Assessing Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s Innovation Capability

However, in a post-Steve Jobs era, how can we be sure that the company will continue to drive innovation? If we use Apple’s past
performance as a guide for the future, then we know what the company is capable of achieving. However, since Steve Jobs passed away, all Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) did was to cannibalize the iPad with the iPad mini. Even though, it was a smart move, was it enough? Over the next two years, Apple is expected to launch at least three key products: an iTV, an iWatch and a low-cost iPhone. However, the timing of these three products is probably going to shift.

On the other hand, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is heading toward the forefront of the field with immense opportunities in the wearable computing market. At this point, Google is one step ahead of Apple. The company is already offering to 8,000 U.S. consumers a test version of
its Google Glass, and there are rumors going on that it might be working on its own smartwatch, too.

Also, Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) recently tipped that it plans to enter the wearable computing arena. It won’t be the first time, though. Samsung has attempted twice in the past to introduce a smartwatch, but without any noteworthy success. What if this time the Korean tech giant gets it right? Apple has been burning daylight engaging in prolonged patent litigations against Samsung while Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) has be warming up for a dog-eat-dog fight. It’s only a matter of time until we find out who is going to win this fight. But, at this point, time is crucial.

Final thoughts

In the past, not being the first to introduce a game-changing idea didn’t prevent Apple from building blocks for phenomenal growth. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) didn’t invent the mobile phone, but it did re-invent the way people use mobile phones. Going forward, if Apple truly wants to live up to Steve Jobs’ legacy, it has not only to “think different,” but it also has to move fast. As I expressed in a previous article, at the moment, Apple may be taking a break between eureka moments. However, this break is causing a nasty fall in the stock price. Apple should not keep investors and customers waiting too long before they can get their hands on its “next big thing.”

The article Assessing Apple’s Innovation Capability originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Fani Kelesidou.

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