Thoughts on Angela Ahrendts.

[ElctrcJellyfish]

I don't know where you guys get off by saying that it has to do anything by her being a women?!?! WAKE UP IT'S 2015! HILARY CLINTON IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

It has nothing to do with being a Women... You guys are living in medieval times.

The problem is that any sufficiently advanced form of stupidity is indistinguishable from sexism.

Is someone picking on Angela Ahrendts because that person lacks the ability to read and Google, or is it because she's a woman and thus a convenient scapegoat?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

We'll never know!

 

[vladzaharia]

My thoughts so far...?

#

Not saying she needs to be fired (not yet at least), but so far I'm not impressed.

First, a watch launch day that wasn't really a launch day. Then retracted altogether. Then a new MacBook that isn't available in stores even two weeks beyond its launch day (when has that ever happened?), which I guess also wasn't really a launch day.

So, thus far, color me unimpressed.

15" Macbook Pro Retina. It sold out ridiculously quickly, no stores had stock, and most orders were shipped a month or more after the release date. I'm sure there's others, just as with any Apple product there will be insanely high demand.

 

[yalag]

If you honestly think that the only person at fault here is Angela Ahrendts, I really have to question your judgment. Do you honestly think she said to the operations people, "Naw, let's not have stock in the store, but tell people to buy the Watch there--our customers LOVE that. WHAT A GREAT JOKE. Just shoot off enough of these things for the online preorders and we're good?"

It looks to me like she's been handed the short end of the stick and is the one who has to deliver bad news. Only someone with the analytical capacity of mildewed dry wall says that because she's the messenger, we'd all be better off if we shot her quickly.

Any miscalculations here are the fault of the entire top of the organization, not just Angela.

Didn't say she was the only person at fault. But you are fooling yourself if you didn't think this is her prime responsibility.

 

[vladzaharia]

Apple should first be loyal to its fans.

No, apple should first be loyal to its shareholders, as it is a business. The fans mean jack squat as long as the products are sold. Hell, the fans mean even less because Apple knows that they will most likely buy anything that is sold. The non-fans are the ones Apple, or any other business, needs to focus on. If they can get people into the Apple mindset, then they've just made a lifelong fan.

And that's exactly why they're giving watches to celebrities. Because that will make people take note and think about getting one of their own.

So just because it goes against your opinion does not mean that they're wrong. In fact, if you were to look at this product launch from an objective, business-oriented perspective, Apple have done so many things right. So no, Angela is not about to lose her job, however much some people would like to think so. She knows what she's doing, and the company has probably just taken the smartwatch market to town, even with the "delays", "celebrity freebies", and the "expensive gold watch".

 

[ElctrcJellyfish]

Didn't say she was the only person at fault. But you are fooling yourself if you didn't think this is her prime responsibility.

Angela is responsible for the operation and expansion of Apple retail and online stores, which have redefined the shopping experience for hundreds of millions of customers around the world. Apple retail stores set the standard for customer service with innovative features like the Genius Bar, personal setup and one-to-one personal training to help customers get the most out of their Apple products.

https://www.apple.com/uk/pr/bios/angela-ahrendts.html

I'm looking for the part where it says, "Angela Ahrendts is in charge of the supply chain and communication with customers."

I mean, something like this:

Jeff Williams is Apple’s senior vice president of Operations reporting to CEO Tim Cook. Jeff leads a team of people around the world responsible for end-to-end supply chain management and dedicated to ensuring that Apple products meet the highest standards of quality.

https://www.apple.com/pr/bios/jeff-williams.html

Or this:

Dowling is responsible for Apple’s worldwide media relations and communications strategy, leading the public relations team as well as employee communications and corporate events. He previously led Apple’s corporate public relations team for ten years.

https://www.apple.com/pr/bios/steve-dowling.html

Now, you want to explain why Angela should be fired for failing to do these other guys jobs better?

 

[applesith]

I don't know where you guys get off by saying that it has to do anything by her being a women?!?! WAKE UP IT'S 2015! HILARY CLINTON IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

It has nothing to do with being a Women... You guys are living in medieval times.

Yet no one is calling out Jeff Williams the COO...who is responsible for overall operations and supply chain management.

...Hillary has been running forever lol.

 

[alia]

Didn't say she was the only person at fault. But you are fooling yourself if you didn't think this is her prime responsibility.

The supply chain isn't her responsibility at all... that's what we've been trying to tell you for the last three pages of this thread. Her responsibility is customer experience on the online store and in the physical stores. Hell, she's not even marketing (that's Phil Schiller). She's not operations (Jeff Williams).

 

[NovemberWhiskey]

People really need to stop with the crying about celebs getting watches before anyone else.

1. Life isn't about absolute equality. Sorry you were taught wrong or have the wrong outlook. It's absurd you would even complain about this, given that this is a luxury product and not some necessity for life. "Waahhh, Beyonce got an Apple Watch before I did?" Do you honestly think you come off sounding like a proponent of justice? It just sounds like first world problems.

2. Celebs are doing a LOT of marketing for Apple. I was completely unsure about the Watch until I saw Pharrell's instagram post. It looked great on him, and ever since then, I have been a lot more excited about the watch. I'm not one who is usually influenced by marketing, and it is hard to say if my liking Pharrell had anything to do with it (or if it was just because I liked the looks of the watch). But whatever happened, it worked. I'm getting a watch with certainty. Whoever was behind the celeb marketing should be rewarded for doing a fantastic job.

As for online-exclusive launches, I am fine with it either way. I would say this gives people who follow Apple products closely a decisive advantage, whereas the lay shopper will have to wait longer for products. Sounds fair to me. The only slightly "unfair" part is that people on the east coast or other time zones will be even more dependent on waking up in the middle of the night to get their preorder.

I can't say what effect no lines will have on Apple on launch day. Several news sources have already fallaciously interpreted this as a failed launch. However, I would have to say that those long lines, themselves, provided Apple with a lot of free marketing. People walking in the mall are bound to take notice of long lines outside Apple, and may begin to inquire about product releases they previously did not know about.

We will see how the change plays out, but it sounds fair to me so far.

 

[BeyondtheTech]

Maybe she's not entirely to blame or not to blame at all, but she's already been perceived negatively with all the latest blog sites posting and judging her internal memos and video, not to mention threads like these.

I wouldn't be surprised if she's ousted, leaves, or gets shifted into a different or less-public position just because of this launch or as a result of pressure from the board or the shareholders.

 

[Jimmie Geddes]

She is totally being hung out to dry by Apple right now. These leaked memos and video aren't for a job well done.

 

[pavanluvin]

Hiring Angela is one of the best moves apple has made in the time that I have been there. I think she is Apple as much as the rest of the executive staff.

to answer your points:
1) apple has always been secretive about their products, this includes retail employees. However, with apple watch there has been more preparation then any other product in recent memory. If you had a less then pleasant experience, that would be more of a reflection of that employee then of Angela.

2) She does not set the price of apple products, and to be quite frank, $10,000 is quite inexpensive for an 18K watch.


3) thats how iPad launches have happened. Its nothing new, however, its been quite improved on thanks to Angela

4) Apple has a history of under promising and over delivering.

4x2) Im sure PR/Marcom/Special Projects (Marketing & Communications) are responsible for giving those out. But if you dislike that apple watches were given out I'm sure you wouldnt be a big fan of us also providing 24/7 butlers who can make sure that the apple watch is being worn properly at all times.

5) I'm sure if you did something special like provide an album exclusively through iTunes which started a trend for other artist you would like the gesture too. stop being a sour puss

Its okay to vent. I get it, you want your watch just as i do. Be patient. Meditate. Ill come soon. But please stop the anger, maybe eat a snickers.

I appreciate you trying to salvage the damage that has been done. Seems like you joined macrumors today to specifically comment on this post. So I wanted to take a minute and respond.

1) I believe that I was not alone with my experience at the Apple Store that day. There were several other members that felt that way as well. It was the whole store that was chaotic. I was very interested in buying the edition but wanted to compare it to the Stainless Steel version before playing my order for edition. Apple employees wouldn't let me look at anything else and told me to wait another 45 minutes before looking at SS. (Already made me wait 45 mins after my initial edition appt was supposed to begin). All employees were asking each other different questions which should have been addressed in their team meeting that morning.

2) 10K for an 18K gold watch still seems a little expensive for me considering the tech inside will be outdated in ~2 years. There is no where near 10K worth of gold on that watch. Also no way at all the 17K 38mm watch has 17K worth of gold. You have to be a fool to think that, or need a reality check. But I agree there needs to be a significant upmark to make sure it fits with Apple's standards.

3) This is the launch of a whole new line of apple product, the first since the passing of Steve Jobs. It should be held as a celebration, and not just give die hard fans a window of when they can expect their product.

4) As addressed above ^. Should not give a window for first batch of preorders, makes them look unprepared. Seems like they are spending too much time advertising on people who don't even care if they are wearing one.

4x2) + 5) I don't know what this has to do with butlers. Its common sense. The people you are giving it out to don't give a rats ass. I know it will not delay my order, but I just feel like we should all be treated equally when it comes to something big like this. I feel like Apple kind of "Sold Out" so they can get celebrities to wear the watch. But besides the Apple community aka MacRumors, who actually knows that the celebrities are wearing it?!?!


I would have liked a better experience is all I am saying. This whole process did not seem very "Apple like" to me. I would also like to be treated like every other human being. I don't like that certain people who Apple deems special should get something that the person doesn't even know how to use. I know a lot of us in this community advocate for apple at any given opportunity, I would just like to see similar respect. I just hope to see better changes in the future.

 

[ElctrcJellyfish]

Maybe she's not entirely to blame or not to blame at all, but she's already been perceived negatively with all the latest blog sites posting and judging her internal memos and video, not to mention threads like these.

I wouldn't be surprised if she's ousted, leaves, or gets shifted into a different or less-public position just because of this launch or as a result of pressure from the board or the shareholders.

As an Apple shareholder, I'm just going to go on record as saying that I hope that Apple's Board of Directors is not so stupid as to oust someone because people on a message board can't read job descriptions.

 

[alia]

As an Apple shareholder, I'm just going to go on record as saying that I hope that Apple's Board of Directors is not so stupid as to oust someone because people on a message board can't read job descriptions.

+1 Shareholder since 2002.

 

[Blakjack]

I have been a huge apple fan boy for many years. Always get the new products on Launch day. But for some reason this time, I have an uneasy feeling of the whole process of getting an Apple Watch.

Everything from:

1. The horrible experience in the store on April 10th, Apple store employees knowing very little of what was going on.

2. Ridiculous price of the gold watch

3. Only online orders for Apple Watch and Macbook.

4. Giving first preorders a window period of 4/24-5/8?!? Don't remember that happening for first batch of preorders.

4. One thing that really ticks me is that Apple/Angela are giving out Apple Watches to Celebrities. Some of whom don't even know how to wear the watch properly! (Ex: Red band upside down) Apparently they have enough to give out to celebrities... When ever new products have come out, everyone usually gets it on launch day, everyone is treated equally.

5. Why do Celebrities get different treatment and different bands that the general apple community can't buy? Are they trying to put us down by showing all these new bands that we can't buy? Can't even buy these bands at launch day...

I feel like all these slight changes are all because of Angela Ahrendts. I want to appreciate that she is trying to make the Apple Watch a new luxury item that the super rich want. But I feel like its too much change and too much chaos that she is causing. I personally don't think Angela Ahrendts has done anything ground breaking at Apple besides rough a few feathers of the Apple Community...

Just my two cents...

She's cool with me. Think you just need to get a hobby.

 

[Jsmil009]

I think they should hire me at 1/10 her salary. I will get us back on track here. Apple Watches for everyone!!!!!!!

 

[brock2621]

She's more than qualified for the position and think it was a bold match that will pay off in the years to come. I'm looking forward to her ideas...

 

[seatton]

The only thing that annoys me a lot is the fact that the pre-order started before we got a chance to see the watch in person. This is something they really have to learn!

 

[Supermallet]

2) 10K for an 18K gold watch still seems a little expensive for me considering the tech inside will be outdated in ~2 years. There is no where near 10K worth of gold on that watch. Also no way at all the 17K 38mm watch has 17K worth of gold. You have to be a fool to think that, or need a reality check. But I agree there needs to be a significant upmark to make sure it fits with Apple's standards.

What does this have to do with Ahrendts?

 

[anez]

Who made the decision that pre-orders came before try-ons? That's the big issue I have with this release. I suspect this caused a lot of multiple orders that will be either returned or re-sold, and could so easily have been avoided if try-ons had happened two weeks to a month before the pre-order period.

I feel a little sorry for Ahrendts, actually. The nature of this product is so different to everything Apple have released before (i.e., the number of potential options) that things did definitely have to be done a little differently to the norm. That can't be helped, and I think she's the one taking the flack for it exclusively when it was partially a necessity of circumstance.

 

[harpyeagle]

Direct thoughts on self first

I have been a huge apple fan boy for many years. Always get the new products on Launch day. But for some reason this time, I have an uneasy feeling of the whole process of getting an Apple Watch.

Everything from:

1. The horrible experience in the store on April 10th, Apple store employees knowing very little of what was going on.

2. Ridiculous price of the gold watch

3. Only online orders for Apple Watch and Macbook.

4. Giving first preorders a window period of 4/24-5/8?!? Don't remember that happening for first batch of preorders.

4. One thing that really ticks me is that Apple/Angela are giving out Apple Watches to Celebrities. Some of whom don't even know how to wear the watch properly! (Ex: Red band upside down) Apparently they have enough to give out to celebrities... When ever new products have come out, everyone usually gets it on launch day, everyone is treated equally.

5. Why do Celebrities get different treatment and different bands that the general apple community can't buy? Are they trying to put us down by showing all these new bands that we can't buy? Can't even buy these bands at launch day...

I feel like all these slight changes are all because of Angela Ahrendts. I want to appreciate that she is trying to make the Apple Watch a new luxury item that the super rich want. But I feel like its too much change and too much chaos that she is causing. I personally don't think Angela Ahrendts has done anything ground breaking at Apple besides rough a few feathers of the Apple Community...

Just my two cents...

I respect your frustration as I am going through the same. Waiting till June for my watch.

But why blame? How is Angela responsible for inventory/pricing/celebrity handouts? I get it. You are frustrated with some experiments the world's biggest company is doing to improve customer experience. But, imagine yourself in her position and think if you'd have the guts to do what she did (pretending for a sec that it was just her who single handedly made the decision about everything apple watch like you make it out to be) to alter the status quo -Try altering the status quo in your close circle first and see what you deal with.

I don't think this has anything do with she being a woman. It's just that you need to practice more restraint before calling out an individual.

 

[kingofwale]

Who made the decision that pre-orders came before try-ons? That's the big issue I have with this release. I suspect this caused a lot of multiple orders that will be either returned or re-sold, and could so easily have been avoided if try-ons had happened two weeks to a month before the pre-order period.

I feel a little sorry for Ahrendts, actually. The nature of this product is so different to everything Apple have released before (i.e., the number of potential options) that things did definitely have to be done a little differently to the norm. That can't be helped, and I think she's the one taking the flack for it exclusively when it was partially a necessity of circumstance.

that's always been an issue with me too.

Also every single Apple appointment to try on, the apple employees are always so poorly trained, I was told once that the watch can be used for swimming...

another time I was told that I can pick up a watch on April 24th (as long as I'm willing to line up)... I'm sure i was not the only person she told this, imagine what will happen this friday?

 

[Juan007]

Nobody knows how things run inside Apple. Maybe every aspect of the launch was run by Angela, maybe not.

Anyway, this launch is a terrible black mark ON APPLE, not on Angela or any individual. APPLE will have a tarnished reputation here, not any one person.

- You shouldn't blame Angela or any one person unless you have inside knowledge
- You SHOULD blame Apple and Tim Cook (the face of Apple) for mistakes
- Knowing how Apple works, Tim will hold those who botched the launch accountable for their mistakes

 

[fitshaced]

I would

 

[Knowimagination]

Nobody knows how things run inside Apple. Maybe every aspect of the launch was run by Angela, maybe not.

Anyway, this launch is a terrible black mark ON APPLE, not on Angela or any individual. APPLE will have a tarnished reputation here, not any one person.

- You shouldn't blame Angela or any one person unless you have inside knowledge
- You SHOULD blame Apple and Tim Cook (the face of Apple) for mistakes
- Knowing how Apple works, Tim will hold those who botched the launch accountable for their mistakes

You really think that apple's reputation will be tarnished over this? Seriously?

Is it a flawless launch not at all but is it a complete fail to the point where it will be a black mark on the company... not even close.

People will have watches on release day and they seem to be doing what they can to catch up the supply with the demand.

 

[djuzi]

I don't know why Apple fans would be upset at celebrities wearing Apple Watches. It's incredible marketing.

Think about how long smart watches have been out, and the amount of presence the apple watch has. 3 months ago, seeing Beyoncé, Pharrell, Karl Lagerfield, JJ Abrams wearing Moto 360, Galaxy Gear, or Pebble would be absurd. But this is the reality and power of the apple watch. Everyone should be proud to be a part of it, wether it be April 24th or May.