"Barney, something's up." Tyler walked in, his expression grim.
"What is it?" Nick, who was buried in paperwork, felt a jolt of anxiety at the look on Tyler's face.
Tyler handed over his iPhone. "A ton of users are reporting that Apple has flagged our management app as a 'security risk.' The system is suggesting they uninstall it immediately."
"Isn't that just standard procedure? Our app hasn't been through the official App Store certification yet, so of course there's a risk alert," Nick said, sounding unconvinced.
Tyler shook his head. "It's different. This wasn't happening a few days ago; it just started this morning. Now, whenever a user tries to sync the H1 with other third-party apps, they're getting hammered with warning pop-ups and blocking windows. It's completely killing the user experience. Our AI customer support has been flooded with complaints since 8:00 AM, and the tech forums are already blowing up."
Nick's brow furrowed. "It sounds like we've officially stepped on their toes. They wouldn't move this fast otherwise. Is the Apple rep still at the hotel in the business district?"
"Still there. They actually called this morning to see when we could meet," Tyler said, nodding.
Nick thought for a moment. "They're trying to strong-arm us into a negotiation. Fine. Let's give them their meeting. We'll focus purely on this 'security' issue and see what they're actually angling for."
"I have a feeling they aren't going to back down easily," Tyler said, looking worried.
Nick stood up and began pacing the office. After weighing the options, he looked back at Tyler. "Instead of playing defense, let's be direct. First, get a post up on X to reassure our users. Tell them we're working on a fix."
"When you talk to Apple, keep your guard up. If they try to play hardball or lean into extortion, we'll trigger Plan B. We can push a specialized version for iOS users, move the management interface to a web-based platform, or embed the service apps directly into our own ecosystem. If we go that route, they won't see a dime of the transaction fees."
"But if we do that, the H1 loses its deep integration with those apps. The user experience will definitely take a hit," Tyler noted.
Nick shook his head. "Apple has a history of shaking down app developers. If we roll over now, they'll only get hungrier. If they want a reasonable service fee, that's one thing—the Apple users are the ones paying for the convenience. But if they want to use this to bully us? No way. I refuse to believe we can't survive without their blessing."
"We've only just started; is it smart to be this rigid? They're a global titan, and we're a drop in the bucket," Tyler argued.
Nick smiled. "Don't worry, I know how to play this. In the current climate, Apple doesn't want a PR disaster. The domestic market is still their biggest cash cow; they won't risk a massive backlash here. Since they're trying to use fear to control us, let's give them something to be afraid of. I'm going to drop a smoke bomb on X."
"What are you planning?"
Nick gave a slight smirk. "How do you think those smartphone giants would react if I leaked that we're considering adding cellular data and calling capabilities directly to the H1? If I hint that we're looking to replace the mobile phone entirely?"
"You're insane! If you post that, every phone manufacturer in the country will lose their minds," Tyler shouted, jumping up from his chair.
"It's not that deep; we don't have that much clout yet," Nick said, waving him back down.
"No, absolutely not. I don't agree. You aren't solving a problem; you're pouring gasoline on a fire. You'll make us public enemy number one," Tyler said, shaking his head like a rattle.
Nick laughed. "Relax, I was just messing with you. But here's the real plan: while you're talking to Apple, go and take meetings with the reps from Samsung and Motorola. Use one giant to check another."
"Okay, that's better. You almost gave me a heart attack," Tyler said, exhaling.
The idea of a standalone device with its own cellular chip wasn't something they hadn't discussed, but Nick had ultimately tabled it. It would add too much weight and bulk, ruining the sleek design. Plus, voice interaction is great, but people still need a screen for visual data. Detaching from the phone would create more problems than it solved. More importantly, they didn't need a dozen powerful enemies this early in the game.
"This Apple situation is just the beginning," Nick said solemnly. "As our sales grow and our user base expands, this is going to happen more often. But we have to hold the line now. If we survive this hurdle, the path forward gets a lot smoother."
Tyler turned serious. "I'm not afraid of the pressure; I'm afraid of the dirty tactics. All these industry sharks are circling us. If it weren't for our government tech-collaboration status keeping them cautious, they would've tried to swallow us whole by now. I just don't know how long that shield will hold."
"Don't worry about that. I've got it covered."
Nick reassured him: "I'm already talking to the Defense Research Institute about potential applications for our AI. The military is actually very interested; they're sending a team of experts to Tampa next week to discuss a pilot program. Plus, our security clearances and defense certifications are moving through the pipeline. The confidentiality audit should be approved any day now. If the Air Force project goes well, the rest will follow."
"Seriously? If we get those certifications, the pressure drops significantly," Tyler said, finally looking relieved.
Nick nodded, though his expression remained thoughtful. "It's a double-edged sword. Once those certs are issued, our 'defense' background will be set in stone. That's great for domestic protection, but it's going to make things very complicated once we try to scale globally."
"Who cares about that right now? Let's win the domestic market first," Tyler said, waving a hand dismissively. "The rest of the world can wait. I've got nothing but confidence in what we're building."
"You're right. Let's win at home first." Nick smiled. Why hesitate? There was always a way forward. No sense in worrying about the mountain until you're standing at the base.