iPhone “Epic Fail” in Japan

It’s a known fact that mobile devices in Japan are just better, plain and simple. Doubt me? Mobile devices in Japan have been proven to be years advanced their stateside counterparts. For years now mobile devices, especially cell phones, have been able to receive TV, music, take photos, etc. Just as we attempt to close the gap, the Japanese take their phones to another level of increasing the quality of picture and audio, but also increasing the use of these devices. Phone overseas have been able to scan items for pricing for years already, and they’ve also been used as debit cards and train passes.

So what does Apple and Steve Jobs plan to provide for their customers in the Land of the Rising Sun? Well…nothing. While units were expected to hit sales of 1 million units, when all is said and done they will be lucky to have sold 500,000. Not good. Apple’s offerings with the iPhone just don’t compete with the already existing high end phones that are available to both the consumer and professional market.

Released just over three months ago, the iPhone which saw explosive sales the first few weeks of release has taken a drastic nosedive. Selling out immediately on July 11th, with lines of people ready to purchase is the complete opposite of the sites now, where sellers stock their windows with iPhones, promoting specials, and looking for ways to move the inventory with little to no luck.

Since Apple could not wow them with their song and dance, what will it take for Apple to break into the Japanese market? We saw similar experiences when Microsoft released the first iteration of the X-box, which impressive sales at first, but then falling off the charts. Steve and Co. might need to go back to the drawing board for our eastern friends and think of a plan to counter an already established market.

Tags: apple iphone iPhone 3G japan Mobile phone Steve Jobs