Apple

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Case Analysis 1: Apple

NETW583

09 January 2014

1. What were some of Apple’s biggest successes and failures?

Although Apple uses its innovation methods to “think-outside-the-box,” some of Apple’s ideas became some of the company’s biggest failures; however, some of Apple’s failed products became the ideas of today’s products that are sold in the market; also, one of Apple’s failed products could be an opportunity of pursuing a new business strategy. In 1983, Apple developed the Apple Lisa to provide a user-friendly experience that included a graphic user interface and a mouse. The computer was over-priced, and it was an unpopular system due to competitive pricing and other technological advancements. In 1989, Apple created the first portable battery-powered computer call the Apple Macintosh portable. Moss (2013) mentions that the Apple Macintosh Portable experienced battery failure because of the battery design and the size of the computer was also an issue; “the Mac portable sometimes failed to turn on even when plugged in due to its battery design. Plus it was 16 lbs. What’s so portable about that?” (Moss, 2013). In 1993, The Apple Newton was the first tablet that was created; however, the product failed because the screen was unreadable and it had a very short-span battery life. In 1995, Apple developed a video game console call the Apple Pippin; however, the Apple Pippin failed because of its late entry in the video game market, and its competitive pricing.

For every failed product, there is always an idea that can be utilized to innovate the next product. Lisa, Macintosh portable, and the Apple Newton are failed products that transition as opportunities to develop a newer and better product that will suit the needs of customers. Apple took some of its failed products to innovate its current products such as the iMac desktop, the MacBook product line, and the IPad. All three products have two things in common; simplicity and aesthetic...