I work in finance, so I’m very aware of the macroeconomic conditions that exist right now. I agree that you’d think Apple would play it safe/not place risky bets in a worsening economy. However, them planning to launch the AR headset, along with all the resources that are going into it (to the point of delaying other products/features), is perhaps Apple’s biggest risk since the Apple Watch. You said, “It would make no sense for Apple to step out on a limb and risk billions with new product put into a very soft market” which I agree with, but that’s exactly what Apple is doing with the AR headset - stepping out on a limb, risking billions.
Also, if Apple is so concerned about the economy, I would think that they would try to make more competitive products to entice people when economic conditions are tougher and there’s more competition for fewer dollars. Yes, playing it safe with what has worked can protect them against some risk, but it’s also risky to play it too safe. Then there’s the question of how much of these products were already planned out this way, to be less competitive offerings? How far in advance can they change the course of their products are known to planned out a couple years in advance?
I understand what you’re getting at though. Perhaps my post was oversimplified. I’m just saying that Apple has appeared to be on a massive upswing over the past few years, but I’m feeling less confident in recent trends in the company over the past year. And yes, I understand a lot of the things I’m not liking can be due to things out of their control (inflation, supply chain issues causing delays, slowing economy, rising interest rates, more difficult globalization).
