We're not in the Year of the iPad 2 - we're in the Decade of Apple
The surprise appearance of a fragile looking Steve Jobs evoked a standing ovation, but it was only the first of many spectacular highlights of the media event Apple hosted earlier this week.
Donned in his signature black turtleneck and worn blue jeans, Steve noted several remarkable Apple numbers—100 million iBooks downloaded in the first year, 2,500 publishers distributing books through Apple's bookstore, and 200 million Apple ID accounts with credit cards and one-click purchasing, to name a few. The latter number, Steve educatedly guesses, is better than Amazon's numbers, or in fact, any numbers on the internet.
He also noted that developers have thus far earned more than two billion dollars cumulatively for apps sold on the app store, and that Apple has shipped its 100 millionth iPhone.
But the real reason the media event was hosted was to unveil the much-anticipated iPad 2, following 2010, which Apple and media dubbed the Year of the iPad. Apple sold 15 million iPads in its first 9 months of existence—more than every tablet PC ever sold prior, and generating a staggering $1 billion per month of additional revenue. The most successful consumer product ever launched? Quite possibly, says Steve, pointing to a market share peaking at an insane 95 percent, and already 65,000 apps developed for the tablet.
This, of course, is despite numerous flaws in the device: no cameras, dual or rear facing, nor the ability to multi-task, and a relatively meagre processing power too. Nonetheless, this product was an all-star out of the gate, and has competitors scrambling to claim even a sliver of market share. As an iPad video notes, this kind of rich-media, app-heavy, touch-screen portable device can change education, medical sciences, etc., turning it from a mere laptop alternative to a "global phenomenon," a "game changer."
Apple suggests that if it were to leave the iPad alone all year, it would still be the top tablet of the year. But, of course, it isn't resting on its laurels.
What's better about the iPad 2? It's significantly faster, with dual-core processors and boosted graphics, without losing its lengthy battery life. It also has front and rear facing cameras, with 720p HD capabilities. The device is also 33 percent thinner, at less than 9mm thin. In fact, it's thinner than the iPhone 4. The tablet is lighter, weighing just 1.3 pounds. It's also the same price as the iPad, despite the improvements. And best of all... it's available in white from day one.
On March 25, the iPad 2 will launch in 26 countries.
Look back at what Apple had done with "post-PC blockbusters": the iPod range, the iPhones, and the iPad. Combine this with the forthcoming 4.3 iOS, the just-released MacBook Pros, the looming next-gen iMacs and iPhone 5, rising popularity with the Apple TV, and Apple's stunning ability to market any device with exceptional success. Consider the incredible line-ups for new iPhones and the pure passion of Apple consumers. Observe the lifestyle that this brand has defined. Soon, you realize that this isn't the Year of the iPad 2—this year and the past decade have been the Decade of Apple.
And this could still be only the beginning.
