Skip to content

We'll get a chance to go through this [Apple versus…

“We'll get a chance to go through this [Apple versus Microsoft debate] again in phones and music players. There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance. It's a $500 subsidized item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the 1.3…” quote by Steve Ballmer
Download Open image
“We'll get a chance to go through this [Apple versus Microsoft debate] again in phones and music players. There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance. It's a $500 subsidized item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the 1.3 billion phones that get sold, I'd prefer to have our software in 60% or 70% or 80% of them, than I would to have 2% or 3%, which is what Apple might get.”

Steve Ballmer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Predicts low iPhone market share, emphasizing software dominance across many devices.

In simple terms: Believes software should be on most phones, not just a few high‑end ones.

Key Takeaway

Focus on broad software distribution.

Themes

competition market share software strategy mobile devices

Mood

analytical critical

Type

analysis prediction

When to use this quote

  • technology conference
  • industry analysis
  • strategic planning

Key Concepts

platform dominance price subsidies consumer choice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can software firms adapt to unexpected market leaders?
  • What risks arise from focusing on volume over premium?
A Different Perspective

Limited by rapid market shifts and consumer preferences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Steve Ballmer

Explore all 134 Steve Ballmer quotes

More Apple quotes

Browse all 889 Apple quotes