Apple Faces Its 'BlackBerry Moment' as AI Race Heats Up

Apple may be facing its own "BlackBerry Moment," according to a sharp warning from Dan Ives, a prominent tech analyst at Wedbush Securities. The term, borrowed from the dramatic fall of BlackBerry, refers to a once-dominant tech company that failed to adapt to a transformative shift in technology and was ultimately left behind. In the mid-2000s, BlackBerry ruled the smartphone world with its physical QWERTY keyboard, secure email, and reliable messaging. At its peak in May 2008, its stock hit over $140. But as the iPhone emerged with a touchscreen interface, app ecosystem, and sleek design, consumers flocked to Apple. BlackBerry’s failure to pivot quickly enough led to a catastrophic collapse—its stock now trades around $3.65, down more than 97% from its peak. Now, the same fate may loom over Apple as generative AI reshapes the tech landscape. While rivals like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon are making bold moves in AI, Ives argues Apple is "on a park bench drinking lemonade," observing the revolution without leading it. Despite its massive installed base—2.4 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones—Apple has been slow to integrate AI deeply into its ecosystem. Its recent AI announcements have been cautious, focused on privacy and on-device processing, but lacking the sweeping vision and innovation seen elsewhere. Ives outlined three key steps Apple must take to avoid repeating BlackBerry’s mistakes: accelerate AI integration across its products, invest heavily in AI infrastructure, and take a more aggressive stance in the global AI race. He warned that without bold action, Apple risks losing its technological edge and customer loyalty. The message has struck a nerve among Apple fans, many of whom are deeply protective of the company. When analysts start calling for Apple to change course, it’s a sign that the market is growing concerned. Apple has not responded to requests for comment on Ives’ analysis. But as the AI revolution accelerates, the pressure on the tech giant to act is mounting. The question isn’t whether Apple can keep up—it’s whether it will step into the arena or watch from the sidelines, risking its legacy.