Apple's recent updates, like changing the charging port, suggest that the mobile battle may be reaching its conclusion, with the App Store feeling mature.

In the mobile era, Apple was ahead while Facebook struggled to keep up, often acquiring companies like Instagram and WhatsApp to strengthen its position.

Steve Jobs was initially reluctant to create an app store, but was convinced that opening the platform to developers would enhance the iPhone's capabilities.

The iPhone's initial launch lacked an app store, but it was later introduced to allow third-party developers to create apps, significantly enhancing the device's value.

In the web era, Facebook emerged as the dominant application, overshadowing Apple's web products, which were not perceived as competitive at the time.

The competition between Facebook and Apple can be divided into three battles: the web era, the mobile era, and the emerging AI era.

We needed to develop new capabilities to compete effectively in the mobile and search markets, but we didn't realize how different those businesses would be. The true competitor for Microsoft in mobile was Android, not Apple, as Android monetized through advertising and offered free services, while Microsoft relied on licensing revenue.

Apple seems to want AI to extend the mobile upgrade cycle, ensuring that the mobile battle continues to benefit them.

Apple's monopolistic practices prevent developers from directly engaging with their customers and hinder the competitive landscape of the app economy.