C_NCENTRATE 978: Apple next steps, turtle tech, people living longer, asking smarter questions +++
Focused on the emerging side of things; technologies, territories, tools, strategies and ideas. Written by TBD Group (intelligence products, advisory, and events).
APPLE EARNINGS DOWN, STOCK WAY UP
Apple execs likely reached for their margaritas early this week. Earnings were not the sexy blitz of money Wall Street wanted…
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Ok, so it wasn’t terrible for Apple, the orchard overlords, posted a revenue of $119.6 billion, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. That figure is a slight uptick and akin to the total global anti-aging market is worth every year. With this terrible economic issues, Apple did alright but there are still wrinkles. Puns!
Strong iPhone sales saved Apple, (iPhone 15 models) raked Apple in a whopping $69.7 billion (up 6% yoy). However, not all product lines fared equally; the iPad experienced a notable decline with a 25% drop in revenue, pulling in (insert finger wiggles here) only $7 billion. Apple's services sector continued to push north, setting a new all-time revenue record of $23.1 billion, up 11% year-over-year. Consistent growth here is keeping some calculator-folk happy as this shows solid diversification beyond hardware sales. For investors, Apple's Q1 results are a mixed bag. On one hand, the consistent growth in services and strong iPhone sales underscore Apple's robust market position and its ability to generate revenue across various streams. On the other hand, the significant drop in iPad revenues and the overall modest increase in total revenue might raise concerns about market saturation and the long-term growth trajectory in certain segments. Apple Vision Pro wasn’t massively discussed although Tim Cook did confirm that 50% of F100 have bought one and Apple is getting more stuff into the ecosystem asap.
Consumers won’t have to wait long for new iPads, there’s an event this week. Beyond this though, Apple is in a sticky situation. The company needs a hit quickly to keep buzz and not a hum or a ‘yeah I use them’ attitude to form. AI is a huge area for Apple to own in a human way, that doesn’t create more fear or sadness when used. Expect more in this area. Apple rarely moves first, but when it moves, things change fast - especially consumer knowledge and uptake. Apple's ability to navigate supply chain issues, global economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer preferences will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge and market leader status.
Apple stock popped on Friday and had its best day since November 2022 thanks to Tim Cook announcing the largest-ever stock buyback program which will always trounce any semi-negative earnings spin. Apple will be repurchasing $110 billion of its shares, which is the largest buyback in US history.
SO WHAT?
__ DO __ Know Apple has to grow in emerging markets where the product penetration is low for a wide variety of reasons. Whether Apple can create the same desire in these areas remains as critical to future success as it does an unknown entity. // __ DON’T __ Think this is just a matter of marketing spend either. Apple reported revenue down significant amounts Greater China, Japan, and the rest of Asia-Pacific. India only just became a top five market for Apple so look there for activity too.
Longevity nut or smart cookie, Bryan Johnson, is changing the world of aging as we know it. He’s spending $2 million every year to slow the speed of aging…and shares all of that information for free. /12 mins
BONUS VIDEO! Airbnb has introduced ‘Icons’, aka houses and apartments from, or homages to sport, TV, films you can stay in…even the house from ‘Up’.
AI-generated reviews are fooling humans and detectors at alarming rates. /5 mins
Is this generations ‘Oppenheimer moment’ killer robots? A lot of people think so. /8 mins
Five techniques to ask smarter questions. /21 mins
‘Radical Adaption’ is starting to gain traction…sort of. /15 mins
Z-pinch technology is hotter than the sun literally and financially. /6 mins
A new study suggests that cells possess a hidden non-genomic system that facilitates rapid cellular communication and decision-making independent of DNA. /5 mins
AI companies are making millions producing election content in India. /9 mins
How sea turtle ears inspired a new heart monitor design. /6 mins
What happens when you code for hallucinations? Beauty and learning. /9 mins
Do we need more people? An Economists take. /8 mins
