Apple’s decision to stop reporting unit sales is defensible; the company, though, should provide more data to support its new growth story.
Paul Allen Passes Away, Photoshop on iPad Announced, The App Store and Incumbents
Paul Allen helped create Microsoft, but it didn’t define him. Then, Photoshop for the iPad is announced; it has a chance because it’s from a big company.
Amazon Switches?, AWS Versus Azure, Photoshop on iPad
Amazon’s rumored move into Switches is being framed as being about Cisco, but I suspect it’s about Microsoft. Then, Adobe is making Photoshop for iPad, which benefits from subscriptions.
The Cost of Developers
Microsoft paid a lot for GitHub, because it had to pay directly for access to developers. It doesn’t have the leverage of users the way that Apple does on the App Store.
Stratechery 4.0 Follow-up, Apple’s Educational Event, The Meaning of Better
A quick aside as to why Stratechery doesn’t have an app, then a review of Apple’s educational event, and why the company’s business model limits it in education relative to Google.
Apple’s Middle Age
For Apple, hitting middle age means a strategy primarily focused on monetizing its existing customers. It makes sense, but one wonders what happens next.
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.
Apple Announcements, iPhone Strategy vs iPod Strategy, Clips
Apple had several announcements that were relatively boring from a product perspective but very interesting when it comes to strategy. Plus, its new “Clips” app may point to new products in the future.
Amazon Opens Physical Bookstore, The iPad Pro’s Half Launch
Amazon’s physical bookstore is first and foremost an experiment. However, it’s worth considering how it fits into Amazon’s measurement of success. Then, the iPad Pro launched, but not its accessories. It’s part of a worrying trend.
App Store Policy Follow-up, The iPad Pro, The iPad Pro Accessories
First, some follow-up on yesterday’s piece on App Store policies: I actually forgot some product holes, plus a defense of “shareware.” Then, the iPad Pro’s strategic justification and a review of it and its accessories.