Innovation vs. Monetization
How Apple, Tesla, and Harley-Davidson Show Us the Cycle of Creation and Decline
Who I Am — and Why I’m Writing This
I’ve been around long enough to remember when computing meant loading code into a TRS-80 or punching BASIC into a Timex Sinclair 1000. My career has touched trades, engineering, and IT — from Apple II days through Microsoft- and VMware-based enterprise systems. I’ve worked with UNIX, Linux, and everything in between. I’ve also been a lifelong fan of Harley-Davidson… but only the kind that still rode like a machine, not a merch line.
This post isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about patterns I’ve watched repeat for over 30 years.
Some companies innovate, then scale, then eventually become obsessed with monetization. That’s when they stop building for us and start charging us for what used to be included. This isn’t always bad — but if they lose sight of the product, the soul follows.
Case Study 1: Apple — From Delight to Data Extraction
Apple under Steve Jobs (2000–2011) was about delight. Products worked seamlessly, and the user experience came first. iPods, iPhones, and Macs weren’t just tools — they were moments of genius in your hand.
But today? Apple has shifted to:
- Monthly upsells for services you used to own
- Subscriptions just to back up your phone or access features
- A growing reliance on monetizing the user base rather than delighting it
Is it still a premium platform? Absolutely. Is it still a visionary company? That’s less certain.
“You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work backwards to the technology.” — Steve Jobs, 1997
Source: Steve Jobs at WWDC 1997 - YouTube
Jobs understood what made Apple special. You didn’t just use it — you trusted it.
Today’s Apple isn’t bad. But it’s moving closer to extraction than inspiration.
Case Study 2: Harley-Davidson — A Brand That Forgot Its Builders
Harley had soul. It had a sound, a feel, a history. You rode it because it wasn’t perfect — it was yours.
But somewhere around 2016, they started shifting:
- Layering in electronics riders can’t fully disable (ABS, traction control, ride modes)
- Locking down ECUs and diagnostic access, shutting out home tuners
- Turning rider customization into a dealer-only privilege
And then came LiveWire — a $30,000 electric bike with limited range, built more for press releases than road trips.
“0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds is impressive, but it only has a 110‑mile range. I was honestly expecting this bike to be about 15k to 20k… not almost $30k.”
— Reddit user kenny400m on r/Harley
Source: Harley LiveWire Electric Motorcycle has INSANE Price!
Post-2016 Harleys feel like machines built to be managed — not ridden. That’s not rebellion. That’s regression.
Case Study 3: Tesla — Still Building, Still Risking
Tesla isn’t perfect. But here’s what it hasn’t done (yet):
- It hasn’t stopped taking risks
- It hasn’t stopped building ambitious tech
- It hasn’t sold out its user base for short-term revenue
With Robotaxi now live in Texas (June 2025 pilot in Austin), Tesla moved from theory to reality. There are safety drivers, yes — but this is public testing, not a closed beta.
SpaceX was mocked for its reusable rocket ambitions. Now Falcon 9 is the most reliable launch platform on Earth. Tesla might do the same for transport.
They’ve embraced risk, taken the punches, and kept shipping:
- Dojo — training on custom silicon
Optimus — physical AI
Megapack — scaling renewable energy- FSD — incrementally improving autonomy
Tesla still feels like what Apple used to be. Hungry. Driven. Building with conviction.
Why It Matters
This isn’t about brands — it’s about how companies treat their users over time.
When a company starts charging more for less, when innovation slows and monetization ramps, the soul of the product fades. People don’t fall in love with a billing cycle — they fall in love with how a product makes them feel.
Apple risks becoming Harley.
Tesla still feels like Apple 2005.
Final Thought
I still use Apple. I still ride Harley. I’m a huge Musk fan. But I’m not blind to the patterns.
Some companies innovate until the very end. Others slowly milk the machine they built until it runs dry.
I know which ones I want to support.
Disclaimer:
These views are my own, based on personal experience across multiple platforms and technologies.
I use Apple, Linux, and Windows systems daily — each for their strengths.
I’ve owned multiple Harley-Davidsons, and while I respect what Tesla builds, I don’t drive electric.
This post supports innovation and bold engineering — not brand worship.
What other companies have you seen evolve like this? Can Apple rediscover its spark? Is Tesla the last builder-led company of its kind?