Apple’s business model lets the company sell privacy, but privacy shouldn’t compromise the business model. Plus, why developers can (still) deepen Apple’s moat, and how the chip, payments, and even publishing industry are similar.
Apple’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Both Apple’s strengths and weaknesses were on full display at its annual WWDC keynote; the HomePod is a perfect example.
Lexmark and Patent Exhaustion, Patents and First Principles, Lexmark and Apple Versus Qualcomm
The Supreme Court has issued a decision about patents that is genuinely good news, both in the short term and potentially the long term. Plus, it also benefits Apple in their dispute Qualcomm.
Facebook Content Guidelines, Facebook Video, Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV
Facebook faces a daunting challenge when it comes to policing content, but it is a challenge the company brought on itself. Then, Facebook’s video tab is competing against YouTube, not Amazon or Netflix, and business models explain why — and probably explain the Amazon-Apple truce.
Microsoft Build, iTunes on the Windows Store
Satya Nadella sketched a new vision at Microsoft Build, but the company has yet to replace the Windows engine. Then, Microsoft (likely) compromises to get iTunes into the Windows Store.
Amazon Echo Show, Siri Speaker, Echo Look
Echo Show is a naturally evolution of the Echo and Amazon’s goal to own the house. Siri speaker, meanwhile, is locked into iPhone thinking. Plus, the Echo Look’s focus on selfies highlights the decline in offline retail.
Apple-WeChat Follow-up, Windows 10 S and the Education Market
Apple was never in a position to respond to WeChat, just as Microsoft couldn’t respond to Google. Then, Chromebooks win in education for more reasons than cost.
Apple’s China Problem
Apple had mixed earnings: most of the world was great, but China was bad again. The reason is that in China WeChat matters more than iOS.
Wikitribune, Apple Cuts Affiliate Fees, Netflix Earnings
Wikitribune is betting on scale in a way that most news organizations can’t comprehend. Then, Apple is keeping more of the pie for itself, and Netflix is getting loose with definitions.
The New York Times Versus Uber, Uber Versus Apple, Apple Versus Tencent
The New York Times has a story about Uber and Apple that had a fundamental flaw and lacked context; then, Apple won this round against Tencent, but this is a battle to watch