I think the comment was trying to say "If Apple fails to live up to its incredible standard". That is a point, since Apple earn its money from unique usability

I think the comment was trying to say "If Apple fails to live up to its incredible standard". That is a point, since Apple earn its money from unique usability values -- and it isn't obvious it will manage to continue doing that. You really expect better from NY Times than from e.g. me, but it was a quote from some economist...