“We think Android is very, very fragmented, and becoming more fragmented by the day. And as you know, Apple strives for the integrated model so that the user isn’t forced to be the systems integrator.”
- February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011
- American
- Entrepreneur, businessman, industrial designer
- He brought to the world revolutionary products that combined technology and design at a high level, such as the personal computer Macintosh, iPhone, and iPad, and also revolutionized the music industry with the iPod, iTunes, and iTunes Store.
Quote
“We think Android is very, very fragmented, and becoming more fragmented by the day. And as you know, Apple strives for the integrated model so that the user isn’t forced to be the systems integrator.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs contrasts Apple’s approach to product design with that of Android, emphasizing Apple’s commitment to an integrated model. Jobs criticizes Android for being “fragmented,” meaning that it exists in many different versions across various devices with different manufacturers, leading to inconsistencies in performance, features, and user experience. In contrast, Apple controls both the hardware and software of its products, ensuring a cohesive and seamless user experience. This integration, according to Jobs, prevents users from needing to be “systems integrators”—that is, people who have to figure out how to make different components work together.
Apple’s focus on integration has always been a cornerstone of its philosophy, allowing for a smoother, more polished experience where users don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or technical problems. Jobs believed that this focus on simplicity and user-centric design would ultimately set Apple apart, especially in an increasingly complex tech world.
In the modern tech landscape, the issue of fragmentation remains relevant, particularly in the smartphone and tablet markets. While Android devices are available from various manufacturers with different hardware specifications, Apple’s integrated approach has allowed it to maintain a consistent user experience across all its products. This cohesive model contributes to Apple’s brand loyalty and has played a significant role in its long-term success. By controlling both the software and hardware, Apple continues to deliver products that work seamlessly together, offering an intuitive experience that is difficult for fragmented ecosystems to replicate.
