While HTC has offered a variety of new smartphone models each year, it has struggled to remain relevant, with sales of its handsets at an all - time low. (neowin.net)
However, in 2012 Beats bought back half of HTC's investment for $ 150 million, currently leaving HTC with a 25 % stake in the audio equipment maker after HTC kept reporting massive losses due to sluggish sales of its handsets, many with Beats Audio integration and being forced to sell off extraneous holdings in order to retain short - term stability. (phonenews.com)
Apple may have been able to get away this (although sales of the handset haven't exactly been robust), but it's just one more unnecessary hurdle for the Essential Phone to overcome. (pcworld.com)