Apple Inc. (AAPL) Innovates Back to Even at WWDC

Real advances
Despite the seeming imitative nature of many of these releases, there are some subtle areas in which Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has made progress. With iTunes Radio, for example, the ability of users to buy songs they like on the radio right from iTunes might cause real trouble for Pandora Media Inc (NYSE:P). The online radio leader has a loyal user base, but the ease with which iTunes Radio may allow you to jump back and forth between the radio and purchased music may be attractive to users. From the company’s perspective, Apple may be better able to monetize adopters of the service.

Similarly, the advance in iWork has the advantage of accessibility for iPhone users. For most of us, technology starts with our smartphones. While the iPhone 5 has not set the market on fire with its innovation, the iPhone nation is still strong. According to a report by Good Technology, 75% of mobile activations for enterprise were on iOS in the first quarter of 2013. Furthermore, with 27% of workplace activations on tablets, the shift toward tablets for business-productivity needs is clear. iPhone users will naturally prefer other iDevices, and if iOS can become a more legitimate enterprise option, just as Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has become a real option in this arena, so might Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

The real advance here is that Apple is getting into the game. If this trend continues, the availability of iWork has the potential to erode both Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s business. This is very good news for Apple investors who are waiting to see the company take a few big steps forward. Ultimately, while none of the advances are going to change the way we think about technology, they’re an important step for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). The reception of these releases — expected at various times, with iOS 7 coming this fall — will be telling. Drawing even with the competition is much better than being behind.

The article Apple Innovates Back to Even at WWDC originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Doug Ehrman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).

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