iPhone
-
Apple introduced some impressive product updates; the real news, though, were the prices, which suggested that Apple is fully embracing being a services company.
-
The iPhone is a franchise, a product that will make money in well-defined ways; Apple understands that and is exploiting it more than ever before with the iPhones XS and XR.
-
The iPhone X is a quintessential Apple product, because it is the best; is there a market for iPhone 8?
-
The Future of Tech Conferences; Apple’s Supply Chain, Continued; Remote Work and Zoom
Three potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the tech industry might be seen in consumer-focused developer conferences, supply chains, and Zoom’s chances versus Microsoft.
-
Apple’s Investor Warning, Foxconn’s Investor Warning, An Interview with Dan Wang
Apple issued its second revenue warning in two years, and while the circumstances were very different, both were about China. Then, Foxconn is diversifying — will that speed up? Plus, an interview with Dan Wang about supply chains in China.
-
Apple’s Earnings, Slowing Services Growth, Apple and the Coronavirus
Apple’s surging iPhone sales and slowing services growth suggest that lots of iPhone customers are upgrading. It’s a testament to how strong Apple’s position is that revenue it misses now it catches later.
-
iCloud Backups and Encryption; Facts, Principles, and Concerns; Determining Defaults
More encryption news, this time about how Apple holds the keys to iCloud backups. I think this approach strikes the right balance: privacy exists, particularly if you work for it, while acknowledging legitimate societal concerns.
-
Visa/Plaid Follow-Up; Apple v FBI, Round 2; 2020 Differences
More on Visa/Plaid, including why payments in the U.S. and China are so different. Then, Apple is facing off against the FBI again, but its position is both stronger technologically and weaker politically.
-
Integration and Monopoly
Apple has won through integration, but integration combined with network effects and economies of scale can result in bad outcomes that look a lot like monopolies.
-
Apple Earnings, iPhone Pricing, Additional Notes on Apple’s Earnings
Apple had another quarter where the iPhone didn’t dominate, plus more evidence that the company is thinking like a Services company.