Highlights of Apple's 2018 Shareholders Meeting

[Lounge vibes 05]

That iOS9 guy has a point. But I've been having problems and removed features since iOS7.

 

[groove-agent]

Hope some of those 9 unknown company acquisitions include artificial intelligence.

I remember at least 2 acquisitions years ago and yet Siri is still dumb as a rock.
[doublepost=1518625776][/doublepost]Meh Apple has a quoted lots of companies and technologies yet they have t done anything with it. There was a company a while back that allowed you to take pictures and refocus on different subjects after the picture was taken. That hasn’t surfaced either. Apple has t been very productive in the last 5 years, and now they want to slow things down and concentrate on correcting mistakes?

Nice summary.

Curious about the 9 unknown companies that Apple purchased. AI would be a definite need, but I wonder what they are actually targeting.

Keeping things confidential... *insert deep closed mouth laughter and head shake here*

Oral health? Cool, but how would that work?

I had a good chuckle at the one investor who abstained from voting. I share his sentiment.

 

[brinary001]

There were 2 or 3 dogs working security (I was there). They had a body harness complete with id tags identical to those that employees wear. We also went through a bag check and metal detectors (which didn't work too well--they seemed to be tuned way up). The breakfast was nice, and we were offered coffee and water while we waited in line to enter the campus as the dogs looked us over.

Ah interesting, how could I not have thought of security?? Thanks for the info, it sounds like it was a nice time!

 

[DLNelson]

Ah interesting, how could I not have thought of security?? Thanks for the info, it sounds like it was a nice time!

It was very pleasant. The employees were all very upbeat and the crowd of shareholders was (generally) equally happy to be there. Loads of picture taking, and just delighted to be on the campus. The theater is outstanding, a very beautifully designed building and a quite comfortable space for a presentation. I hope it's used more--doubt they'll rent it out, but it would be marvelous conference space. I spent some time in the visitor's center afterwards--it's worth a look if you're in the area:

https://www.macrumors.com/2017/11/17/apple-park-visitors-center-now-open/

They have a marvelous example of augmented reality showing off the campus design. The roof deck was where CNBC and FBN set up their cameras. And of course the Apple Store there has additional merchandise that's specific to the location in order to help you part you from some $$$.

 

[TheRealTVGuy]

None of what you described is Apple's fault. They can't make businesses accept NFC and drivers licences are regulated per state, so it'll take the states to stop dragging their feet and implement a way for that to happen similar to Iowa. Also, in terms of rewards programs, that's still up to the individual businesses. If I remember correctly, Apple added in the ability to have rewards.
[doublepost=1518614121][/doublepost]
None of these are Apple's problem. You can start a Tesla without your key fob and an iPhone app, and your state concealed weapons program just needs to develop either an app or Apple Wallet card for your permit.

True, but last I checked Apple still wasn't allowing others to play nice with the NFC system in the Apple Watch.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I like Federighi, and he has very open personality and the most humor on stage (Not to mention he is highly intelligent). But I don’t see him being the future CEO of Apple, Not that he isn’t capable, it just does seem to be fitting for him in my opinion. But he does have stellar hair.

FRAK No!

For one he's not loyal - recall he left Apple then came back just about a decade ago.

Secondly, His team has faultered with 2 major OS' and now has the responsibility of leading Siri. Being too silly is not required for Apple as a CEO, let us not forget does he have the credentials and education to run a business? Forstall had more insight into the business and direction than Federighi did and he's not with Apple for a few years now.

The expierence to run a business ... I think that falls to the top female executive to be quite honest. She's made some significant positive improvements, ongoing, at Apple retail, and we'll see more.

 

[itguy06]

“Apple has internal candidates ready to succeed Tim Cook, which is a topic that comes up at every shareholders meeting.”

I would think most appropriate fit to replace Tim Cook when that time comes, would be Jeff Williams In my opinion.

I tried to get Tim succeeded at this shareholder's meeting. Alas my votes were not enough.

 

[brinary001]

It was very pleasant. The employees were all very upbeat and the crowd of shareholders was (generally) equally happy to be there. Loads of picture taking, and just delighted to be on the campus. The theater is outstanding, a very beautifully designed building and a quite comfortable space for a presentation. I hope it's used more--doubt they'll rent it out, but it would be marvelous conference space. I spent some time in the visitor's center afterwards--it's worth a look if you're in the area:

https://www.macrumors.com/2017/11/17/apple-park-visitors-center-now-open/

They have a marvelous example of augmented reality showing off the campus design. The roof deck was where CNBC and FBN set up their cameras. And of course the Apple Store there has additional merchandise that's specific to the location in order to help you part you from some $$$.

Very cool! Honestly after taking all of that in, I think I'd make a mad dash for Cafe Mac and then buy a ton of Apple swag from the merch store you're talking about haha

 

[floling]

iPhone X customer satisfaction is at 99%.

iPad mini 2 had a 100% satisfaction rate. And what now? no more mini....? So sad....

 

[niun]

Uh, no. Paper money can be used to avoid taxes. Digital transactions cant.

Holy cow!
Someone better let TC know before he pulls the plug on money!

 

[jbizzybeetle]

Angela Ahrendts is the best one.

uh, no. Not the bag lady, please. Stores are poorer experience after her takeover.

 

[BritishApple]

uh, no. Not the bag lady, please. Stores are poorer experience after her takeover.

Exactly. We went from a dedicated area and a bar to get service for hardware issues to, “Take a seat on that window ledge and someone will be over when a spare seat at the random table up the back is free.”

 

[TallManNY]

Other than for a bigger paycheck, what would motivate any high level exec to take the job? I'd ask the same question about someone wanting to be President of the U.S. The money alone can't be the reason. Engineers and tech folks don't usually make the best CEOs, either by inclination or talent. That's why it was Jobs, not Woz', who made the best fit at the helm of Apple. I have no idea who would be the best fit of the current Apple exec's. I think they might be better served getting someone outside the current employee set. As a humorous suggestion, what if Bill Gates were to come out of retirement and take the job? That would be incredible and just ooze of irony, but it wouldn't be much more of a shock than Steve Jobs' comeback.

Gates coming in would be funny. Shocking to the core to many Apple guys and their customers. But Gates is basically well respected as a tech guy, so some folks wouldn't mind.

I really do think that Apple values culture so much that it can't be someone from outside. You generally bring in a new outside guy to change the direction of the company. That would be unacceptable to everyone at this stage. Apple would have to fail for years if not a decade before a change of that magnitude would carry the day.

As for who would take the CEO position at the most powerful tech company and the most profitable company in the world? I'd say pretty much every executive who wasn't scared of the stress, the scrutiny and the hard work. Just like nearly every U.S. politician would take the President position if they could.

 

[SemperMac]

I guess many people in a lot of European countries hope to be still alive till Apple Pay “is being launched at all“

It's up and running here in Kingdom of Denmark ... my bank has contacted me several times over their app to talk me into using it ... but don't see the need for it!
[doublepost=1518725263][/doublepost]For years I do hold approx 800 Apple shares, but cannot attend the Apple shareholders meeting because of some issues with my shares (bought my bank in Denmark) not being "real" shares ....

Anyway, what I would love to ask as a "frivolous" question would be when Apple will introduce iPhones with way lower SAR levels plus practically EMF-free headsets using air tube technology!?

 

[Rocketman]

And the best company Apple can buy is AAPL.

They have announced a plan to increase buybacks with the repatriated funds. But only steady dividend increases. No special dividend.

 

[Baymowe335]

They have announced a plan to increase buybacks with the repatriated funds. But only steady dividend increases. No special dividend.

What are you telling me? I never said there would be a special dividend and no specifics have been announced on the buyback. That will come in April. It's likely the $163B in net cash will be used to buyback more shares. Cook doesn't like special dividends (good) and AAPL is cheap. Luca said they want to be cash neutral given the new flexiblilty in having access to all their cash.