Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) co-founder Steve Wozniak is no longer involved in the company’s day-to-day operations. But that doesn’t prevent him from coming up with new ideas. In an interview with Wired.com, Wozniak said he thinks Apple should release an Android device. Users love style and quality, which the tech giant already offers. By bringing an Android-powered iPhone, Apple should be able to play in two arenas at the same time.
An iAndroid would affect Apple’s brand
Such an iDevice seems unlikely on the surface. But Wozniak says nothing can stop Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) from making Android-based products except common sense. It’s entirely possible, technically. Android is an open source software. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) offers it to any handset maker to develop and use. Like Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Apple can also develop its own version of Android. But it will have to separately license Google apps like Gmail and Maps. Android dominates about 80% of the global smartphone market. However, it may affect Apple’s exclusive brand and profit margins. That’s because Android devices are mostly cheaper, and sell in emerging markets.
Though Wall Street has expressed concerns over Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s innovation edge, Steve Wozniak is still bullish on the company he co-founded. Apple has been criticized for not entering a new product category like smartwatches or televisions last year. For more than two years, there have been reports that the tech giant is working on these two products, but neither of them have reached consumers yet. Wozniak said the company is waiting for the right time to release the right product. When a great team of brilliant people to work on a great product, they don’t want to be bothered about what others are commenting while they are working on it. Wozniak believes a great new product category doesn’t happen very often.
Will Apple CEO listen to Wozniak?
Steve Wozniak also favors Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s decision not to flood the iPhone with multiple new features. He believes adding a new feature is not the same as innovation. A company that has a really good product shouldn’t screw it up.
Let’s see if Tim Cook listens to Wozniak about an Android-based iPhone, which seems highly unlikely.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares jumped 2.20% to $523.80 in pre-market trading Friday.
