Can Apple Create Another "iPhone"? Leaker: It's Difficult

Can Apple Create Another "iPhone"? Leaker: It's DifficultMark Gurman, a well-known Apple leaker, recently pointed out that although people have been expecting Apple to introduce a new blockbuster product, the reality is that Apple's explorations in areas like autonomous driving have failed, making it difficult to launch another product with the same impact as the iPhone. He said that over the years, Apple's customers, investors, and observers have been waiting for Apple to release a product with the same revenue potential as the iPhone, a device that could become the company's new growth engine

Can Apple Create Another "iPhone"? Leaker: It's Difficult

Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple leaker, recently pointed out that although people have been expecting Apple to introduce a new blockbuster product, the reality is that Apple's explorations in areas like autonomous driving have failed, making it difficult to launch another product with the same impact as the iPhone. He said that over the years, Apple's customers, investors, and observers have been waiting for Apple to release a product with the same revenue potential as the iPhone, a device that could become the company's new growth engine. However, facing reality, it may be impossible for Apple to launch another product that can rival the iPhone.

Why is it so difficult for Apple to create another "iPhone"? The reason is simple: the iPhone generates over $200 billion in revenue for Apple each year, accounting for over half of the company's total revenue. It also drives about $100 billion in services revenue and even more in accessory sales. It's hard to imagine any product that can bring Apple half that revenue.

Gurman admits: "Apple is essentially an iPhone company. Everything else is essentially an iPhone accessory, even the Mac."

This statement is not an exaggeration. Looking at Apple's product line, from Macs and iPads to Apple Watches, they all rely on the iPhone ecosystem to some extent. Macs, as productivity tools, can seamlessly connect with iPhones. iPads, as mobile entertainment and light productivity devices, also need to connect with iPhones. Apple Watches, acting as smartwatches and health management devices, need to be deeply integrated with iPhones.

Therefore, surpassing the iPhone means Apple needs to break free from its existing ecosystem and find a new growth point, which is not an easy feat.

Over the years, Apple has been exploring new areas, including autonomous driving and AR/VR, but has yet to achieve breakthrough progress. Autonomous driving technology is still in its infancy, and it is unlikely to be commercially viable in the short term. AR/VR devices face challenges in terms of user experience and market acceptance.

Apple needs to find a new source of growth. To thrive, Apple needs several new product categories that are as large as the iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. The question is, can these new product categories change the world like the iPhone, and can they bring Apple huge revenue? These questions will require time and market testing.

For Apple, finding the next "iPhone" while maintaining the advantages of its existing product line poses a significant challenge. If it cannot overcome its current limitations, Apple may face sluggish growth and shrinking market share.

From another perspective, Apple's predicament is a common challenge faced by all tech giants. When a product reaches its peak in the market, how to maintain continuous growth and find new breakthroughs are questions that need to be carefully considered.

Can Apple create another "iPhone" in the future? We can only wait and see.