Apple’s Surprise Event Signals Its Renewed Focus on Services

Apple has recently announced a surprise event that will take place on December 2 in New York City.

The Cupertino-based tech giant holding a media event in December is certainly surprising news, especially because the invite itself seems to suggest that apps in the App Store will be the main topic at the show.

“Loved by millions. Created by the best. Join us for an Apple special event honoring our favorite apps and games of 2019,” the invite reads.

While many believe that Apple could use this event to introduce new hardware as well, holding a media gathering just for apps is living proof that Apple is transitioning from a company investing massively in hardware to a services-focused organization.

Services have evolved into one of the biggest cash cows for Apple, and the chart that you see below and put together by Statista shows just how big this business has become in the last few years. According to Apple’s latest quarterly earning report, revenue of the Services unit reached $12.51 billion, up from $3.69 billion in 2013.

Hardware announcements unlikely

Of course, hardware announcements aren’t necessarily something you shouldn’t by any means expect, but it’s pretty clear the focus will be on apps and games. Apple typically announces the top apps and games in the App Store every year in December, and now it looks like the winners won’t just be highlighted in the App Store, but described in detail at a dedicated event.

As for the hardware news expected in December, some believe the second-generation iPhone SE could at least make its first public appearance.

Expected in the spring of 2020, this new model will be based on iPhone 8 and come with a 4.7-inch LCD display, Touch ID, and single-lens camera. However, the official debut is more likely to happen early next year rather than at this December event.