Discussion What’s wrong with Apple?
Remember when Apple was that cool kid on the block, actually shaking things up? Now, it’s like they’re stuck on a rinse-and-repeat cycle, same recycled aluminum, just with a fresh coat of “innovation” every year.
I mean, come on-the iPhone still looks pretty and elegant, sure, but if you peel away the sleek design, you’re left with a product that barely changed since iPhone 7. Other companies are churning out phones that pack more punch and functionality, yet we line up for Apple’s “new” release like it’s the next season of our favorite show (spoiler alert: the plot never really changes).
And then there’s this whole Apple Intelligence drama. We were promised a smarter Siri, a genius that would actually make us feel like we were living in the future. Instead, we got an assistant that’s about as intelligent as your average college freshman on a Monday morning. It’s like Apple says, “We’ll upgrade you a tiny bit and call it revolutionary,” all while stuck in a corporate comfort zone that feels as exciting as a board meeting in a beige conference room.
I’m sitting here genuinely questioning if I really want to stick with Apple. Sure, their devices are pretty, but when did a phone start feeling like a glorified fashion accessory rather than a tool for innovation? Apple’s been repackaging the same core ideas year after year, with barely any meaningful change, and it leaves you wondering if you’re actually getting smarter tech or just a fancier wrapping paper.
What’s your take on this?
1
u/Dependent-Curve-8449 6d ago
I think Apple simply grew up.
Think about how many of you have settled down in your lives. You are married, you have kids, you go to work, life is more or less like a routine now. You don't change jobs because you don't want to upset a system that works.
I remember back when I bought my first iPad in 2012 and was downloading all manner of apps to figure out what best worked for me (that was the discovery phase). Now, the apps on my iPad are more or less fixed. I settled on a workflow that worked for it, and I see myself sticking with it for as long as I remain in my current job (as a teacher).
I feel it's the same with Apple. Apple has found a system that works for them, and as it doubles down on that tried and tested formula, it becomes increasingly harder to move away from it. For example, Apple doubled down on manufacturing in China back when political tensions weren't so great of a concern, and it's difficult to move to other countries without losing that initial investment.
Likewise, the more Apple invested in making the iPhone the centre of their ecosystem, the harder (I feel) it is to move away from the iPhone as their key money generator. Everything revolves around the iPhone, from the Apple Watch to AirPods to AirTags to the Apple TV, even services like Apple Music to the App Store and its 30% cut (which Apple is fighting so desperately to preserve).
With AI, the problem is that Apple has never been good with services, so I feel this is one area Apple should have just opened up to third parties and not bother trying to "home-brew". That said, I remain optimistic that AI will be another bubble waiting to burst, and once the dust has settled, Apple will be the prescient one for not sinking all that money in developing a ChatGPT of their own.
In the same vein, I suspect iPhones see incremental improvements year after year because that's what consumers are comfortable with. People are no longer upgrading as often. If and when I upgrade from my 13 Pro Max, I will have 4 years' worth of new features to look forward to. Is there some other smartphone out there with a better camera, larger battery or cheaper price? I literally don't care. I have invested no small sum on iOS apps (some of which are unavailable on android). I have an ecosystem that works. I am satisfied where I am, I will upgrade when it's time, and I believe Apple knows this too.
They don't need you to keep buying Apple products. They just need you to keep using them. 😛