Apple’s iPhone 5 launch was the talk of the tech world, as Apple added a larger screen and LTE connectivity to its iconic smartphone. But for some companies, it was bad news.
Apple also launched several new iPod models, including a redesigned iPod, iPod touch, and iPod nano. The famous Apple earbuds also received an overhaul, being replaced with the new white "EarPods."
The revamped iPhone, which literally rose from the stage on a pedestal at Apple's press event in San Francisco, includes an 1,136-by-640 Retina display, which is the same width but taller than its predecessor. That's bad news for products that depended on a certain form factor.
You see, Apple’s overwhelming success in the technology industry has created its own gravity, attracting its own asteroid belt of startups and other companies that revolve around it. In general, Apple has nurtured its partner ecosystem. But sometimes, spinning off a new product roils the market, sucking in products that a day or so ago may have stood on their own. Now, they’re toast.
The most significant impact to Apple's rivals is the iPod nano, which has returned to its familiar rectangular shape. This means that any products designed for the older nano’s watchlike rectangular design are in deep trouble.
But it’s "Lightning" that will probably zap Apple’s competitors. The smaller connector, now standard on Apple's iPods, mean that the existing iPod infrastructure will either have to be redesigned or use the somewhat awkward adapter that Apple will supply. SlashGear noted that some devices won't even work with the adapter - specifically those that require an analog audio signal.
As this Wall Street Journal story pointed out, meanwhile, installing adapters into a hotel room, for example, will make that adapter an obvious target for theft. And equipment ranging from car docks to treadmills will also have to consider using the adapter or doing a ground-up redesign. Look for more expensive equipment to adopt the adapter, while cheaper, more flexible products will likely be resdesigned.
However, that also means that a number of products will end up getting squashed by the weight of Apple’s new products. Check out the slideshow for more.
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