Is Apple the New Toyota?
If the iPhone 4 antenna fiasco is the only major quality problem Apple has — and if it apologizes and doesn’t cross this bridge again — the company can recover pretty quickly. However, if it doesn’t, it will have a problem like Toyota that will live on and eat away at its brand name. At this point, Apple will have egg on its face either way. The question is, will it regain customers’ love and respect?
Over the last 10 to 15 years, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) has done a remarkable job of creating cutting-edge devices that have won the hearts of their users. It forged a special bond with customers and investors that other companies want but don’t have. It seemed to be bulletproof.
Suddenly, Apple may have a chink in its armor. The new iPhone 4 seems to have real problems with reception. The question many are asking is this: Will Apple become the next Toyota? It’s too early to say — but so far, things don’t look good….