Generally speaking, there is a lack of vision at Apple that has slowly deflated since Jobs has passed.

Jony Ive's departure to start a private design firm is confirmation of such, despite Apple being his 'primary' client.

One has to wonder what Apple would be like if Forstall was still there. People should remember it was his team that won the internal contest for the iPhone interface. And it was Jobs' willingness to create internal competition that brought the best out in his employees and the company.

Tim's runs Apple with the same kind of unchallenged vision that allowed George Lucas to produce Episodes 1, 2 and 3 without any kind of creative push-back.

It will stagnate until new hands take control.

It's a cycle. All life is.

How soon Apple's cycle turns upwards towards innovation remains to be seen.