New Stuff From Apple? All In Good Time

Aside from Steve Job’s health and the release of the Verizon iPhone 4, Apple news and product updates have hit a relative stand-still so far this year. While this is semi-consistent with years past, there does seem to be slightly less going on at Cupertino this winter—at least on the surface. The lack of scheduled media events, and software updates has caused some Apple fans to wonder: where’s all the new stuff? Although Small Dog doesn’t comment on rumors, one thing is for sure—Apple is far from resting on its laurels.

Particularly on the software front, consider Apple’s recently re-aligned focus to the Mac. During the ‘Back to the Mac’ event last Fall, Jobs and Co. announced Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. Unlike Snow Leopard, Lion is posed to be a full scale upgrade from 2007’s Leopard—and a big one at that. Toted as being the synthesis of the best parts of Mac OS X and iOS, Lion could be the biggest re-imagining of OS X to date. For those in the midst of development, this is undoubtably a huge undertaking. Characteristic of Apple, it is highly likely that the features showcased last year highlight only a small number of the OS’s total changes. Apple almost certainly has at least one or two aces up its sleeve as far as Lion is concerned. When the OS roars to life this year, Mac users will almost certainly be in for a few surprises.

Another imminent release is iOS 4.3. Though rumors abound in terms of new features it will introduce—especially to AT&T based iPhones, Apple is throughly testing and developing the update to wow its users. If iOS 4’s release taught us anything (cough, cough, iPhone 3G’s performance) it’s that software—regardless of how impressive it may be—is worthless if the hardware can’t support it. I for one, would much prefer to see delays in product cycles if it means Apple will devote more resources to perfecting its software releases, and packing them with exciting new features.

On the hardware front, simple analysis of Apple’s product cycles hint that updates are eventually coming. Though rumors surrounding a few products—especially the iPad—are getting borderline ridiculous, chances are we will see something sooner or later. Apple seldom breaks from its annual-ish release schedule, and when it does, it is always for a good reason. Apple’s current product line-up is the most advanced it’s ever been, and though an iPad 2, and yes, iPad 3, seem inevitable someday, the company has found success introducing new features to the already powerful original iPad.

Another factor to consider is the technology we have available today that wasn’t readily available a few years ago. Apple’s products are becoming increasingly multifaceted, with one product capable of handling what would have taken several in the past. AirPlay, for instance, was bundled into last year’s release of iOS 4.2, and while it made waves, and continues to be an important and useful feature, it was shadowed by other Apple announcements of the time. As few as two or three years ago, AirPlay could have been released as its own device. The feasibility of this isn’t my point as much as the concept.

Apple and 3rd party developers are currently innovating in ways that “bend” existing products in ways that they may have never been intended to. Instead of getting hung up on continuous customer complacency with product releases every few months—the strategy of many other electronics brands—Apple is sticking to its roots and doing what it knows best. While the company often delivers the cutting edge, just as frequently, they sideline new tech for a bit, waiting until it has fully matured before implementing it into their products. As was the case with multitasking on iOS, and countless other examples, Apple wants to provide the best solution for its customers—even if it is not the most timely. Keeping this philosophy in mind, it’s easy to appreciate the products we currently have access to, they’re Awesome! Though Apple hasn’t been especially fast in announcing the next big thing, chances are that when they do, it’ll be just that.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s current product line-up? Do you prefer innovation through hardware or software? How about the number one thing you’d like to see next? Feel free to share your thoughts below.