Tim Cook Says Apple is Always Focused on 'Products and People' Over Wall Street Expectations

[lordofthereef]

Examples:

• No Aux on HomePod.
• iPhone X price.
• Always opening store in Appstore on Mac even when you click on a notification which announces new software can be downloaded, hell you have to click twice on Updates if you click on it right after opening Appstore.
• Dongles
• ....

Hit the nail on the head for me with pretty much all of these billet points. I still enjoy and buy Apple products but there have absolutely been some trade offs as of late.

For me that is particularly the aux Jack. Is it enough to make me not buy a product? Obviously not. But this really isn't something that I believe needed to happen to make space, after seeing tear downs.

That said, I think there's a certain amount of hubris in Tims statements. Do we remember when he mentioned he was surprised the world hasn't transitioned faster to digital money? That is complete disregard of the fact that many of their own customers may be living paycheck to paycheck. Need only look at stats right in the US to confirm that.

In this sense there's a disconnect. And I honestly think he may be woefully unaware of that. This doesn't mean he's stupid. Or unsuccessful. Or that I could do better than him (saying these mainlynfor people that are itching to fall menin thisbdtstment). What it means is he knows what it takes to make the sale, and of course he's doing exactly that. All while believing in his heart that money and investors isn't ever the driving factor.

 

[Jesse Waugh]

I mostly agree with your sentiment. Though I think they're not even close to any form of demise. They've been flailing around a lot, but at least I see them attempting to make necessary adjustments. Those of us who are using products from the competition know the competition isn't that much farther ahead in all ways and is often a few steps behind by some measures.

Yeah there’s no better computer company - that’s for sure. Apple seems to be struggling to maintain quality while pleasing its possessors - the ones pulling Tim’s strings - who want Apple to become a surveillance / control entity like Google. You have to admit it’s sad to watch.
[doublepost=1519276554][/doublepost]

Yes, the obvious demise of the most successful company in the world at its highest point.

Highest point - financially? Certainly not in terms of hardware, software or services.
[doublepost=1519276605][/doublepost]

Thanks for the laugh. I needed that.

Schadenfreude is never clever.

 

[groove-agent]

"Sometimes Apple takes the lead, introducing unique features-Face ID, for instance."

Wasn't Windows 10 doing login via face with Windows Hello long before the iPhone X?

 

[pankajdoharey]

Tim is spot on when he says measuring a company as a 90 Day investment is a negative. Products like iPhone or AppleTV or iPad are not created in 90 days. The people who measure companies this way namely the "Wallstreet" are filled with oil or sand millionaires who sold mined stuff to make money well that is much easy to do and measure. Investing in a tech company needs vision, this oil tycoon type investors are a wrong fit for tech.

 

[groove-agent]

Apple watch began under Jobs, same as iPhone and iPad. That leaves him ... airpods?

Failed products? They made a mistake with the 2013 Mac Pro and owned up to it, the MacBook Pro’s are hardly a failure and what you fail to mention are all the success and great products under Tim Cook, Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad Pro.

 

[JadawinUK]

That picture makes me want to vomit. I can't even tell why.

 

[groove-agent]

I'm not sure if I would be that cynical.

Steve had the passion for the products - no doubt about that. Apple was Steve's company, and it showed. Tim I think is more philanthropic through the products.

I'm sure Tim is a great guy, and a good boss, but doesn't have the drive and passion Steve had. No way.

We need someone new, like Steve with fresh ideas and innovations.

jobs was a tech-guy - he loved the products.
cook is a finance-guy - he loves money and grow

we will never see, products like the one with jobs, ever again.

cook will do his best, to focus on shareholder, and even more on cook, and cook.
cook first - america second

[doublepost=1519277848][/doublepost]Which Mac Pro are you talking about? The garbage can one?

I think the original Mac Pro (aluminum chassis) was great.

Repeat with me, Mac Pro was a disaster from the start. I wonder why they did not sell many.

They only updated the iMacs internals. The outside design has not been updated in 7 years.

 

[rlhamil]

Aren't all companies focused on selling products to people?

Sure, but for example, supermarkets used to sell disposable diapers slightly below cost, in the hopes that young families would buy most of their other consumable products (not just diapers or food) there; and even setting aside food, for which Walmart and Target are relatively recent competitors, cleaning supplies, personal care products, etc. are at a higher markup at supermarkets than at discount stores. So one might sell one product at a modest profit or small loss, if it helps sell a range of products at a higher profit than otherwise. That perhaps works even better with highly integrated hardware/software/services than it does with supermarkets, unless one is so busy that going to two stores instead of one is impractical.

 

[groove-agent]

I don't get the hype on the homepod. Can't you replicate the same thing with an iPhone dock/ speaker system? Heck carry your iPhone around and bluetooth it wirelessly to a good bluetooth speaker.

I get the impression that Apple is good at convincing people to buy new products that do the pretty much the same thing, just a different way.

Same here. And Apple is off to an outstanding 2018 start with HomePod.

[doublepost=1519279533][/doublepost]They shouldn't have discontinued the Apple cinema screen either. It seemed like a good companion to a Mac.

They likely discontinued these because they weren't making enough money, not that Apple is concerned about money.

I really liked all my Airport and Time Capsules I'd owned and now I need a newer one that will never see the light of day. Thanks, Apple for killing off a really good product line. For me, they were "set 'em and forget 'em" products. They never needed my attention except for firmware upgrades. Go figure why Apple killed them.

 

[Lilok]

He added that one of Apple's unique qualities is patience in perfecting its products

Haha, I can't stop smiling about that quote xD
What really disappoints me is that they were way better at lying to their loyal customers in the past.

Does Tim not know that he is sounding quite sarcastic here? After all, he just released a half baked product days ago 0_o

So pathetic :/

 

[forerunnerg34]

The reality distortion field is gone.

 

[Quu]

They released the HomePod without a HALF-BAKED version of AirPlay2 or Multi-Speaker mode. Samsung would have gone ahead and released it with the half-working versions baked into the ROMs.

Apple HAS demonstrated both the multi-speaker (pseudo-stereo) software, and I believe AirPlay 2; but does not feel that it is ready for prime-time (hence them pulling AirPlay 2 from the most recent version of iOS betas)

That is some really specious reasoning. Ship one unfinished product to protect users from more unfinished products. How about I buy a car without wind-mirrors because they weren't ready yet and then they'll come round and bolt them on later.

 

[forerunnerg34]

I'm sure there will be a lot of negative post on this article but i still think Apple make great products, the iPhone X is easily the best iPhone yet (and the best smartphone on the market in my opinion) the iPad Pro is a great device that has evolved to become a more computer like device for a lot of people, the Apple Watch is easily the best smart watch on the market, the AirPods are great and the HomePod is a great sounding speaker that is worth the cost alone.

Ok i've posted my positive thoughts and agree with Tim Cook, it's now time for the negative ones to start flowing

What you said is actually true. Latest Apple device is always the best and great, but only the latest. When a new model arrives the software update will make sure that the tradition remains true by making the previous model less great.

 

[rlhamil]

I'm sure there will be a lot of negative post on this article but i still think Apple make great products, the iPhone X is easily the best iPhone yet (and the best smartphone on the market in my opinion) the iPad Pro is a great device that has evolved to become a more computer like device for a lot of people, the Apple Watch is easily the best smart watch on the market, the AirPods are great and the HomePod is a great sounding speaker that is worth the cost alone.

Ok i've posted my positive thoughts and agree with Tim Cook, it's now time for the negative ones to start flowing

Give or take some minor issues, I like what I have. But I wonder about the HomePod release timing; the hardware is fine, but it needs service/software upgrades (hopefully within a few months) like Siri improvements, and AirPlay 2 (the latter yanked out of the latest iOS 11.3 beta? I guess it's not ready for prime time yet ). Indeed, not only HomePod but across the board, they have room for improvement on services and software, whether on quality control, or on not being last on some fairly obvious features (f.lux, 2009; Night Shift for iDevice, 2016, for Mac, 2017).
[doublepost=1519283436][/doublepost]

That is some really specious reasoning. Ship one unfinished product to protect users from more unfinished products. How about I buy a car without wind-mirrors because they weren't ready yet and then they'll come round and bolt them on later.

Funny you mention cars. I seem to recall reading that the Tesla had hardware sufficient for automatically turning the wipers (or was it headlights?) on, but the software upgrade to do so was long delayed. I'm not thrilled with the approach either (which is not to say I don't enjoy my HomePod's sound quality or wouldn't enjoy a Tesla if I could afford one), but given something with a substantial upgradeable software component to its functionality, I'd be surprised if there won't be more of that sort of thing from various vendors.
[doublepost=1519283569][/doublepost]

What you said is actually true. Latest Apple device is always the best and great, but only the latest. When a new model arrives the software update will make sure that the tradition remains true by making the previous model less great.

Where do you draw the line on that? Adding the Touch Bar to laptops didn't take anything away from earlier model users. In general, the absence of free hardware upgrades, duh, this isn't Wish Fulfillment World.

 

[341328]

Such a dumb photo of Tim.

 

[Bacillus]

Such a dumb photo of Tim.

The photo says everything. A bunch of loaded billionaires with the extreme desire of elevating their own appearance and fame. You'd seldom see a duller guy telling so many half-truths to that end.
How can a company that mostly milks its formula become the most innovative of 2018 ? Buy me that - we're in February !

 

[0488568]

They pay something around $16 Billion in federal taxes, the highest out of any corporate entity in the United States. But don't let facts get in the way of your logical fallacy.

Thats fine though right? They should be paying 3 or 4 times more BUT since they already pay the most we should let them cheat. Do you people hear your self? Thats money that could be going to a free healthcare system, to free public transportation, imagine what could be done with such amount of moneys.But no lets defend the cheaters because the government is evil and corporations are out to help us, not make a profit.
[doublepost=1519287584][/doublepost]

From your response you seem to have a personal issue with Apple you need to work out.

I don’t see any issue with what they have done because most folks have tried to get out of a parking ticket etc.

They are trying to make things right. So that’s pretty much where I am leaving this. Have a good day.

Keep enjoying your free healthcare system, awesome public transportation and cheap meds. Brought to you by no one...

 

[dilbert99]

Man....there are some seriously cynical/angry people here. I don't really understand why this site gets so much traffic from people who really don't seem to like the company that is the subject of the site. Seems like a better use of your time would be reading about/discussing things that you actually enjoy.

Is everything perfect? No. Could Apple as a whole be better? Sure. Do they deserve constructive criticism when they have issues with software or hardware they release? Absolutely.

But the over-the-top torch and pitchfork routine is just a sign that some here need a new hobby.

Or it can be a sign that Apple pisses off a lot of people.

If people don't complain, Apple wont improve.

 

[thettareddast]

Not quite correct. Shareholders demand share value and a return on their investment (dividends and higher stock price). If Apple can provide that by making and selling fewer products at higher margins, shareholders will be happy.

What Tim says about Apple not making product decisions to appease shareholders or Wall Street, has been true of Apple in general since the beginning. It's their almost disdain for Wall Street and short-term shareholders that for a long time made a lot of people angry and not willing to invest long-term with Apple. It is crazy how so many companies and investors today are reactionary to the quarterly numbers, seemingly not recognizing that some things simply take time for the product, customer or overall market to mature in order to recognize the bigger picture success.

I've never seen a board , or analyst , that value just eps or profitability over revenue. obviously, those things dont have to be mutually exclusive. but its grow or die. or, atleast stagnate.

doesnt matter the scale of the company or market share dominance. "wall street" always seem to be hungry for growth. you do good one quarter or year, and they demand you to deliver more the period after. its vicious

***

if apple has proper long term focus, why would you say investors arent willing to invest with them?

 

[ateslik]

that picture though. I can’t barely imagine how doochy that photo shoot must have been.

Macbook Pro with ports. That’s all I have to say about that.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

Or it can be a sign that Apple pisses off a lot of people.

If people don't complain, Apple wont improve.

Like I said, constructive criticism is one thing. Wanting something you disagree with to be different is understandable. But a lot of what we see here is much more than that. A lot of what we see here is outright anger. Once it gets to that point I don’t see how it’s beneficial to that user to stick around. You’re just wallowing in your anger at that point (and bringing others down in the process at the same time) over something where all of the anger in the world from you is not going to change a thing about whatever is upsetting you.

There comes a point for someone who is really upset like that where they just need to move on to something else in life.

 

[Phonephreak]

I totally agree with your product assessment above. All outstanding products.

Still, you need to trash some Apple product or some Apple individual if you ever hope to elevate your forum cred.

Or maybe. Just maybe. Tim is lying. It’s all about profit. Any thing else that he is is pure bs. Apple has been on quite the pr run lately. That says more than any article and interview
[doublepost=1519295329][/doublepost]

Just to reiterate, yes we know companies are focused on selling products to consumers, but what separates Apple from other competitors, is they sell a better product to the consumer. Rather others agree with that or not, is up to them.

No double Apple makes great products. But no one can deny under Tim there has undeniable growth. And also undeniable loss of q.c.

 

[44267547]

Tim is lying. It’s all about profit.

And also undeniable loss of q.c.

Can you please provide a credible source for both of these statements? I would be interested in reading how you Definitively know this.

 

[Machead2012]

I completely agree. I'm a stockholder of apple and I want them to focus on me as a user over me as a stockholder.

Same here but if that be the case they are making a few too many mistakes (releasing products before they are ready for the market, that iPhone slowing down fiasco and battery issue etc. etc.) and imho catering to the BOD and Shareholders. Greed in my mind is NOT good.

 

[Dave245]

Apple watch began under Jobs, same as iPhone and iPad. That leaves him ... airpods?

Steve Jobs had nothing to do with the Apple Watch he died in 2011, yes he did the iPhone and iPad but since Jobs died Apple has continued to grow, Apple Watch is very popular so are the AirPods iPhone Plus version and even Mac’s have got more popular.

Also let’s not forget Jobs was a great manager but it wasn’t Jobs who made the products it was Johny Ive who is still working at Apple, give Jobs credit yes BUT also give others credit as well it wasn’t just Jobs, Apple all down to Steve Jobs like some would believe.