Apple to slice iPhone production 10% due to sluggish sales

I don't think so, really. Self-driving cars are a big one. Wearables (lenses, implants, clothing, etc.) are coming. Business software for SMBs probably has a bit to go yet in using big data/AI.

I do think biotech is the hot stuff of the future, but it's going to take a decade or two before it really takes off.

> The numbers coming out of Apple next quarter will be interesting

Isn't it expected that many people will wait for the iPhone 8 (also iPhone's 10 year anniversary) because Apple probably waits with releasing new features for this version?

I can definitely relate to that. Using iOS at this point frustrates me so much that sometimes I pull out my iPhone 4S running iOS 6 to remember what a wonderful UI and UX that was.

The bigger problem is the lack of alternatives. Android is such a mess of inconsistencies and bad UX, added to that are the problems with system updates, lack of a proper flagship device (the Pixel is a joke compared to the iPhone 6s in my opinion), and the fact that I don't like the Google ecosystem very much because of the way Google handles my data.

I really hope Apple gets back on track with iOS or Google finally nails it with Android so there would at least be competition. But at the moment, using 'mobile', for me, is more frustrating than it was in 2012.

Probably off-topic but I still can't make myself to love iOS that much. I like the idea of the iPhone a lot -- a seemingly commodity phone with actual superior specs (especially the internal memory which is practically a SSD) and fluid and standard experience which helps people not get confused. But things like not having more volume controls (for example notifications and phone ringer are on the same volume in 2016, you for real?!), or lack of a dark theme, usage of LCD displays, and a few others -- are still putting me off.

On the other hand, I am drifting away from requiring my smartphone to be an ultimate mobile device; I believe I'll just get an iPad Pro 9.7" next year and will settle for a more casual smartphone -- like the iPhone, or a Moto, or Galaxy S8, we'll see. I work from home and 99% of my internet consumption on a mobile device happens at home, so might as well just use a tablet.

My girl has the iPad Pro 12.9" and it's a fantastic device. Don't think any Android tablet can ever come close except 1-2 from the Samsung Galaxy Tab line. As for MS Surface, I'm not hot on the idea of having a huge app gap.

Apple's losing its mojo in a slow steady drip and there's going to be more of this if they don't get it together soon.

Apple used to be synonymous with premium equipment an a "It Just Works" experience. It made it really, really easy to just get the Apple version of anything knowing it was going to be good.

My parents need equipment, I get them an iMac, an Airport Extreme, iPhone, iPad, etc...knowing it's all just going to work.

And then somebody in the business unit started getting involved. Airport extreme is basically dead. They started trimming their product line so that they no longer have an option in every category like 17" laptops. They remove features that people don't want removed like the headphone jack and leave you with no other option aside from buying attachments or more expensive battery powered headphones. They started building in batteries in slices on the laptops they do sell, welding parts to boards so you can't open it up and change things out without paying somebody at an Apple store.

They started making design decisions that are almost purposely irritating like the new Magic Mouse. Look, it's got a rechargeable battery built right in! battery dies flip it upside down to plug in the charger and just wait until you can use your computer again. God forbid you put the charger on the front so people could use it as a wired mouse if they wanted/needed.

Let's not forget using $30 USB cords to charge your phone/mouse.

The combination of all these little decisions is what is finally driving me away after being nothing short of a fanboy for about 10 years. I'm just tired of having a company that I tend to disagree with lately trying to make decisions for me so I'm starting the slow exit from Mac life.

Laptop first (waves at Dell). Then a new router (waves at Asus probably). Then a new phone (waves at Samsung/Google).

And then, because the geeks in your friends lives tend to get asked for recommendations on what they should get for themselves...that stuff is probably going to spill over. I don't seem to be the only person feeling this way lately, so I hope whoever started making bottom line decisions at Apple is happy with the long term side effect.