The unbearable brightness of Apple's services

"With that in mind, it's likely the performance of Apple's services arm will be closely watched in the months ahead, particularly as the US government shutdown impacts millions. There is a historical comparison to be made: Just as Apple's retail store closures became a barometer for disease outbreaks during Covid, sudden reversals in its subscription revenue couldreveal where economic pressure is being most felt in future. None of the dark clouds can tarnish the achievement, of course."

"In less than a decade, Apple's leadership has created a $100 billion revenue stream effectively from scratch, delivering major benefit to the company and its shareholders while giving the rest of us Slow Horses, Foundation, and Black Bird. Most of us continue to look forward to Siri's second season, too."

Apple's services arm has grown into a $100 billion revenue stream within a decade. The performance of that arm will be closely watched in coming months as the US government shutdown affects millions. Historical parallels exist where Apple's retail store closures acted as a barometer for Covid outbreaks. Sudden reversals in subscription revenue could reveal where economic pressure is most acute. The services business has delivered major benefits to the company and shareholders while supplying popular streaming content such as Slow Horses, Foundation, and Black Bird. Consumer interest in upcoming content like Siri's second season remains strong.

Read at Computerworld