Apple(US:AAPL) 3 6 Ke·2025-11-11 03:22Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift in Apple's core values from prioritizing user experience under Steve Jobs to focusing on profit under Tim Cook, suggesting that the company's original "red line" of maintaining a pure user experience is becoming increasingly blurred [1][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - Steve Jobs emphasized a clear value system centered around innovation, design, and user experience, which he believed was essential for attracting new users and fostering brand loyalty [1][4]. - Upon his return to Apple in the late 1990s, Jobs established a blueprint that prioritized user experience above all else, willing to invest heavily in enhancing it while rejecting any suggestions that could compromise it [1][8]. Group 2: Current Developments - Recent reports indicate that Apple Maps will begin displaying advertisements, similar to the App Store, which raises questions about the impact on user experience [4][5]. - The decision to introduce ads is driven by the potential for new revenue streams, highlighting a shift in focus towards financial gain rather than user satisfaction [4][5]. Group 3: Leadership Comparison - The article contrasts Jobs' leadership style with that of Tim Cook, suggesting that Cook lacks the same level of commitment to user experience, which has led to the erosion of the original "red line" [11]. - Jobs famously rejected the idea of incorporating ads into Mac OS, prioritizing the purity and elegance of the user interface over potential revenue, a stance that Cook does not seem to uphold [8][11]. Group 4: Implications for the Future - The article concludes that the longevity of Apple's commitment to user experience depends on the leadership's willingness to maintain it; without such commitment, the "red line" may continue to fade [10][11]. - While Apple remains a powerful company, the shift from a focus on user experience to profit raises concerns about its purity and integrity as a brand [11].