Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

Apple History and Apple Psychology, How Apple Should Capitalize On Its AI Potential, Why It Probably Won't

65 snips
Mar 13, 2025
The podcast dives deep into Apple's historic lows during the 1990s and the fallout after Steve Jobs' death. It questions the company's current AI struggles and suggests Apple should empower developers to create innovative AI for the iPhone. The discussion reflects on key players like Scott Forstall and how their departures affected Apple's trajectory. Tensions between Apple's closed ecosystem and the need for collaboration with developers are explored, highlighting the potential for a more decentralized approach to spur innovation and creativity.
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ANECDOTE

Forstall's Arrogance

  • Ben Thompson's first impression of Scott Forstall was one of extreme arrogance.
  • This was during a presentation at Apple in 2010.
INSIGHT

Forstall's Legacy

  • Scott Forstall, a NeXT veteran, played a critical role in integrating NeXT's technology into Apple's products, including macOS and iOS.
  • This formed the technical foundation for Apple's software.
INSIGHT

Forstall's App Store Advocacy

  • Scott Forstall, as head of iPhone software, championed the App Store's creation, despite Steve Jobs' initial resistance.
  • He was a strong developer advocate within Apple.
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