Today is Apple's 40th anniversary in Japan. It's been an essential companion for my music creation, and I've used it for so long that I have many memories. Among them, I once asked a legendary engineer who had worked on the early systems, "With such a well-crafted OS, why doesn't Apple sell their OS separately?" The response was intriguing.
He said, "You see, Apple isn't just selling products; they value people's experiences. That's why they can't achieve it unless they control every single part, including the OS." I was speechless and moved by that answer. By the way, when the iPhone was later released in Japan, I lined up to get the iPhone 3 on its launch day. I realized something was missing in Japan's mobile market, and I sent an email saying, "Emojis are really important when Japanese people communicate." The response was quick, asking about emojis.
I explained to them how other carriers allowed emojis between different networks and sent them the emoji keyboard layout. They replied, "I'll discuss this with the staff," and within a year, iPhones in Japan supported emojis. This made me realize how Apple values user experiences.
People often perceive Apple products like Macs as "pro-exclusive," and while many professionals use them, they're also tailored to people's lifestyles. For me, they're crucial tools for making music and an integral part of my life.
I'm frequently asked, "What's the most impressive innovation in Apple products?" My answer is always, "The seamless experience when using Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other products together. While there are other seamless services, Apple does it best." This answer always reminds me of the conversation with that Apple system engineer. Apple isn't just selling products; they're offering enriching experiences. Happy 40th anniversary, Apple!