Skip to content

Apple Quote by Steve Ballmer

“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

Source Speech: Public remarks, 2007, Microsoft conference

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.

2.6 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Steve Ballmer

Explore all 135 Steve Ballmer quotes

More Apple quotes

Browse all 889 Apple quotes