Apple Says 'You're Only as Good as the Last Thing You Did' Amid Sales Slowdown

[richardw]

"Look," says Cue, who somehow manages to look both like a man who just woke up and a compact ball of perpetual energy, "one thing you know if you've been in technology a while, you're only as good as the last thing you did. No one wants an original iPod. No one wants an iPhone 3GS."​

People still do want Cheese Grater Mac Pro's and 17" MacBook Pro's.
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I suspect that in a few days, when Apple will unveil the brand new machines, people like you will feel suddenly empty, like if a precious gem of rants had been stolen and couldn't be caressed every morning after the coffee.

Not if the new machine is shaped like a trash can.

 

[admob71]

Apple is the largest company on the planet, people. And it's for a good reason --

You know having the most cash doesn't mean largest, outside of cupertino, what do they have, some shops? They are actually a small company as far as global conglomerates go..

 

[576316]

I have no idea where all the R&D money is going, though I am far from convinced that it's for the Apple-branded car MR seems so certain is coming (and apparently even knows what it will be called). One thing I can be sure about though is that Apple isn't shoveling all that cash into an incinerator in the basement at One Infinite Loop. It's going to develop any number of products that we have heard nothing about, and haven't been picked up by the rumor mill because Apple keeps secrets better than the CIA.

I hope you're right. I truly would like to believe Apple have some big things coming that they're sitting on right now.

 

[9081094]

And if we have to do Windows professionally, why have a phone that works crappy with Windows.

The iPhone may work crappy with Windows but all things Google work very nice with each other cross platform. If I'm forced to switch to better alternatives in computers this also means I'm forced to break the ecosystem.

 

[dilbert99]

I'd rather Apple be very focused, and slowly release major product revisions than constantly throw stuff against the wall like competitors. I like that the Pro and Air is a slllooooww refresh. How can anyone say that's bad? It means when it drops, it will have engineering that has been thoroughly tested and will be completely smooth

I just wish they would release stuff and stop making silly decisions like soldering ram and removing the headphone jack. If they are going to remove the headphone jack then replace it with something else that is standard.
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The way I see it - consumers have gotten used to updates given how most technology companies operate. However, the truth is, it's psychological given that most people (general public) already have more computer than they would ever need. That's not to say there shouldn't be improvement and updates. I could be wrong - but perhaps Apple has drawn a line in the sand (given their changes in photos, video, etc) that they are adjusting their product line and releases for the masses vs the rest who demand more.

Another point of view is a consumer who is in the market today for a new computer, has something like the rMBP which has as 4 year old shell with large bezels. I've been holding off upgrading my 2012 rMBP until something else comes out. Now I'm considering looking at some of the improved windows machines that have come out.

 

[555gallardo]

If Apple never overthought things you'd never have the Macintosh.

And without the Macintosh, you'd wouldn't even have Windows.

Maybe you've under-thought something.

Except it was Jobs' Apple.

 

[dilbert99]

Imagine an iPhone with a full macOS, which we can hook up to a monitor with attached keyboard.

I want to hook up my Apple Watch...

 

[moxin]

you mean Apple Inc. is just good as that yellow Apple Watch band

 

[otternonsense]

I suspect that in a few days, when Apple will unveil the brand new machines, people like you will feel suddenly empty, like if a precious gem of rants had been stolen and couldn't be caressed every morning after the coffee.

And I wonder what you'll do when you won't be able to shill to disgruntled customers anymore.

PS. Days? Really? Can you share your scheduled release calendar please?
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you mean Apple Inc. is just good as that yellow Apple Watch band

Not just yellow. It has to be as diverse as the emojis.

 

[djcerla]

And I wonder what you'll do when you won't be able to shill to disgruntled customers anymore.

PS. Days? Really? Can you share your scheduled release calendar please?
[doublepost=1470735558][/doublepost]

Not yellow. It has to be as diverse as the emojis.

And I wonder what you'll do when you won't be able to shill to disgruntled customers anymore.

PS. Days? Really? Can you share your scheduled release calendar please?

Let's revisit your post in some days.
[doublepost=1470735940][/doublepost]

Nope - incremental improvements as better technology (from suppliers) becomes available is not in a league of importance as the original iPhone.

So what? You can screw those "incremental improvements" and shrink your company.

Apple flourished under Cook. This is a hard fact, not an opinion.

Also, things like the processors Apple uses or force touch technologies are not "from suppliers" but are developed in-house.

 

[iapplelove]

Such is life, perhaps?

Ha yeah that's what I meant. At least you knew what I meant to say lol.

I sometimes mash up expressions lol

 

[9081094]

Let's revisit your post in some days.
[doublepost=1470735940][/doublepost]

So what? You can screw those "incremental improvements" and shrink your company.

Apple flourished under Cook. This is a hard fact, not an opinion.

Also, things like the processors Apple uses or force touch technologies are not "from suppliers" but are developed in-house.

Nobody is questioning Apple didn't flourish under Cook. But under that same Cook profits has been the focus of the company lately and not the customer and his/her experience. That's why there are so many dissatisfied people here and everywhere. Unfortunately for Apple it can't sustain this route of greediness because even the diehard Apple fans (like me) notice there is something wrong with their attitude and offerings.

 

[nocturnum]

Fanboys were making fun when we saw this coming in 2012. It's not really a rocket science to figure out Tim's agenda. Lady Gaga, Ahrendts, Beats, Dre (among others), letting go prodigies like Forstall, while keeping clueless douchebags like Cue ... that's what he is about when given top position. Technology-wise, making Apple like HP, one step at a time.

 

[djcerla]

Let's revisit your post in some days.
[doublepost=1470735940][/doublepost]

So what? You can screw those "incremental improvements" and shrink your company.

Apple flourished under Cook. This is a hard fact, not an opinion.

Nobody is questioning Apple didn't flourish under Cook. But under that same Cook profits has been the focus of the company lately and not the customer and his/her experience. That's why there are so many dissatisfied people here and everywhere. Unfortunately for Apple it can't sustain this route of greediness because even the diehard Apple fans (like me) notice there is something wrong with their attitude and offerings.

I understand and appreciate your point of view; following Apple closely since 1995, though, I believe there are some patterns that keep repeating over the years.

Apple is very, VERY aware of the Osborne effect; this compounds with the attitude to secrecy that was so deeply ingrained in the company at Steve Jobs' return. Add the two factors and from the outside it may look like the company is sleeping at the wheel. I distintly recall the heat that Steve Jobs was taking from MR readers and financial analysts in 2006, as the iPod was endangered by mp3-enabled feature phones and Apple had nothing to announce.

That's how Apple rolls; they don't announce grandiose roadmaps to appease Wall St.

There is obviously the possibility that Apple is indeed sleeping at the wheel, with top brass lost in chicks and Martinis. But I wouldn't put my money on this, and I literally did the opposite bet.

 

[otternonsense]

Let's revisit your post in some days.

Again, I don't mean to antagonize you, I would just like to know what is the basis for your assertion. It's been almost 500 days for the MBP and 1000 for the MP, a few (dozen?hundred?) days wouldn't hurt I suppose.

 

[djcerla]

Again, I don't mean to antagonize you, I would just like to know what is the basis for your assertion. It's been almost 500 days for the MBP and 1000 for the MP, a few (dozen?hundred?) days wouldn't hurt I suppose.

Apple MUST have a fresh lineup of products for the holiday season; and they can't release the new Macs on december, 15th, because this didn't work too well for the iMac (read: it was a disaster).

There's an upcoming Apple event in September, but I think it will be used to introduce the new iPhone and Apple Watches; this translates into October, or the early days of November for the 2nd event dedicated to the Mac and the iPad refreshes.

Again, Apple MUST release the machines, not having them out for Christmas would be a very concerning sign, with literally BILLIONS left on the table for Wintel to take. Let's see, that's my... "Prediction"

 

[octopi]

"Look," says Cue, who somehow manages to look both like a man who just woke up and a compact ball of perpetual energy, "one thing you know if you’ve been in technology a while, you’re only as good as the last thing you did. No one wants an original iPod. No one wants an iPhone 3GS."

Oi, Cue, you cheeky sausage. I have an iPhone 3GS and it works perfectly well. I also have an iPod first generation (which plays wavs at 48k, 24bit) and everyone who sees it likes the 'retro' look. Apple used to build things that last now it's all about built in obsolescence.

 

[Thunderhawks]

I want to hook up my Apple Watch...

In the pipeline for 2030.

 

[manu chao]

Your argument for a single USB-C port doesn't make sense. Apple could have added a USB 3.1 and you'd still have the 'single cable desktop' without needing a dongle away from your desk to use a USB device.

I am not talking about having only a single USB-C port. I am only talking about having the possibility to provide power and data via one single cable to the computer (and use it to justify the removal of the MagSafe port). I have expressed no opinion how many USB-C/TB3 or other ports the computer should have. My point was solely that the single-cable-to-dock capability can be used to justify the removal of the MagSafe port, not that there should only be one port and that people should be forced to use a dock (only giving them the ability to use a single-cable dock).
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I own an Apple Watch and I appreciate what it took to create it but, it was a still a bit underwhelming. One has to assume that a forward thinking, "innovative" Apple, with it's massive resources, would have been further ahead of the curve on this.

Exceptional success only happens in exceptional cases. You cannot simply create it by throwing money at it.

 

[otternonsense]

Apple MUST have a fresh lineup of products for the holiday season; and they can't release the new Macs on december, 15th, because this didn't work too well for the iMac (read: it was a disaster).

There's an upcoming Apple event in September, but I think it will be used to introduce the new iPhone and Apple Watches; this translates into October, or the early days of November for the 2nd event dedicated to the Mac and the iPad refreshes.

Again, Apple MUST release the machines, not having them out for Christmas would be a very concerning sign, with literally BILLIONS left on the table for Wintel to take. Let's see, that's my... "Prediction"

I agree with you that they must have the Mac in place well before the holiday season (I was hoping for the school season even), and I wish I could share your optimism. I've been so consistently let down by their disregard towards the Mac that I can no longer justify their decision making or their "planning". Worse, I do need an upgrade asap, but presently my options are either continue to wait or jump ship to Windows. I would rather not abandon the Apple ecosystem, but even further delays would make it inevitable.

 

[9081094]

Apple MUST have a fresh lineup of products for the holiday season; and they can't release the new Macs on december, 15th, because this didn't work too well for the iMac (read: it was a disaster).

There's an upcoming Apple event in September, but I think it will be used to introduce the new iPhone and Apple Watches; this translates into October, or the early days of November for the 2nd event dedicated to the Mac and the iPad refreshes.

Again, Apple MUST release the machines, not having them out for Christmas would be a very concerning sign, with literally BILLIONS left on the table for Wintel to take. Let's see, that's my... "Prediction"

I agree with you only from a money point of few. That's why I'm angry and sad because THIS is exactly the focus Apple is following the last years. Now they feel pressure because competition IS ahead of Apple. The pressure shouldn't be that they're afraid losing the big profits, but should be in giving the best experiences to their customers. Back in 1995 it was the loyal graphic and pro market that helped Apple survive their downturn. That same market Apple is stabbing in the back right now by totally neglecting it and squeezing the last dollars from it. I do hope they have some very compelling products in the near future we haven't heard of yet because even the most loyal Apple fans are noticing what Apple has become. A money machine. You can only be that if your products are worth it and there isn't an alternative. Today there are plenty for half the price. That's why Apple has lost its cool and even diehard Apple fans (like me) are becoming upset. I even don't recommend Apple to my friends anymore. This is the first time since 1989 I do.

 

[Ethosik]

People, you need to blame Intel for this. I am so sick of people treating like the newest processors are 300% improvement and apple is just sitting there doing nothing. I am extremely disappointed in my custom built PC. It has 3.3 Ghz while my Mac Pro has 3.33 Ghz. Yet my processor is newer and I do not notice that much of a difference. They are both 6-cores. I spent a good amount of money on the newer 6-core processor with very little gain.

 

[otternonsense]

People, you need to blame Intel for this. I am so sick of people treating like the newest processors are 300% improvement and apple is just sitting there doing nothing. I am extremely disappointed in my custom built PC. It has 3.3 Ghz while my Mac Pro has 3.33 Ghz. Yet my processor is newer and I do not notice that much of a difference. They are both 6-cores. I spent a good amount of money on the newer 6-core processor with very little gain.

Well, that's not the whole picture. Intel had released the 5th generation processors (i7-5950HQ) last year, around the time Apple offered a meek update to the MacBook Pros. Ghz aside, the new chipset could have allowed 32 GB RAM, SSDs over 1TB have also been available, and dGPUs that aren't as mid-range as the one we got on the top-end MBP 15". Instead, we got a new touchpad. Whoohoo.

 

[9081094]

People, you need to blame Intel for this. I am so sick of people treating like the newest processors are 300% improvement and apple is just sitting there doing nothing. I am extremely disappointed in my custom built PC. It has 3.3 Ghz while my Mac Pro has 3.33 Ghz. Yet my processor is newer and I do not notice that much of a difference. They are both 6-cores. I spent a good amount of money on the newer 6-core processor with very little gain.

How can we blame Intel when the competition is proofing the opposite? Apple could give us retina and SSD to begin with. There is enough room for innovation. Apple just could start their photocopiers like the Chinese and Samsung did before. Today those brands are showing Apple how to do it and for a company with so much talent and money on the bank it's a shame.

 

[Ethosik]

Well, that's not the whole picture. Intel had released the 5th generation processors (i7-5950HQ) last year, around the time Apple offered a meek update to the MacBook Pros. Ghz aside, the new chipset could have allowed 32 GB RAM, SSDs over 1TB have also been available, and dGPUs that aren't as mid-range as the one we got on the top-end MBP 15". Instead, we got a new touchpad. Whoohoo.

And if I remember right, the processors last year had worse, or the same iGPU (or maybe they didn't have any iGPUs at all?).
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How can we blame Intel when the competition is proofing the opposite? Apple could give us retina and SSD to begin with. There is enough room for innovation. Apple just could start their photocopiers like the Chinese and Samsung did before. Today those brands are showing Apple how to do it and for a company with so much talent and money on the bank it's a shame.

What? My 2013 rMBP is retina and has a SSD. What do you mean Apple could give us retina and SSD to begin with? They already have.

Having 32GB of RAM on a laptop is just ridiculous. What do you need that much for? Just get a desktop or a workstation instead.