The battle between the iPhone and Android phones is well known from the manufacturers’ point of view, particularly with the recent trial between Apple and Samsung that went in Apple’s favor being regarded as the true test of which company is the real innovator. However, the rivalry between the two ecosystems extends beyond just devices and the manufacturers, even users have turned into enthusiastic fans and are always looking for an argument or fight with those from the other side. The choice of smartphones has transformed into a cult like scenario with each side taking jibes at the other on popular social networks and through parodies of marketing campaigns and the like.
For starters, Apple users consider themselves connoisseurs of fine technology and great design; the two things that the company prides itself on. On the other hand, Android users refer to their Apple counterparts as sheep. This has led to the creation of the iSheep hashtag on Twitter which symbolizes anything that Apple fans agree with each other about. In addition, the recent fiasco of Apple Maps on iOS 6 has led to the #iLost hashtag, again on Twitter. Android fans’ campaign against Apple Maps has gone to the extent of images being created by Android fans where churches are shown as restaurants. Samsung, the largest manufacturer of Android devices, has also developed an advertisement which hints that the iPhone doesn’t feature any cutting edge technology.
Apple fans were quick to strike back by modifying Samsung’s advertisements to show where the iPhone is superior and highlight the fact that Samsung owes Apple $1 billion. Moreover, they have targeted the build of the Galaxy SIII which is made of plastic and hence call it cheap. Though several of them acknowledge that they had to replace their iPhone because of exterior damage, the aluminum casing is still very attractive.
Both Apple and the benefactors of Android should be thrilled with the battle between the fans as it is free publicity for their products on social networking sites. Experts believe that the smartphone has now officially replaced the car as the item of envy. A decade or so ago, youngsters took pride in their car but now it is the phone, perhaps because children and teenagers get a phone earlier than they are issued a driving license. The smartphone has virtually become an extension of the body and all manufacturers are winning as long as it stays that way.
