Apple's WWDC keynote was pointed towards software developers
Analysts making quick assumptions on diverse reactions to Apple's WWDC 2019 key points, but in general they agree that the California Software and hardware company puts a focus on unique software upgrades and helping out Apple app developers.
Apple's emphasis was on "further extending its competitive differentiation over other consumer device OEMs with an emphasis on its software leadership," claimed JPMorgan's expert Samik Chatterjee. The software analyst highlighted privacy features in iOS 13 such as "Sign in With Apple," feature and the creation of brand new operating system for iPad, called iPadOS, shifting away from giving iPads "second hand features of the iPhone.". The latter news is a shocking one for developers.
The expert also noted about multi-user options in tvOS 13, and the improved independence of the Apple Watch via watchOS 6, standalone apps and a dedicated special App Store.
JPMorgan is holding on to an "overweight" rating for Apple stock with a $173.30 price target.
Expert Gene Munster from Loup Ventures cited Apple's themes as privacy, "making life easier for developers," and the Apple Watch's independent software upgrades. On the developer front, Gene Loup conducted about a "buzz" survey of around 30 developers at WWDC, 70% of whom said the biggest keynote announcement was actually SwiftUI — a way of further streamlining app development through graphical controls, reducing the amount of manual hardcoding involved.
Expert Katy Huberty from Morgan Stanley noted that Apple's best chance for rapid funding is "driving increased user engagement with apps," something enhanced by its work to make platforms "more and more pointed to maximize the user experience on each respective software and hardware platform, at the same time they are becoming easier to create for the developer community." Morgan Stanley eperts predict the rating for Apple shares with a $231 per share. Huberty noted not about just the watchOS 6, but Project Catalyst —formerly Marzipan — which makes developers easier to program for iOS, iPadOS, and/or macOS simultaneously. "After today's announcements, we believe Apple Watch and Mac will more meaningfully contribute to App Store growth, while further solidifying Apple as the most attractive platform for app developers," Huberty wrote. Huberty also noted about Apple's continuous efforts to "attract more commercial users," including iPadOS and the long-demanded modular Mac Pro. "Extending the functionality of iPad and Mac into the commercial and enterprise market presents significant market share opportunity given Apple's commercial PC revenue mix of 37% is significantly lower than the market, at 55%," she concluded.
