nobody on Nostr: Apple, still the one we used to know? As Steve made Apple a legend, Tim makes it one ...

Apple, still the one we used to know?

As Steve made Apple a legend, Tim makes it one of the most valuable companies in the world. If the former focused on innovation, the latter has evidently put great emphasis on cost efficiency in supply chain functionality which is what Tim terrifically great at.

In order to expand market share, Apple deliberately widens its product spectrum for consumer options with various preferences in terms of size, color, and device configuration (IPhone, IPad, and PC series). However, the variety within each product category adversely makes each model competes with the other, while the markets for smart devices is becoming increasingly saturated (also, as several players in competitions). Apple probably already recognized it as they either been slowing down the pace of new products releases or downsizing the output for models apart from the struggles with innovation.

Therefore, diversifying product category in VR and engaging in Stream entertainment industry are inevitable to Apple family, given the fact of seemingly trendy environmental changes. Apple is fighting for its lead position in the marketplace and expecting continuous growth, while the general global economic climates pose more challenges. So, would these money-burning breeds bring Apple new energy for growth? It’s a question worthy of discussion. Btw, the reportedly upcoming high-end (pricey) IPhone so far has gained some attention.

Besides revenues generated from hardware sales, the 30% charge for Apps to be legitimately run on its OS also plays a significant part in it. Historically, Apple benefits from those strategies (mainly cost efficiency) to accumulate abundance of cash in hand, which could be deemed as its core competitive advantage. However, along with the increasing amount of complaints around the Overrated fee, the inclusiveness for innovation and creativity of Apple ecosystem oppositely experiences a progressively thinner air. After all, if fewer participants can survive, then how many more you can get in long run?! Not even mentioning the fierce competition from other players like Android, who has been reportedly grabbing more market shares.

Theoretically, everyone would love to snowball the value of cash in hand, Apple might not be an exception. Given the announced cooperation with some financial institution for offering higher rates to attract more resources to reinvest strategically, the question is how risky it could be to the business itself and consequences of the potential business transformation. Ultimately, greed is one intrinsic factor of human nature. Is there enough confidence in meeting all those needs once you promised? Nonetheless, it indirectly reveals the anxiety that be faced by Apple internally.

Finally, to tackle the severe inflation and stagnant economic situation, higher rates and austerity policies become seemingly better options for governments globally. It poses not only challenges for companies, but also impacts on individual consumer spending habits. In short, it is about the flow at Big and Small level, where the market condition is turning to be more and more saturated for certain products and services.