Critical Analysis Essay on Argument in Article

Thesis Statement

Apple is keeping users away from innovation; therefore, skip the idea of buying an iPhone.

Introduction

The argument in the article is clear; Apple is keeping people away from innovation; therefore, do not buy an iPhone. “The message is clear: If you want a device that will not lock you out of innovation, skip the iPhone” (John, pp. 01). Everyone must be aware of what an iPhone is, but for those who do not, it is a cell phone by Apple. The author uses details in the article to convince the reader about the argument presented. There are a number of places where the author makes a point in support of the argument. He has attributed Apple's biggest fear to be competition, due to which Apple is not allowing good apps from competitors to be added to their iPhone. The point to be noted is that the author himself is an iPhone owner. However, he did not regret owning one up till now. The points he has made regarding not buying an iPhone are in detail, in the following paragraphs.

Points to Support Argument

The issue of competition is taking Apple down, slowly and gradually. Even though, the main feature the author has talked about is the Google Voice app, it does not limit the discussion. Apple's rejection of the Google Voice app just shows its insecurity towards its competitor's software. However, the author has stated that including the Google Voice app will only make the iPhone all the more attractive. This point is proved in this line, “It's unfortunate, of course, because Google Voice does not actually stop anyone from using AT&T. It is not a VoIP app (yet), so you still need AT&T for it to work at all. Again, it simply improves on what the iPhone already has. It would actually make AT&T—and the iPhone—better” (John, pp. 01). Apple is failing to identify this fact, which means they will not be able to develop innovative phones in the future. Its competitors will leave it behind, just as Android phones and Blackberrys have already begun to do.

The author has correctly stated that Apple tries to portray that they are holding out on applications for the iPhone, because there is a good reason to do so. However, the author does not seem to think this true anymore. Being a strong supporter of the iPhone till now, he regrets being an owner of the phone. The following detail from the article proves the point, “I've never regretted buying an iPhone until now” (John, pp. 01). He is clearly saying that now he regrets buying an iPhone, possibly due to poor battery life, limited apps and high price. Since the author feels regretful about buying an iPhone, he is giving the message to readers that they should not make the bad decision of buying one.

Apple keeps rejecting new apps to be added to iTunes,and this is a serious concern. The author intelligently highlighted that Apple is doing this due ...