Report: Apple board presses Cook to speed up innovation

Apple's board is concerned about the company's recent lack of innovation and has asked CEO Tim Cook to improve the situation.

Fox Business News, citing informed sources, reported that Apple's board is "extremely worried" that the lack of unique products could harm the company, and has urged Cook to accelerate the innovation process.

"What have they had recently? They've had the iPad and a few other things, but nothing as innovative as when Steve Jobs was around," Fox Business News reporter Charlie Gasparino said. "This concern has put pressure on Cook to speed up innovation."

Although Apple continues to release products at its usual pace, the most recent "innovative" device is the iPad mini, which was launched in October 2012.

Gasparino pointed out that Cook’s position as CEO is not under threat, but also warned that board pressure can sometimes lead to management changes.

Based on Apple's regular product release schedule, Fox Business News' report seems somewhat premature. In 2001, Apple released the iPod; in 2007, the iPhone; in 2010, the iPad; and in 2012, the iPad mini. In the Mac division, the MacBook Air was launched in 2008, and the Retina MacBook Pro in 2012.

As for Apple's new product release plans, rumors are rampant. Many industry insiders believe that the company will launch the iPhone 5S with a built-in fingerprint sensor and a low-cost iPhone as early as September. Some experts also estimate that the Retina-display iPad mini and the fifth-generation full-size iPad will be released this year.

In addition, the much-anticipated Mac Pro, which features a redesigned chassis and cutting-edge internal specifications, has already been announced, though Apple has yet to confirm its release date.

Moreover, an Apple TV that connects to cable services and the smartwatch iWatch are both expected to be released in 2014.