times be stimulating to learn content from different writers and practice a bit one thing from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link in your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  14. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I’m hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  15. Hi there, I discovered your website by means of Google at the same time as looking for a similar matter, your site got here up, it appears to be like good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  16. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  17. Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!

  18. You actually make it seem really easy with your presentation but I to find this matter to be really something which I think I’d never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am taking a look forward for your next submit, I will try to get the hold of it!

  19. Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!

  20. Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!

  21. Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness to your post is simply nice and that i can suppose you are an expert in this subject. Fine together with your permission allow me to clutch your feed to keep updated with approaching post. Thank you a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

  22. Nosotros tropezamos aquí viniendo de un página diferente y pensé que yo También podría comprobar las cosas. Me gusta lo que veo, así que ahora estoy siguiéndote. Esperamos repasar su página web por segunda vez.

  23. An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it may not be a taboo subject but typically individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  24. I was curious if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  25. Appreciating the dedication you put into your blog and in depth information you provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  26. Hallo da, ich fand Ihre Website mittels Google gleichzeitig mit ein ähnliches Thema auf der Suche nach, deine Website kam, scheint zu sein großartig. Ich habe es in meinen Google-Lesezeichen gespeichert.

  27. Wow, fascinating insights! It’s true, the Apple brand has a unique pull that goes beyond just the product specs. The way it resonates with consumers’ self-image is a game-changer. Can’t wait to see your further research on this.
    canned food

  28. Appreciating the dedication you put into your website and detailed information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Great read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  29. I¦ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i am happy to exhibit that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot definitely will make sure to do not omit this site and provides it a look on a constant basis.

  30. Whats Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist different customers like its aided me. Great job.

  31. Absolutely agree! The power of a brand, like Apple, is unmatched. It’s not just about the product; it’s the entire experience and trust that comes with a well-established name. Brands play a huge role in influencing our choices. Exciting to see the innovation showcased at the Intel Developer Forum! #BrandPower #ConsumerChoices #InnovationHub
    Egg Salad
    Sandwich

  32. Absolutely agree! The power of a brand, like Apple, is unmatched. It’s not just about the product; it’s the entire experience and trust that comes with a well-established name. Brands play a huge role in influencing our choices. Exciting to see the innovation showcased at the Intel Developer Forum! #BrandPower #ConsumerChoices #InnovationHub

    Egg Salad
    Sandwich

  33. What i don’t realize is in fact how you are now not really much more well-appreciated than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You know therefore considerably on the subject of this subject, produced me in my view believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like men and women are not involved except it is something to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always deal with it up!

  34. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  35. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with
    the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you
    customize it yourself? Either way keep up
    the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.

  36. Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favourite reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest thing
    to keep in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst people consider issues that they just do not realize about.

    You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the entire thing with no need side effect ,
    folks could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more.
    Thank you

  37. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar
    one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments?

    If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much
    appreciated.

  38. I have read a few good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you set to create this type of magnificent informative web site.

  39. I simply had to say thanks all over again. I do not know the things that I would’ve created in the absence of these thoughts shared by you directly on this area of interest. It absolutely was a very frightening case in my opinion, but discovering a new professional form you managed the issue made me to leap for delight. I’m just grateful for your support and in addition sincerely hope you really know what an amazing job you are putting in teaching others via your webblog. I’m certain you have never come across any of us.

  40. Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  41. Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve keep in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have obtained here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which by which you assert it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. That is actually a wonderful site.

  42. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  43. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

  44. An attention-grabbing discussion is worth comment. I feel that it’s best to write extra on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject however typically individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  45. Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  46. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

  47. The CBD SEO Intermediation delivers top-notch services for businesses in the thriving CBD industry. With a vital approach to Search Motor Optimization (SEO), they cbd seo dominate in enhancing online visibility and driving living traffic. Their skill lies in tailoring SEO strategies specifically representing CBD companies, navigating the together challenges of this nook market. Through comprehensive keyword research, essence optimization, and link-building tactics, they effectively encouragement search rankings, ensuring clients take in default amidst competition. Their rig’s dedication to staying updated with enterprise trends and search engine algorithms ensures a emphatic and junk approach. The CBD SEO Action’s commitment to transparency and patient communication fosters safe keeping and reliability. All-embracing, their specialized services dance attendance on to the explicit needs of CBD businesses, making them a valuable participant in navigating the digital view within this competitive market.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *