72: Former Apple Executive Mike Bell Talks AirPort, CarPlay, and More
Oct 13, 2023
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Former Apple Executive Mike Bell talks about the success of the iPhone, Apple's Vision Pro headset, the discontinuation of AirPort, integrating Apple CarPlay in Lucid vehicles, working at Apple in the 1990s and 2000s, and the similarities between Lucid and Apple's approach to hardware and software.
Mike Bell reflects on the success and evolution of the iPhone, highlighting its impact and advancements over time.
Bell discusses the importance of having a clear vision and aligning efforts towards a common goal for creating a successful company, based on his experience at Apple during the transformative period.
Deep dives
Mike Bell's Career at Apple and Lucid
Mike Bell discusses his experience working at Apple from 1991 to 2007, where he contributed to the development of iconic products such as the iPhone, iMac, and airport. He also highlights his current role as the Senior Vice President of Digital at Lucid, where he oversees the digital architecture, low voltage architecture, and compute hardware.
Favorite Apple Product and the Impact of Airport
Bell shares his favorite product he worked on at Apple, stating that it was the airport as it revolutionized wireless connectivity and allowed for greater flexibility while working. He acknowledges that it's a shame that the product is no longer in the market, but understands Apple's focus on core products. He also highlights the iPhone's evolution over time and praises its advancements and impact on the industry.
Apple's Growth and Transformation under Steve Jobs
Bell reflects on the transformative period of Apple when Steve Jobs returned and brought focus, accountability, and a small team of great people all moving towards a common goal. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and aligning all efforts to create a successful company. He acknowledges that the astonishing growth and success of Apple exceeded his expectations.
Lucid's Approach to Digital Technologies and Customer Experience
Bell discusses how Lucid is utilizing digital technologies to enhance the user experience in the automotive industry. He highlights the integration of CarPlay and the importance of choice for customers, mentioning that Lucid has implemented CarPlay in a seamless and Lucid-like way. He also mentions Lucid's focus on constant improvement and updates, with the ability to change and refine parameters and behaviors to ensure customer satisfaction.
Lucid Senior Vice President of Digital and former Apple Executive Mike Bell joins us on this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show to discuss the iPhone, AirPort, Vision Pro, CarPlay, and more.
Mike worked at Apple from 1991 to 2007 and played a significant role in development of hardware products like the iPhone, iMac, AirPort, and Apple TV, as well as software features like Bootcamp. After leaving Apple, he worked at Palm, Intel, and Rivian, and now leads digital at luxury electric automaker Lucid.
We reflect on the success of the iPhone since Mike’s work to deliver the original model and where it stands today. We also look at Apple’s Vision Pro headset and consider whether it will catch on. Mike discusses AirPort, a personal-favorite product that he led, how he feels about its discontinuation, and whether Apple is likely to return to the product line in the future.
We talk through the process and importance of integrating Apple CarPlay in Lucid vehicles, as well as the challenges involved in bringing new digital features to EVs. We also discuss Mike’s experience of working at Apple as a senior decision-maker in the 1990s and 2000s, how the company changed in the formative period in which he was there, similarities between Lucid and Apple, and more.
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