For the first time in a long time, I'm really worried about Apple.
They endeared themselves to me as a creator of great products, with great vision and direction.
Now they just seem directionless. If the rumours are true (and they usually largely are):
- Apple is going to fragment iOS applications by introducing multiple new screen sizes after going with a half-assed solution for the 5/5S.
- After having just one iPhone for so long, Apple is finally going to split the product line. The only trouble is they seem to be reaching for an even higher premium device, when the market is growing at the other end. Also, screen size isn't enough to save the iPhone any more; that'll just bring them up to par. An iPhone needs to exceed the competition.
- They aren't going to win their patent war against Samsung; they're going to have to live with the fact that Samsung and Google stole their crown jewels.
- Recent courtroom disclosures have removed lots of Apple's lustre. Internally they seem scared and frustrated.
- Recent high-profile employee losses (Forstall, Christie, basically everyone from every company they acquire)
- Apple still can't come close to competing with Google on the crucial aspect of services. Google update their services continuously; Apple releases minor patches once a year. iTunes Radio hasn't expanded, and rumours of a Spotify clone would be a disaster (Spotify is already established and well-loved).
- Microsoft is putting together a much more compelling platform than ever before.
- iWatch's body analytics does not sound like something of incredible mass-market appeal.
This is deeply unsettling. For the first time ever, Apple no longer have the best products, the best team, the best vision or the best direction.
Sell your stock. This is it.
