Apple's Secret to Greatness: "Insanely Great" Products

Steve Jobs' approach to product development, particularly his famous phrase "insanely great," is often misunderstood. This article dives into a "lost" interview with Jobs, shedding light on the true meaning behind this enigmatic philosophy.

• The article challenges the misconception that Apple's "insanely great" philosophy is about endless product refinement.
• It clarifies that Jobs embraced the idea of borrowing and adapting great ideas from other companies.

The "Lost" Interview: Steve Jobs on Innovation

This "lost" interview reveals Jobs' candid views on the nature of innovation, where he openly admits to Apple's adoption of ideas from competitors, particularly the graphical user interface (GUI) from Xerox PARC. This approach, he argues, is not about lack of originality but about finding the best possible solutions, even if they're borrowed.

The Role of Imitation in Apple's Success

Jobs' philosophy emphasizes the importance of building great products, regardless of their origin. This approach contrasts with the Silicon Valley tendency to prioritize novelty for novelty's sake.

• The article highlights Jobs' famous quote, "Great artists steal," demonstrating his belief in the power of borrowing and adapting successful ideas.
• It argues that Apple's success is not solely based on invention, but also on their ability to curate and refine existing technologies, delivering exceptional user experiences.

Beyond Innovation: The Apple Ecosystem

The article examines how Apple's approach to product innovation extends beyond simply "stealing" ideas. It delves into Apple's ability to create seamless ecosystems, where hardware and software are intricately intertwined, providing an unparalleled user experience. This ecosystem approach has been a critical factor in Apple's sustained success.

• Examples include the iPad, a new invention that redefined mobile computing, and the iPod, which revolutionized music consumption.
• Apple's focus on user experience, design, and integration has allowed them to differentiate themselves from competitors and create a loyal customer base.

The Silicon Valley Obsession with Novelty

The article criticizes Silicon Valley's excessive focus on novelty, highlighting how this can lead to prioritizing new ideas over quality and user experience. Jobs' approach, however, suggests that "insanely great" products are often the result of refining, adapting, and perfecting existing concepts.

The Importance of "Insanely Great" Products

The article concludes by reinforcing the importance of striving for "insanely great" products. This doesn't mean avoiding imitation or reinvention; it means focusing on the customer experience, delivering exceptional value, and building products that truly solve problems.

Lessons for Startups and Mobile Businesses

The article offers valuable lessons for startups and mobile businesses, particularly in a rapidly evolving market like Silicon Valley. It emphasizes the need for clear product vision, strategic curation of ideas, and a focus on user needs over mere novelty.

• It highlights the importance of learning from successful products and adapting those ideas to create something uniquely valuable.
• It suggests that startups should focus on building "insanely great" products that deliver a seamless user experience, rather than chasing the next "big thing."