Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Tim Cook is Apple's Ballmer.

Great with the numbers, bad with innovation.

They need a Nadella -- e.g. someone who follows and navigates trends with great skill.

Cook knows he needs to innovate, but he doesn't know how.

I honestly think he follows the rumors moreso than the rumors follow him.

Media: Is Apple going to do a smartwatch?

Cook: Hey guys, we should do a smartwatch.

Media: Is Apple going to do a car?

Cook: Hey, guys. Maybe we should do a car.

Media: Is Apple going to do a headset?

Etc. etc.

The smartwatch worked out. But honestly, I feel that was moreso accidental low-hanging fruit.

Like Ballmer, Cook has done an amazing job maximizing shareholder value by good old financial execution.

But, in an industry like tech, you can only live off of old products for so long.



> Media: Is Apple going to do a car?

> Cook: Hey, guys. Maybe we should do a car.

It was Jobs’ idea, not Tim’s.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: