See farther by standing on the shoulders of giants

Strategies of
World-changing Firms

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Apple's Innovation Strategies

Systemic Approach to Innovation

Apple is widely considered as the #1 innovative company in the world. The company’s innovation strategy involves terrific new products and innovative business models.

The company delivers consumers with a succession of presents – great software in fabulous hardware in beautiful packaging (“really good ideas wrapped up in other really good ideas,” says Michael Lopp).

Apple is a disruptive innovator. The company also pioneers into new business spaces, creates game-changing innovations (examples: iPod, iTunes, iPhone, iPad) and established new market niches.

Apple innovation leaders think in terms of platforms and pipelines and relentlessly push the pace of innovation. Competitors that chase Apple's latest release find themselves behind when just a few months later Apple introduces its latest and greatest offering. Focusing on where they can make a significant contribution Apple hires great innovators who want to make the best things in the world.

Innovative Business Models

Apple doesn’t just focus on building innovative and beautiful products. It builds innovative business models too. The iPod and iPhone would not have had nearly as much impact if they hadn't been matched with iTunes and the App Store respectively.

Innovative Business Models

Driving Forces

Stand Out

3Bs of Strategic Creativity

Apple's Innovation System

Apple’s commitment to innovation is cultural, not process driven. The most successful products at Apple were started with only a few people with no formal structure or hierarchy and little corporate oversight. Yet, “to turn really interesting ideas and fledgling technologies into a company that can continue to innovate for years, it requires a lot of disciplines,” advised Steve Jobs. Apple has built an effective innovation system to harnesses creativity in its people, stimulate new ideas, streamline the design process, and launch successful, profitable new innovations.

Innovation System

Innovation System in Silicon Valley Firms

Strategic Alignment

Organization and People

The Jazz of Innovation

Empowered Cross-functional Innovation Teams

Apple's Design Process

Apple has repeatedly demonstrated with its innovation management what a success user friendliness and design can generate. Genius ergonomics make Apple products effortless to use.“