Rock star designers leaving big companies is nothing new. I happen to like "Bangled" BMWs like the original Z4, before it was watered down to a retro-ish design

Rock star designers leaving big companies is nothing new. I happen to like "Bangled" BMWs like the original Z4, before it was watered down to a retro-ish design. But I also know I'm in the minority. Apple's primary advantage is gaining unique capabilities and protecting them through domination of the supply chain. Not all of these succeed (vide large sapphire crystals) but these kinds of competitive moats are actually more important than unique designs.