Some big , yet totally expected news - the Apple AppStore has reached 100k apps ( to be exact over 101k, but who is counting 
) It will just be a matter of time when we will be discussing the 500k and million mark. Until then, who are the losers and winners of the AppStore’s success. Let’s start on a positive note with the winners.
The Winners…
#1 – Apple…of course
The sales just keep coming for Apple. It has just been rumored that they’ve increased production of the iPhone by 20% for the holiday season. The best part is Apple has billionw in cash (yes, that’s a B no typo) and has recently reported their most profitable quarter EVER! Go Apple.
#2 – The Developers
There are plenty of stories about the one man shops hitting it big in the AppStore and I can guarantee we will hear more. Some AppStore developers have had the opportunity to quit their day jobs, go buy some Bimmers, and the chance to develop more successful apps. The AppStore has even given large companies another avenue to introduce themselves to a different audience and grow sales.
#3 – The iPhone Users
There have been some great apps introduced to us by developers and honestly, some that weren’t - but we continue to enjoy them all. I find the iPhone users getting more comfortable with their iPhones, blaming the developers less for the issues of the device, and apps becoming better because of the feedback from the iPhone users and this will help everyone continue to win on “Team iPhone”. Even better is that the iPhone has received high marks for customer satisfaction compared to other devices and I’m sure the future iPhone features will be sure to please current and future iPhone users.
#4 – AT&T
Nothing else can match that horrendous AT&T iPhone exclusivity. It was a Twitter trend when the initial news launched and it wasn’t pretty. The best part about it all is that their U.S. iPhone exclusivity is not over until 2010. It’s ok, Verizon says that they await the iPhone, but the ‘ball is in Apple’s court’. Though AT&T is the number two provider in the U.S. , they would have NEVER won that many subscribers without Apple’s iPhone. They have many issues with their reputation and customer service and have continued to offer poor service and limited basic features - i.e. the late coming of MMS.
#5 – The Entire Smartphone Market
Apple put consumers at ease when even discussing the smartphone topic. The many discussions with consumers about the iPhone, it’s apps, and ease of use has really made the transition of those using “dumb phones” a lot easier to smartphones. Even though BlackBerry and others have lost market share, the smartphone market as a whole will inevitably win.
Well…Until part 2 guys!
Some other iPhone posts you may enjoy:
Tags: apple, AppStore, att, developers, iPhone, iPod, smartphone
