Apple is facing a “BlackBerry moment” if it doesn’t adapt quickly to the emerging trend of generative artificial intelligence (AI), according to Dan Ives, a tech analyst at Wedbush Securities. The term refers to BlackBerry’s downfall in the early 2000s when it failed to pivot fast enough to new technology.
BlackBerry was once the most popular smartphone brand, but it struggled to keep up with Apple’s iPhone and other smartphones. Despite having an incredibly profitable existing business, BlackBerry stuck to its traditional formula, ultimately leading to a stock price decline of over 97%.
Now, Ives is warning Apple that if it doesn’t move aggressively into AI, it risks becoming the next BlackBerry. Rivals like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon are already making significant strides in AI innovation.
To avoid this fate, Apple needs to take bold action. Ives recommends three key strategies:
1. Acquire Perplexity, an AI-native search engine startup that could serve as a cornerstone for Siri’s revitalization.
2. Bring in outside AI talent to shake up the company’s stagnant innovation pace.
3. Double down on Google’s Gemini AI chatbot to deepen integration into the iPhone ecosystem.
Ives believes Apple must stop watching the AI party from afar and start leading it. With its unparalleled platform, Apple has a unique opportunity to capitalize on AI innovation. If it fails to do so, it risks squandering that lead and facing the same fate as BlackBerry.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-blackberry-moment-ai-iphone-2025-8