Editing Apple Inc. (section)

=== Competitive Positioning and Market Outlook   ===
At the close of 2015, Apple’s competitive positioning remained strong, driven by unparalleled brand loyalty and seamless ecosystem integration <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/05/18/apple-incs-sustainable-competitive-advantages.aspx |quote=Apple's closed ecosystem and brand appeal protected its core iPhone business from competitors in 2015. }}</ref>. The company’s ability to command premium pricing was evident, with the average selling price (ASP) of an iPhone reaching $691, far exceeding that of rival brands <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/research/apple-statistics |quote=The ASP of an iPhone was $691 in 2015, higher than any other smartphone brand. }}</ref>.  

However, the smartphone market’s saturation in developed regions posed a significant challenge. Despite this, Apple maintained a strong market share of 18.3% in Q1 2015, up from 15.2% the previous year <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2015/05/28/apple-too-big-to-grow/ |quote=Apple commanded 18.3% of the smartphone market in Q1 2015, up from 15.2% a year earlier. }}</ref>. Competitors like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi posed threats, yet Apple’s reputation for innovation and product differentiation helped it retain its edge <ref>{{cite web |url=https://business-essay.com/apples-competitive-positioning/ |quote=Apple's main competitors in 2015 included Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi. }}</ref>.  

The launch of the Apple Watch and Apple Music demonstrated Apple’s strategic focus on diversifying its ecosystem and revenue streams. However, economic uncertainties and challenges in emerging markets added complexity to its growth trajectory.