# Something’s Not Right Inside the Walled Garden
For years, Apple has set the standard in the technology sector, acting as a reference point for innovations in both hardware and software. With an extremely controlled ecosystem, Apple has created a “walled garden” that ensures smooth integration among its products, ranging from iPhones to iPads, Macs, and now, the Vision Pro headset. Nevertheless, recent changes hint that something might be wrong within this previously unassailable stronghold.
The tech behemoth, which has historically been admired for its meticulous attention to detail and impeccable implementation, appears to be stumbling in ways that are both unexpected and alarming. From postponed software features to hardware that seems more evolutionary than revolutionary, Apple’s latest strategies have left many questioning whether the company has maintained its edge.
## The Hardware Standstill
Apple has always gained recognition for its elegant, state-of-the-art hardware. The iPhone, iPad, and MacBook lines have consistently established high standards for design and performance. However, recent launches, notably the iPhone 16 series, have prompted scrutiny due to their scarcity of groundbreaking advancements.
Consider the iPhone 16 Pro as an illustration. The primary updates from its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro, consist of marginally narrower bezels and the introduction of a “Camera Control” button. While these modifications are appreciated, they hardly represent the transformative strides Apple was once celebrated for. The same sentiment applies to the iPad range, which has experienced only minor enhancements in recent years.
In contrast, rivals like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei have been stretching boundaries with foldable smartphones, advanced camera systems, and AI-infused functions that launch with the products. Apple, conversely, has yet to unveil a foldable device, despite speculation of an ongoing prototype for several years. The company is reportedly targeting a 2027 launch, but by that time, the foldable market may be too crowded for Apple to achieve a substantial impact.
## The Software Slip
If Apple’s hardware seems stagnant, its software issues are even more unsettling. The organization has long boasted about the flawless synergy between its software and hardware, but recent errors indicate that the enchantment may be diminishing.
For instance, Apple’s iOS 18, released with the iPhone 16 series, promised numerous exciting AI-driven features such as improved writing tools, notification summaries, and even the ability to record phone calls. However, many of these functionalities were not ready at launch, with Apple choosing to introduce them in stages over the forthcoming months.
This approach is one that Apple has criticized other firms for previously, and it is exceptionally frustrating for users who eagerly anticipated the new features. Reports indicate that some of the most awaited functionalities won’t be accessible until iOS 18.4, which is set to arrive in March 2025 — a full six months after the launch of the iPhone 16.
The scenario is even grimmer for iPad users. The M4-powered iPad Pro, launched in May 2024, was anticipated to be a powerhouse device. However, when iPadOS 18 was made available in September, it rendered certain M4 iPad Pro models unusable, essentially transforming them into costly paperweights. Apple swiftly retracted the update and only recently issued a remedy, leaving users without the latest software for over two weeks.
## The Vision Pro: A Step Too Ambitious?
Apple’s entrance into the realm of virtual reality with the Vision Pro headset was anticipated to be transformative. The device, featuring state-of-the-art micro-OLED displays and a per-eye resolution of 3660 x 3200, is undeniably remarkable from a technological perspective. However, its $3,500 pricing makes it unaffordable for the majority of consumers, especially in comparison to more budget-friendly alternatives like Meta’s Quest 3, priced at approximately $500.
Although the Vision Pro may represent a passion project for Apple CEO Tim Cook, it remains uncertain whether it will garner the widespread attraction needed to validate its development expenses. The device appears more like a niche offering for early adopters and tech aficionados rather than a mainstream success.
Furthermore, Apple’s choice to enter the VR sector occurs at a moment when other companies have already positioned themselves as frontrunners in the industry. Meta, for instance, has been refining its Quest series of headsets for numerous years, and its newest model provides an enticing experience at a significantly lower price than the Vision Pro.
## The Foldable Dilemma
One of the most conspicuous absences from Apple’s existing product range is a foldable phone. While brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Xiaomi have been testing foldable and flip phones for years, Apple has stayed on the outskirts.
Speculation indicates that Apple is developing a foldable iPhone, but the device is not projected to arrive until 2027. By then,
