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Apple's Cook being pushed to innovate by board of directors, FOX report says

The Apple Board of Directors has concerns about the company's recent lack of innovation, says FOX Business Network, and is reportedly leaning on chief executive Tim Cook to rectify the situation.


Citing to reliable sources, FBN senior correspondent Charlie Gasparino reports Apple's board is "deeply concerned" that a perceived dry period of unique products could hurt the company, and is applying pressure on Cook to innovate at a faster pace.

"What have they had lately? They have had the iPad, they've had a few other things, but they don't have anything innovating from what came from Steve Jobs," Gasparino said. "And that concern is basically manifesting into pressure on Tim Cook to basically innovate - do something fast."

While the Cupertino, Calif., company continues to unveil product refreshes at a regular pace, its last "innovative" device launch was the iPad mini in October of 2012.

Gasparino was quick to point out that Cook is not in danger of losing his job, but at the same time cautioned board room-level tensions sometimes lead to an executive leadership shakeup.

The FBN report seems somewhat premature considering Apple's usual release schedule, which saw the first iPod unveiled in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, the iPad in 2010 and the iPad mini in 2012. In the Mac space, Apple's MacBook Air debuted in 2008, while the Retina display MacBook Pro hit the market in 2012.

As for what Apple has in the pipeline, rumors are rampant as usual. In the near term, many expect a next-generation "iPhone 5" with an integrated fingerprint sensor and a low-cost "iPhone Lite" handset to debut as early as September. Some also see a next-generation iPad mini with Retina display and fifth-generation iPad to hit shelves this year.

In addition, the company showed off a much anticipated Mac Pro, with a radically redesigned case and cutting edge internals. Apple has yet to announce a timeline for the computer's release.

Future prospects include a new cable service-connected Apple TV product and a wearable computing device dubbed the "iWatch," both of which may see release in 2014.