Apple's move to vertical integration with processors could end up killing the iPhone, and the benefit just doesn't warrant the risk. - Rob Enderle

Today's tech companies aren't built to last, as Apple's recent earnings report shows all too well.

iPhone 7 — We will again watch people line up to buy an iconic product that is only marginally better than the paid-for product they already have. ... We'll smile, nod our heads, and ask Siri to remind us to check to see if our medical plan covers mental health.

I do think it is likely a tad frustrating for Gates to watch his own company pivot and be successful with new initiatives while Apple gets a huge valuation even though its latest efforts have underperformed or, like the HomePod, largely failed in market.