Samsung: The Apple iPhone Copycats
Today’s article is offered by Michael Davids, a British tech blogger, who writes for UsWitch.Com. He is giving an analysis of whether Samsung has copied the designs and interfaces of Apple’s iPhone generations.
The iPhone is arguably the most influential mobile phone ever and the device that lay the blueprint for subsequent smartphones to follow upon its first generation’s release. In fact, one could actually write a book on the iPhone generation’s massive influence on mobile phone technology and marketing. From the design of the iPhone models, to the technology, features and even the way these are displayed, the iPhones are pioneers in mobile phone excellence. It’s only natural that such major phone models would be copied and here is an account of how Samsung have seemingly done exactly this.
Samsung Smartphones
When it comes to claims of copying the iPhone, Samsung are regarded by Apple as the culprits. This is to the extent that Apple have even filed lawsuits against the Korean giant on claims of intellectual property infringement.
Design
In 2007 Apple released the iPhone. During this period, the leading model Samsung had on the market was the Blackjack 2, which looked considerably similar to the earlier Blackberry smartphone models.
In 2010 however, the Galaxy S was released, sparking controversy regarding infringing Apple’s intellectual property. The Galaxy S looked considerably similar to the iPhone 3G which debuted two years before. Matching the iPhone 3G in design and shape, the two phones almost looked identical and at the very least of the same model generation.
The Samsung Showcase i500 also shared similarities with the form, factor and design of the iPhone 3G.
On the matter of Samsung copying the design of Apple’s products, the Samsung Verizon Droid Charge was also added to the list of infringing devices in the American multi-billion corporation’s lawsuit. Furthermore, the Galaxy Nexus S and Nexus S 4G also share a similar shape and icon layout with the iPhone 3G and 3GS series.
Interface
As touched upon, most noticeably with all of the models listed in the lawsuit, the interfaces have been practically identical to that of the iPhone generation’s models. With the buttons on Samsung mobiles’ home touch-screens layered out in a manner that matches the iPhone, many people believe the patent claims to be justifiable.
The application bar in the Galaxy S Captivate from AT&T also clearly resembled the Apple’s iOS, while T-Mobile’s Galaxy S 4G and the Galaxy S Vibrant also shares a similar body style to previous iPhone modes.
In addition to all of this, the interface of the iPhone 4 and 4S models were copied by Samsung’s Galaxy S II and AT&T’s Infuse 4G. In fact, the Galaxy S II practically looked like a refurbished iPhone 4.
All in all
It’s quite clear that Samsung are guilty of quite blatant infringements of Apple’s intellectual property. This is backed even more by the copying of Apple’s iPad tablet PCs, by Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 4G and Galaxy Tab 10.1.However, few can deny that in copying Apple, Samsung have been able to rival the American corporation to an extent that no others on the market have managed since the release of the iPhone.
Who will be upset at Samsung for infringing the intellectual property of Apple if it has led to the Samsung Galaxy S3 for example, or the delightful Galaxy Tab 10.1? Samsung may have copied Apple, but I’m not complaining!