Apple may need new products to remain on top

In the technology world, few things are as talked about as the speculation of what Apple will do next. The moment an upgraded product is announced, the first thing many techies do is look at the features that are not present and discuss what could be coming down the pipeline.

However, according to a recent Bloomberg article, the typical annual series of hardware and software updates may have reached a ceiling when it comes to boosting sales numbers. Because of this, it is crucial for the company to introduce its first new product line since 2010.

Looking at the sales numbers, 2013 did not live up to the high expectations of the past and Apple posted its first profit drop in more than a decade. The article speculates that this could point toward an "ebbing" for Apple's devices because of competition in the tablet and smartphone marketplace.

"What we have gotten over the last year or so is impressive products, but they are really enhancements of current products and not necessarily the next new thing," Jack Ablin, chief investment officer with BMO Private Bank, told the news source. "Apple investors want the next new thing – that's the catalyst that people are waiting for."

Thankfully, Apple CEO Tim Cook has been saying since the middle of 2013 that there are new products coming down the pipeline that will be introduced throughout 2014. This could all be pointing to announcements of the iWatch, an iPad Pro or a tablet/smartphone hybrid. If and when they are released, all of these devices will find their way into the business realm, and an IT consulting firm that specializes in Mac integration could become a valuable resource.