brucemc

How is this addressed in Android?

I haven't been a big fan of Apple "betting big" on original programming, for this very reason.  There is certainly an audience for the family and kid friendly content, but it is limited, and the content doesn't have as much cultural appeal as the GoT, Sopranos, etc.  If the rumours have validity, then Apple might be trying to be "more squeaky clean" than Disney.  

IMO, Apple would have more relevance, drive more engagement, and earn more services revenue if they focused on developing an offer from current iTunes Movie & TV content.  Some options/thoughts:
- Make it have an element of subscription.  Example: for $10/month, you get one free movie rental per month + discounts on each rental.  Say discounted rentals for movies are $2.99 - $3.99 (vs. $4.99-$5.99).
- Extend the rental period to at least 3 days (72 hours).  Ensure you can watch that rental on any device under that AppleID membership
- Develop a rental service for series that does not include the "current season" (cheaper than the Season Package of purchase).  Make the catchup on series much easier and economical.  People are far more likely to rent than buy, and if brings them up to speed, perhaps more likely to increase viewership of current season shows.  Rental for each show would be the 72 hours (not the series:)
- Provide discounts for purchases (e.g. 20% discount on purchase while a subscriber).
- Into this you can bring the Apple content (e.g. you can get it included with Apple Music, or it can be included in this "iTunes Bundle" service).

These are just some thoughts - not what I expect Apple to do.  The point is to outline how Apple could make a compelling video content service. 

I can see the appeal of the Surface line for those that *really* want the 2-in-1 capabilities, for whatever reasons.  But if the job doesn't require the attachment of a keyboard and mouse, or is just designed better for touch, then the iPad is simply the better tool - full stop.  The Surface is without a doubt not as good of a tablet.  And Apple has the track record for quality, longevity, and updates for longer average service life of the device.

Good news for Apple on the enterprise front these days for sure.

The woes...the woes...

It is entirely probable the 8-series are seeing lower sales than if they were the only new iPhones.  I don't think anyone can argue that probably a sizeable portion that might have upgraded to the 8's are waiting for X.  I would call that a no brainer.  

You would have to think that, with Apple having a line-up with 5 models, that some would choose the lower priced models, especially the 7-series.  My daughter picked up a 7+ for $0, with my wife having to increase her data plan to add her (overall, considering a new phone would have caused increase costs anyways, it is a hell of a deal).  So, is Apple concerned if someone chooses the 7 over the 8?  Not too much.  Perhaps more likely they will upgrade earlier then (in the future) than if they had of purchased the 8.  Margin likely close to same.

Over the course of a year, these things work themselves out.  The 8 is a great phone, with some cosmetic changes (all class design), and very impressive tech under the hood (inductive charging, much faster, better pictures, better video, etc).