iPatience

I keep seeing reports getting on Apple's case for not having introduced any major products since Steve Job's death.  Of course, you know everyone was just waiting to say this.  Truthfully, it hasn't been that big of a gap, but people have been wondering if the company can survive without him, and this is an opportunity for people in the press who don't understand technology of the tech industry to sound informed for once. You know they're just waiting for a full-scale round of told-ya-so's.

I wonder if these people have even been paying attention:  Do you really remember Apple under Jobs?  Did you get the impression that they were releasing new products every week?  Because here's how it actually happened:

• iPod - 2001
• iPhone - 2007
• iPad - 2010

The truth is, part of Apple's secret is to not release too many products too quickly.  They've always been careful not to rush products out without thinking them through (Hello, Windows 8!) or make a bunch of quick cash-in products.  That keeps the brand strong, and maintains the reputation that leads to business reporters having unrealistic expectations.

As you can see from their product releases of the past, they really aren't behind schedule when it comes to releasing some new line.  So the one thing the current Apple management had better have learned from Steve Jobs is: don't be afraid to be stubborn.