“Apple’s ambition may be starting to get ahead of the company’s ability to achieve it,” Troy Wolverton writes for The Mercury News.
“Renowned in recent years for its operational excellence, Apple in the past two months has delayed two high-profile products, the Apple TV set-top box and now, it said Thursday, Leopard, the upcoming update to its OS X operating system. The company pushed back the release date of Leopard so it wouldn’t have to delay an even more highly anticipated product, the iPhone,” Wolverton writes.
Wolverton writes, “The problem Apple is running into is that it’s a relatively small company compared with tech giants such as Hewlett-Packard and IBM, said Van Baker, an analyst with research firm Gartner. As of last fall, Apple had about 18,000 full-time employees, compared with 156,000 for HP, according to the companies’ annual reports. ‘Clearly there’s evidence that they’re not executing to the same level they have in the past,’ Baker said.”
“While Apple hasn’t been known for such delays, they’re not surprising, Baker said, noting that Apple is ‘broadening their product offering, and they have only so many engineering resources to go around,'” Wolverton writes.
Wolverton writes, “Apple said Thursday that it was delaying Leopard, the fifth update of its OS X operating system, because it had to pull some of its engineering and quality assurance personnel from that project to help out with the iPhone. The much-hyped device, which Apple plans to release in June, will contain a new, slimmed-down version of the OS X operating system, which powers Apple’s Macintosh computers.”
Wolverton writes, “By shifting resources to the iPhone, the company is favoring an unproven product that will compete in a very challenging industry, notes Richard Shim, an analyst with IDC, a market research firm. The delay – and the reason behind it – are ‘a risk and a sign of how Apple is changing and diversifying,’ Shim said. ‘It’s also a sign that they’ll have to be more careful with spreading themselves too thin.'”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: You can’t shift paradigms without pushing the envelope beyond the limit. And Troy Wolverton’s penchant for the negative angle on anything to do with Apple is tiresome (here’s but one example).
Related articles:
eWeek’s Morgenstern: Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard delay is no big whoop – April 13, 2007
InformationWeek blows it again: reports second delay of Leopard this year due to Vista compatibility – April 13, 2007
Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Piper Jaffray: Use Apple’s Leopard delay as buying opportunity – April 13, 2007
Analysts unconcerned over Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard delay – April 13, 2007
Apple shares drop nearly 3%, dip below $90 on Mac OS X Leopard delay – April 12, 2007
Apple delays Mac OS X Leopard until October 2007, blames iPhone – April 12, 2007
“P.S. And 1280×720 > 640×480. Try getting your HD from legal alternate sources (even if it they are not mainstream movies”
Wait a minute… Apple markets the ATV as a way to push content purchased from Itunes Store to your bigscreen TV. What they are selling is complete garbage, period…
But if you read some of the fanboy apologists posts on this forum your will read, “They’re an ecosystem of intertwined products whose developments occur in tandem”.. How nice and wordy. So tell me, why do I want to watch crap quality movies (or even, OK quality movies) on a HDTV???
“I guess 100 million iPods is child’s play?”
That’s real nice… I could care less about an iPod.. It’s great that some do, but I want high quality computer system..
I am an OSX fanatic. But as I mentioned, there is nothing special about Apple Hardware other than it costs twice what a comparable system from any other major manufacture (ie. Crappy Dells)…. Apple needs to license the right to manufacture the hardware to real computer companies…
Bottom line, Computers are not important to Apple anymore… They want their silly iPhone which isn’t worth anything for business people (Yeah, I can’t wait to tell my boss my email is going to change from Joe@abc.com to Big_Joe73493@yahoo.com ) and I’m going to spend my day listening to music….
Wasn’t there a relatively recent video posted somewhere with Jobs attending a town hall meeting about taking over some other buildings in SF because Apple had outgrown it’s digs in Cupertino?
So maybe it’s just a matter of time for them to inhabit the new campus.
While I’m not thrilled about the delay in leopard anymore than anyone else, I think it’s good sign that Apple is obviously growing a little too fast for the real estate it currently has. Given the alternative of trying to find talented people to fill your over extended real estate holdings.
Chalk this one up to growing pains.
I’ve come to realize that MDN obviously spins things on the extreme side for the sake of generating traffic. You can’t be a reasonable person and agree with even half the things they say, let alone write it in a public forum.
Reading something you agree with all the time gets boring and tiresome. Reading and arguing against the outrageous keeps people coming back.
But… it’s surprising how many readers go along for the ride and blindly agree with them.
Apple has 18,000 employees and makes hardware and software that is superior to both of the above companies.
You’d think Apple, HP and all the rest have manufacturing in Cuperfsckingtino, or even in any other country that pays its workers more than slave wages and where it’s against the law to bar the fire exits.
The worker-manufacturing ratio is as meaningless as discussions regarding it.
Mindless Fanboy,
Apple does get other companies to make their hardware. Apple does not make any of their computers. Their hardware does not sell for twice what comparable Dells sell for. Comparable Dells sell for about the same price.
You really have no idea what you are talking about. Ripped DVD’s look great on TV. Can you say MediaFork?
If you are such an OS X fanatic you would know that OS X 10.4.9 is a great OS and Leopard is not really needed just yet. You would know the Leopard delay is no big problem.
You would also know that if you really wanted to get OS X working on your wonderful cheap-ass Dell, you could. Do a Google search. Lots of geeks have OS X working on generic Intel and AMD iron.
I have a feeling that you’re not that much of an OS X fanatic.
macgoog
Delaying Leopard to release the iPhone? This makes no sense. The iPhone is a novelty. How many iPhones are you going to sell compared to copies of Leopard?
He’s kidding, . . .right?
Didn’t he listen to the Keynote about how big the phone market is? It is double digit “times” larger than the PC market, and the units last about half as long. That, and most people are disatisfied with the phones they have at present.
iPhones, iPods and Apple TV are all founded on the terra firma of OSX and iTunes. That alone gives them a tremendous advantage over any other products.
If the iPhone is realy as good as it looked at the Keynote, it will devastate its competitors. They don’t have iTunes and OSX behind them, . . . and because it’s in the software, the iPhone can evolve easily. Don’t you guys get it? Why do you think Steve had that stupid grin on his face? !!!!
“freedom” from MS
“Where? Where is this evidence? Show us.”
No new widescreen touchscreen iPod.
Leopard Delayed.
Apple TV Delayed.
Slow to get new processors in to Macs.
How much more evidence do you need?
“Don’t complain that your BMW runs poorly because you filled the gas tank with lemonade.”
But when your BMW dealer only sells lemonade insetad of gas, and tells people that it’s just as good a gas, what do you do?
“Given that VISTA is not being received well, “
Says Who? it’s already sold more copies than Mac OS X ever has with all preceeding versions.
By that logic Mac OS X’s reception has been terrible.
Hey back on topic!
About spreading to thin –
Anyone have any news about Appleworks 7? 6 is getting a bit long in the tooth.
I do hope that it includes ‘file maker’ lite data base. Just the basics That wold be cool.
Anyone know anthing? Or is this another sign of ‘spreading thin’? (I think last time Appleworks was actually purchased from a developer…. Isn’t that how it works?) Or are their serious technical glitches with iphone, Ipod, and regular computer stuff? Are we asking the OS to do to much?
My feeling is that I don’t want a Dell/ Microsoft “experience” on my G5 Imac. I have enough of Dell/ Microsoft at work I don’t want it on my home computer…..
@Mindless Fanboy,
I have an idea. Why don’t you simply create your own high quality computer system! Develop your own OS. Run your own tech business.
Apple doesn’t owe you anything. They don’t owe you a high quality computer system. They don’t owe you an OS upgrade. They’re a business. And they develop what they want when they want. They don’t care that you could care less about an iPod. They don’t care whether you want to watch crap quality movies (or even, OK quality movies) on a HDTV??? They don’t care for your opinion on how marketable or valuable or usable the iPhone will be for “business people.” (I’m guessing they’ll make more money on the iPhone from “business people” than you’ll ever make in your life.)
High quality computer systems? Can you honestly say that the systems we’re working on today (G5s or Mac Pros) are less high quality than a Quadra or a Power Mac 8500? Is Leopard going to make your system more high quality than it is with Tiger? Is it really a make-or-break OS proposition for you?
I think you’re a blathering idiot. Here’s an idea. Why don’t you simply change your name to “Mindless.”
Feel free to flame away. But keep in mind before you do: F*CK OFF!
Yeah, Vista is a “failure”, that’s why is currently has more users than Tiger does….
Anyone is entitled to have opinions but the above is simply not true. Microsoft says it sad delivered (not sold) 20 millions copy of Vista to market. This includes copies *sent* to resellers and pre-installed versions on new PCs.
This said, 20 millions is ALREADY less than Mac OS X users, and of those 20 millions shipped copies even Microsoft is so ashamed to reveal how many have been actually sold.
Statistics on the Web (for what they are worth) show Vista even trailing Windows ME and less than half Mac OS X percentage.
Vista is more than a failure: it is a total disaster.
PS
Here at the lab Vista is not EVEN on any plans for testing and checks for the entire 2007 and first 2Q of 2008. IF, and that is a big IF, will be taken into account for TESTING it will be end 2008. And that again… IT seriously looking at alternatives, Linux first, Mac OS X part of it and, low and behold, PDF is now the recommended format to send around documents, even from people having Word. Seeing there a hint for a smooth disentangling from Microsoft chains.
Says Who? it’s already sold more copies than Mac OS X ever has with all preceeding versions.
Again, whatever. There is NO a single source for that information. Not even Microsoft. The only reliable numbers are 20 millions copies SHIPPED.
NOT sold. Capish?
I doubt you are able to grasp the difference. When Microsoft talks about SHIPPED and not SOLD tell a lot.
Apple Hardware other than it costs twice what a comparable system from any other major manufacture (ie. Crappy Dells)
Go ahead tool, get me a crappy Dell equipped like a 4-core or 8-core MacPro (exactly equipped) or a MacBook that cost HALF of the Apple products.
Not even Dell is able to do that: MacBook here at the lab cost 140CHF LESS than Dell price and the Inspirons are even more expensive than the MacPro. (Edu prices)
Nice to see those turd Dell representatives trying to climb glass walls to reduce the price to MATCH Apple’s.
Apple is not spreading itself too thin. The new products are built on the same basis (OSX) and are basically adapted computers. So I see this more as organic growth, weaving the web, or lining up the ducks to create a more compelling product offering. All the products fit very well together and will draw lots more people to using Apple products.
So a little delay is not an issue as the current version of OSX is really good.
The trouble with comparing Apple with larger companies is the inherent assumption that if you double the number of employees, they will be of similar quality and creativity as the ones you already have. Sadly, not the case. The number of intellegent people is finite.
Apple over-extended? Come on! It’s only delayed 90 frickin’ days!
Best line on here so far that proves the “over stretched” argument is pure crap…. “Vista was delayed from 2003 – 2007, is Microsoft over-extended?”
Apple needs 90 more days to groom the Leopard. Simple.
MDN Word: “Strength”. Apple has plenty of strength in their numbers already.
Rubbish! Working Apple retail is like feeding baby food to retards all day. Gets old quick.
Apple is admittedly late with AppleTV.
Apple is admittedly late again with 10.5.
Apple has promised iPhone June 2007.
Once is an aberration, twice is a trend. If the iPhone is not made ready by June then Apple has certainly lost its way. If Apple cannot produce products on time as promised and as expected isn’t that evidence enough that something fundamentally wrong is happening in Cupertino? If iPhone is late and/or if 10.5 is delayed yet again then Apple had better fix whatever is wrong. Companies succeed by producing excellent products on time not fomenting rumors and speculation. If Apple cannot meet expectations, it will suffer ridicule and possible worse. Apple has an obligation to be honest and forthright with its investors and customers and itself
“The problem Apple is running into is that it’s a relatively small company compared with tech giants such as Hewlett-Packard and IBM,….”
So if that’s the reason what is Micro$oft’s excuse for Vista’s original release promise of 2003?
I’m not sure the delay in 10.5 matters, Tiger is so good that it competes admirably with Vista, i’m still using 10.3 and have no plans to upgrade.
@ Big Al
“Apple does get other companies to make their hardware. Apple does not make any of their computers”
That’s not what I was referring to and you either know that or you’re simply thick…
“Their hardware does not sell for twice what comparable Dells sell for. Comparable Dells sell for about the same price.”
BULLSHIT! $600 or $700 for a Mini??? Yeah that will buy you a $400 Dell with more features (not to mention a computer that can be upgraded and is complete)
“You really have no idea what you are talking about. Ripped DVD’s look great on TV. Can you say MediaFork?”
No, and I don’t want to say “Mindfork” or spend my time ripping DVD’s. Steve spent quite a lot of time both at the iTV preview and MacWorld telling people the solution was IMS. It’s garbage…
“<b><i>”If you are such an OS X fanatic you would know that OS X 10.4.9 is a great OS and Leopard is not really needed just yet. You would know the Leopard delay is no big problem.
I was thinking the same thing. My 1st car was a 1966 Mustang. It was a great car. I have no idea why Ford keep designing new ones every year. I new design was really not needed…
“You would also know that if you really wanted to get OS X working on your wonderful cheap-ass Dell, you could. Do a Google search. Lots of geeks have OS X working on generic Intel and AMD iron.”
Don’t have to, I have one sitting right here. And It is running 10.4.8 not 10.4.9 (not sure if the OSX86 project has a patched version of 10.4.9 yet).. The performance blows my mini away (although the hardware was cheaper) and I can actually install RAM myself in about 10 mins and can, if I desire change the video card.
I have a feeling that you’re not that much of an OS X fanatic.
I have a feeling you’re a kid or at the very least a true “mindless fanboy” full of excuses.
I think you’re a blathering idiot. Here’s an idea. Why don’t you simply change your name to “Mindless.”
Feel free to flame away. But keep in mind before you do: F*CK OFF!
Yes, this is about what I expected from you “mindless Fanboys”.. Insults, rants, and mindless drolling over everything Apple creates.
I’M WITH YOU GUYS!!!!… I don’t care if 10.5 is delayed for another 2 years. We have 10.4 and it’s already years ahead of everything else. WOOOO HOOOOO
See ya later Moron.. WOOOOO Steve!!!!!!
BULLSHIT! $600 or $700 for a Mini??? Yeah that will buy you a $400 Dell with more features (not to mention a computer that can be upgraded and is complete)
Great, thence since sticker price is your main parameter what are you wasting time and money with Apple? Go ahead, get yourself a $400 Dell with more feature, upgradeable and complete.
I mean, what are you? A complete frigging idiot? It is very much self evident you’ll fare much better with a Dell. What keeps you here. Stop wasting time with Apple, please. Do yourself a favor.
I am pretty tired of all who complain about price: “I can get a Dell for $800 while a MacBook will cost me at least $1000”
FINE, stop bitching, get your Dell and fsck off. What are you again, an idiot or what? If price is your main parameter then shut the fsck up and get the cheapest hardware available.
Fscking tired of these bitching about price. YOU ALL OUT THERE, YOU ARE RIGHT: GET YOUR CHEAPO DELL AND SHUT THE FUCK UP.
Enough already! Just one thing though: STICK WITH YOUR DELL!
hit you when leaving.
Mindless, get your $400 Dell, install Vista and then come back relating your WOWs experiences with that.