The Dreamer

What many of you don't realize is that the demise of even the largest companies can happen very quickly.  I am still a huge Apple fan, but I have to say that I have seen more missteps in the last 12 months than the preceding 12 years.  

I won't go over the array of issues and missed updates (overly delayed to the point of diminished productivity relative to the market, without logical reason) we are seeing from Apple at this time.

Apple still make amazing products, no doubt.  Sadly, the evolution is becoming so minimal it is getting harder to see it, but the real issue is 2 fold: 1) Stagnation or discontinuation of existing product lines  2) failure to innovate

With the Macbook Pro update falling in the, "so-so" to "disappointing" range, the iPhone 7 coming with some limited innovation and iPad sales weakening, we see the three most iconic Apple products (iPod is no longer relevant) all in a state of uncertainty.  

The net effect of all this is that Apple is losing it's luster.  The 'panache" of owning an Apple product has taken a MASSIVE hit the last 1 to 2 years, I believe people are missing how BIG of a deal this aspect alone is.  It is only because they were held in such high regard that they could take that hit and still be among the top brands.

I genuinely hope they can right the ship.  I was a very very early fan of Apple.  I would literally force Apple products on people because I loved them so much.  When the first iPhone came out I thought I would lose my mind.  When my first Macbook Air got delivered I marveled at it and had a manilla envelope in my briefcase that I would store it in.  I allowed 50+ people in my office and at the coffee shop, to play with my iPad on the release day.  Where are "those" types of Apple fans today ...?

I ordered a new Macbook Pro this weekend.  It will be here in 2 weeks.  Am I excited?  .. A little.  Form factor is cool.  Disappointed about a few things as well.  I purchased because I needed a new computer.  If I didn't, I wouldn't have convinced myself I did need one as I had in years past.  The iPhone 7 is the first iPhone I haven't purchased.  My iPad Pro 12.9 is crucial to my daily life and probably less "replaceable" than my iPhone at the moment.  That said, I had to purchase the USB-c charger a few months ago because the charge times with the included adaptor were simply terrible.  My apple Watch is ok, I won't be picking up the new one.  My Apple Airport is awesome, sorry to hear when it dies there may not be one to take it's place.  These aren't the words of someone adoring a company and their products.

So while we may see a small decline in Apple's current "numbers" what I think we are seeing is the beginning of a change in the tide.  I am still purchasing, but the passion is gone.  Another company can steal me and that hasn't been the case in almost 15 years.  When the real sales drop sets in, I think it is going to be rapid and brutal.  My hope is that they get their magic back and this day never comes, but sadly with each passing month and each release, or lack thereof, it seems more likely not less.

Mr. Cook is a great man, but maybe not the man Apple needs.