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Apple’s CEO is clear that he isn’t making decisions based on what’s best for Facebook, but for Apple and its customers.
Tim Cook’s interview with Kara Swisher for her Sway podcast was revealing on several fronts. Probably the most reported part of the conversation was the revelation that Apple’s CEO doesn’t expect to still hold the top job in 10 years. That’s certainly interesting, but honestly, it’s no surprise that Cook might not want to continue the pace required to manage the world’s most valuable company when he’s 70.
There was also plenty of nodding toward future products like augmented reality glasses, and even the possibility of an Apple car someday. Either would certainly be welcome, but we already expect that Apple is working on both. It wasn’t much of a surprise.
Far more interesting, at least as far as I’m concerned, was Cook’s response when asked by Swisher about how Apple’s upcoming privacy changes will affect Facebook.
“I’m not focused on Facebook, so I don’t know,” Cook said. Reminded by Swisher that Facebook has said Apple is increasingly becoming one of its biggest competitors, Cook doubled down on his position.
Which, to be fair, is quite reasonable. Apple, in 2020, brought in roughly $200 billion in revenue–selling millions of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches–and is worth a little over $2 trillion. Facebook, on the other hand, had $86 billion in revenue–mostly from digital ads–and is worth around $860 billion. That’s not bad, but it’s nothing compared with Apple, which earns more profit in a quarter than Facebook does all year.
At the same time, it’s brilliant because…
