When will Apple finally get into the Web?

Apple is one of the least Web-enabled companies around. At a (not-so)-secret music event to be held tomorrow in San Francisco, they will probably announce yet another desktop-bound application (likely called iTunes 8) that groups similar songs automatically with an all-you-can-eat subscription service, along with another new round of iPod devices.

Okay, but how about iTunes for the Web? How about a service that lets you buy songs and play them from the Web, store your entire music collection online, and sync with your iPod?

Let's call it iTunes XX, because Apple doesn't seem to be into the Web like other companies. They are essentially a hardware and desktop software company, but have lagged well behind Google, Amazon, and even Microsoft in delivering really viable Web applications.

Meanwhile, their MobileMe service has been plagued by constant problems. Steve Jobs even admitted that it was a botched launch, saying "the MobileMe launch clearly demonstrates that we have more to learn about Internet services." GigaOm says Apple has a long way to go with their infrastructure before they can really make the move to Web 2.0. As one of the premier tech companies, no one seems to notice that they are still operating like it is 2003 in terms of their Web offerings.

One way to jumpstart their Web services: they could follow the Yahoo and Google model and acquire companies that have this figured out, even though they rarely do acquisitions. Maybe start with Pandora and retool it into some sort of music recommendation engine (they certainly have the support of the music industry), a move like that would quickly build up their Internet credibility.

Another idea would be to do a real Apple Labs. I know, they never pre-announce products. But the Web is different, there is a community aspect. Apple can benefit greatly from the legions of users who would test Web apps. Adobe has pulled this off - they release early versions of research projects to build momentum for them while keeping their mainline desktop apps under lock and key.

But what they really need to do is just get moving on Web development. Turn Apple into a company that is as innovative on the Web as they are on the desktop and with hardware. Until they figure out the Web, they may never truly attract the massive, Microsoft-sized audience they crave.

Related News and Blogs

• Apple refreshes iPod line, cuts touch model prices
• John Brandon: iTunes 8 is no Web Genius
• Seth Weintraub: September 9th Liveblog
• John Brandon: When will Apple finally get into the Web?
• Seth Weintraub: Apple's iPod event predictions
• Seth Weintraub: iPod Nano 4G revealed, will UI change?
• Seth Weintraub: As Apple's iPod line matures, a new device becomes likely
• Seth Weintraub: Apple may have some surprises for iPod and iTunes event
• Seth Weintraub: Expectations/speculation for 'Let's Rock' Apple event (hint, no Macs)