Apple Inc. faces growing scrutiny over its innovation pipeline. Critics point to a decade of incremental updates rather than groundbreaking products. This stagnation contrasts sharply with the company's era under Steve Jobs.
The debate intensified on social media, marking key anniversaries in Apple's history. Analysts are questioning the strategic direction set by current CEO Tim Cook.
September 16 holds profound significance for Apple's corporate history. On that date in 1985, Steve Jobs was effectively forced out of the company he co-founded. His departure followed a bitter power struggle with then-CEO John Sculley.
Jobs returned to a struggling Apple on September 16, 1996. The company acquired his venture, NeXT. This move paved the way for his triumphant return as CEO and a historic era of innovation.
Tim Cook became CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, Apple's market valuation has soared. The company's stock has delivered massive returns to shareholders, gaining over 1,500%.
However, this financial success hides a product-level plateau. According to analysis shared online, iPhone unit sales peaked nearly a decade ago. Annual shipments have fluctuated between 200 and 250 million units since 2015.
The company has relied on price increases to boost revenue. This strategy has fueled growth despite stagnant shipment volumes. Its flagship product has not seen meaningful volume growth in years.
A new analysis scrutinizes Tim Cook's compensation relative to performance. According to data from CEORater, Cook costs Apple $529,000 for every 1% of average annual stock return. This is a significantly higher cost than peers like NVIDIA's Jensen Huang.
The company is also investing heavily in stock buybacks. Reports indicate a planned $100 billion buyback in 2025. This massive expenditure coincides with perceived struggles in artificial intelligence development.
Many observers wonder about the alternative use of these funds. There is open speculation about whether Steve Jobs would have canceled ambitious projects like the Apple Car. The current strategy prioritizes shareholder returns over moonshot innovations.
Apple remains a financial juggernaut, but its innovative spirit is under a microscope. The Tim Cook era is defined by masterful operations, not revolutionary products. The company's next chapter hinges on proving it can still disrupt markets, not just manage them.
Analysis and data referenced from CEORater, Bloomberg, and Reuters.