Contrary to popular belief, Apple isnt a hardware company. Nor is it a software company. Apple is, fundamentally, an ecosystem companyone that, with the help of millions of developers world-wide, has created a vast web of software and services that run on its 1.3 billion active devices.

Do some Internet search (ex: Wall Street Journal; other business journals) exploring the following question:

How do Apps, Music and More Can buoy Apple beyond the iPhone to keep increasing revenue? While selling fewer phones, Apple might have to rethink how it charges for devices and services. Is a Polaroid Camera type of business strategy viable for Apple?

and then answer the following in your post. Clearly demarcate your answers in your post.

What is the approximate breakdown of corporate sales of Apple between hardware sales (iPhones, iPads, Apple laptops, etc.) and all other non-hardware sales (software, music, apps, etc.)?

Discuss one advantage of diversification for Apple.

Discuss one disadvantage of diversification for Apple.

What is your recommendation for the right balance (% of sales) between hardware and non-hardware sales for Apple. Justify your answer.

Think critically about the strategic lessons the above Apple example presents to tangible product selling companies who have to increase revenues by offering services (product + services as a combined offering). An example is the service at a fine dining restaurant.