Analysts and purported experts who have downgraded Apple stock think the company is “doomed” if it doesn’t enter a market such as a wearable computer (the “iWatch”) or HDTV (the “iTV”). They ignore one of the reasons Apple has been successful: it does a few things well.
Some pundits have also complained that Apple is losing its innovation edge despite a lack of evidence to back this up. Those who expect the company to unveil a world-changing product every six months aren’t living in the real world.
This year Apple will spend US$10 billion investing in its future. Yep, $10 BILLION. That’s an increase of about $2 billion over last year. That’s hardly the attitude of a company that no longer desires to innovate.
Currently, Apple has four product “legs”: the Mac, the iPod, the iPad and the iPhone. Then there’s its “hobby”: the Apple TV. I expect the Apple TV to become one of Apple’s main focuses later this year — along with an iTV. However, the company won’t enter the TV market until it has something unique to offer.
As for an iWatch … well, maybe. Although if Apple unveiled such a device, I see no reason why it couldn’t be part of the iPod line-up and not a separate category.
Whatever Apple’s plans, the company can’t let short-sighted “experts” mar its long-term vision. When Apple tries to be all things to all people, that’s when it’s in trouble.
