Introduction
Apple Inc. is a multinational corporation based in America and deals in designing and marketing electronics mainly computer software and personal computers. The most significant product of the company is the Macintosh computers, iPod, iPhone, and the iPad (Pouloudi, 2004). Apart from being an Mp3 player, an iPod is a sign that comprises ideas that involve the dynamic of the world and how comfortable people feel when they become part of that change. Apples iPods have surprised the world by transforming its original Apple corporation into an entertainment hero by changing how people listen to music. The entertainment industry has been modified by the iPod portable Mp3 player and iTunes inc. interface which enables the user to quickly and easily purchase, download, and listen to music (Hughes, 2008).
Description of the products objectives and marketing strategies
The products main objective is to be a leading product producer in both the development of hardware and software technology that is easy to use, reliable, and fashion-minded. Another objective is to explain and communicate the idea of a comprehensive digital lifestyle and openly define the sense this brings to its major innovative consumers through promotion campaigns. The product also aims at being the leading provider of the best mp3 players in all markets where the company carries its operations (Hughes, 2008).
Apple Corporation changed its name from apple computer, inc.to Apple Inc. The change of the company name was the first step towards a tremendous shift with deep effects, which were the outcomes of many changes Apple had used over the previous years to transform itself from a computer company into an increasingly competitive business that promoted new ideas of a digital lifestyle. Therefore, the introduction of the new product that is user-friendly, unique design styles with great e-business services are marketing strategies of the apple company for its iPod products (Marcel, 2005).
Another marketing strategy that is used by the company to promote its new product is putting a strong emphasis on the usefulness of the design, packaging, and the environment. It uses persuasive and unique marketing techniques to meet a larger market and this includes taking risks. Therefore, through improved marketing ideas, it has created an expensive atmosphere that is appealing to its consumers.
Analysis of the introduction phase of the iPod product and its current stage
Previously, Apple Corporation has established the most advanced iPod which is a portable digital music player that enables its users to store a large volume of songs depending on the type of model used. This product was first established and introduced into the market in 2001 and has since developed tremendously making it to be identified as a cultural symbol. iPod is developed and marketed by Apple Company and has been branded among other digital players that are unique because of its reliability, interface, its sleek appealing design, and ease to use by many people. This enables its users to have their entire favorite music whenever they go. The introduction of iPods has led to customer increase for the apple computer company compared to the way it was before iPods (Pouloudi, 2004).
The iPods are currently in the growth stage of its product life cycle and it’s noted to have a steady growth rate according to the sales reported by Apple Corporation in the previous 16 quarters. There is a significant increase in its sale volumes, which is an indicator of its market expansion and great awareness of its availability to the public worldwide. However, there is increasing competition from other products such as Sony and other player in the market, which create the same players.
How the company has managed the product through the growth stage
Music being an important part in human life, Apple iPods developed an mp3 that is accessible in a more appealing colors and accessories. The Company also developed the product as well as other products like the memory sizes and iPod shuffle as a result of the increasing demand for the product. The manufacture of these products was done in the same place with iPod products making it convenient for the clients to purchase for their requirements. Therefore, the company has tried to modify its marketing strategies in the growth stage following the increasing competition from other organizations with similar players such as Dell (Hughes, 2008).
How maturity stage will affect the products sales, profits, pricing, and marketing communication
During the start of the maturity stage, the companys sales are likely continue growing, but will eventually reduce as potential clients lose interest on the product. Maturity stage comprises of many competitors and as a result, iPod’s profit level lowers down as competition becomes stiff. As a result, this will affect the pricing levels because the company has to set prices that will attract more clients for the product. Lower prices leads to reduced revenues for the company.Therefore, ipods maturity stage is likely to affect it negatively unless it employs strong and advanced marketing communication and strategies that will lift it higher during this period.
The company is likely to undergo decline because of less innovation, and clients priority levels leading to the products decline in the market place.
Conclusion
The Apple Company has done its best to ensure that it meets the needs of the iPod customers through working hard in providing better management in all stages of the products life cycle. Therefore, I agree with how each stage has been managed. Alternative approach recommended is to ensure that it finds strong marketing strategies that will enable it to carry on even after maturity stage.
Reference List
Hughes, A. (2008).Marketing: Real People, Real Choices. New Zealand: Pearson.
Marcel, R. (2005).Managing technologies and innovation: an introduction. New York: Taylor and Francis.
Pouloudi, N. (2004).Social and economic transformation in the digital era.Havard: Idea Group Inc.