Apple Case Study
Company:
Apple Inc.
Members:
Joseph Chavana, Ava Limociello, Matthew McNaney,
Gabby Monson, Jesus Rosas, Keane VanTrease
Background
Apple Inc, founded by Steve Jobs, Steven Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in April 1976, has
become a global technology giant synonymous with innovation and sleek design. The company's
early success was marked by the release of the Apple I and Apple II computers, but it was the
introduction of the Macintosh in 1984 that truly revolutionized the personal computer industry.
The launch of iconic products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad propelled Apple to
unprecedented heights. The App Store, introduced in 2008, further solidified Apple's position as
a leader in the digital ecosystem. Apple's commitment to blending hardware, software and
services seamlessly has created a loyal customer base. The Mac computers, iPhones, iPads,
Apple Watch and AirPods set the industry standards. The company emphasis on privacy and
environmental responsibility has also helped shape its corporate identity.
For several years now Apple has been focused on creating new innovative products for
their customers. They create these new products while also working to upgrade their existing
products, such as creating a new iPhone almost every year. Some of their rumored upcoming
products include a new Apple TV and a new take on the popular Apple Watch. From the
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Apple Case Study
corporate level it is clear that Apple is committed to investing in their own research and
development, acquiring smaller tech companies, and creating new partnerships for
manufacturing.
Product Development
Regarding product development there is one product that is generating interesting
publicity regarding new technologies that could impact other markets, which is the Apple Watch
X. This product is a new version of the original Apple Watch and is expected to be released in
late 2024 or early 2025 (Clover, 2023). This product is unique due to its smaller size, an
improved display, and most importantly advanced health monitors. Some of these new
technologies include blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection. It could also include
blood glucose monitoring technology that would not require the pricking of the skin, instead it
would use infrared light and sensors (Clover, 2023). It is not confirmed whether all these
features will be included in the new Apple Watch X or if only some will. However, even a few of
the break-through technologies would mean a new approach to watches and health.
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Apple Case Study
Why It Matters
This new product, with the addition of all these new technologies, has the potential to
greatly change how people handle in-house medicine. Consumers would not need to purchase
and utilize separate machines, which are often expenses, to track their health. Also, customers
would also be able to be much more comfortable, while still maintaining their health. For
example, they can monitor their sleep and won’t have to stab their fingers to check their blood
sugar. There has also been evidence that existing Apple watch products are reliable in tracking
mental health factors (Adil, 2024). It is likely that these watches will improve on measuring
these indicators and could become even more reliable.
Concerns
Apple engineers have expressed concern over the demands of innovation and comfort
on behalf of the consumer pushing the Apple Watch’s material to its limit. One aspect in
particular is the constant pursuit of thinning out the case in order to make it more comfortable
for the consumer. However, implementing this could make it difficult for internal components to
fit inside. The additional exposure to external elements could also wear down battery life due to
lack of space, protection, and insulation. Add that to the fact that they are developing Micro
LED screens which also proves to be costly and complicated to integrate. Apple has been
historically increasing their R&D across their products in order to stay on the front of the tech
scene.
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Apple Case Study
In addition, the integration of more monitoring tools presents legal hurdles due to
patents on devices that monitor blood-oxygen levels, stress levels, etcetera. In addition, it
presents concerns about exclusionary and predatory business activity. Apple had run into legal
issues in late 2023 when their Apple Watch Series 9 was removed from European markets due
to the advancements on the watch being said “exclusionary” and “predatory” to other business
sectors, especially health.
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Apple Case Study
Conclusion
Overall, these newer and more stylish watches can greatly change the way that
consumers access reliable medical care within their own homes. It is an example of how Apple’s
commitment to create new products for its existing customer base has created a product with
other possible applications.
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Apple Case Study
Citations
Adil, M., Atiq, I., & Younus, S. (2024). Effectiveness of the Apple Watch as a mental health
tracker. Journal of global health, 14, 03010. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.14.03010
Clover, J. (2023, December 22). Apple Watch X: All the Rumors So Far. Mac Rumors.
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-watch-x/
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