Being first to market doesn't guarantee success, as execution, timing, and user experience play a crucial role in determining the winner.
Apple's iPod, although not the first digital music player, reimagined the user experience, leading to a significant impact on the music industry.
The key lies in finding the balance between launching early to test core value, learning faster than competitors, and iterating smarter, not just faster.
Success in products is about being the first to solve a meaningful problem, rather than just being the first to launch.