A decade later it failed to anticipate the demand for "clamshell" -type handsets, but bounced back quickly to restore its market share in handsets to 40% and thus its industry dominance.
With Google and its Allies chasing it in smartphones, and Amazon's launch of a bold new tablet computer, Apple faces serious competition for the first time in the new markets it has created.
Users and analysts generally accept that the CORBA camp, led by the Object Management Group (OMG) consortium, has a head start in object middleware, but Microsoft is coming on fast.
But, if Apple integrates an advanced voice control system into iOS 5 exclusively for iPhone 5, the company may once again be forcing others to play catch up.
I do not know the stories and descriptions to what end: full expression to the good quality of the Japanese people to inspire me to catch up or have ulterior motives?
But India wants to catch up. For example, it is keen to sell Africa its high-tech products, particularly in cheap telephony and mobile Internet services.
Human capital is more of a challenge. Americans once led the world in educational attainment, but this is now barely rising while other countries have caught up (see article).