Apple has always been a front-runner for new gadgets and technologies. Because of their innovative ideas and groundbreaking products, tech enthusiasts worldwide always look forward to Apple’s latest product releases, hoping to get their hands on the best gadget in the market. Throughout the decade, we’ve seen how Apple has changed the way people use and go about their daily routines with their devices. The tech giant still constantly finds ways to innovate and provide its customers with the best experience possible. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and see successful and memorable innovations by Apple through the years.
Apple Releases Through the Years
1. iPad
The iPad was introduced in January 2010, as Apple’s next big thing. Before the unveiling of the iPad, the PC industry had been trying to make netbooks a thing years prior. These tablets were supposed to be cheap and basic, perfect for those who didn’t want to commit to a whole desktop.
2. iPhone 4
The year 2010 was also when Apple released its most extensive update to the iPhone. What made the iPhone 4 unique was that it featured a stainless steel and glass exterior, veering away from the plastic iPhone 3Gs. It also featured the first Retina display, FaceTime, and excellent camera quality with a 5-megapixel sensor, LED flash, and HD 720p video.
3. MacBook Air
Apple also released its second-generation MacBook Air in 2010. The evolution of the MacBook from the first release to the second was a huge success. The MacBook Air sported an iconic taper design, veering away from physical hard drives and adapting a solid-state drive (SSD).
During this release, Apple also began introducing the iOS concepts to the Mac; for example, the ability to sleep and wake instantly just by putting the lid down.
4. Introducing iCloud and iMessage
In 2011, iCloud was introduced as a foundational feature across all Apple products. Every software update prior to the iCloud release needed devices to be plugged in the dock connector and synced with a PC. But as the iOS 5.1 arrived, users could set up their devices independently and sync tasks done from the iPhone to the MacBook like checking emails, deleting events, etc.
Furthermore, iCloud allowed users to have cloud device backup, iWork document storage, iTunes, and photostream.
In iOS 5, iMessage was also rolled out. The users had read receipts, multimedia, typing indicators, and more, bringing encrypted messaging to the core of iOS. iMessage launched only on iOS, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, but later came to Mac products after a year with OS X Mountain Lion.
5. New Voice Assistant: Siri
Siri, the voice assistant, was introduced in 2011 as the main feature for the iPhone 4S. Today, Siri does more than just set timers and alarms. Siri now tells jokes and sends messages.
6. Two Additions: iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c
In 2013, Apple released the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, introducing two phones simultaneously, with the iPhone 5c as the cheaper model. The iPhone 5c had a plastic body and older components. Furthermore, this was also when fun colors of White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, and Green.
This year, Touch ID rocked the world when it made phone usage secure and convenient. Fingerprint sensors had a bad reputation as they were typically only found in enterprise laptops as an extra security feature. However, during the iPhone 5s, Touch ID allowed users to conveniently unlock the device and authorize iTunes & App Store Purchases.
7. iPad Air
Another addition to the iPad lineup came in October 2013, with the iPad Air—the first of the light tablet series from Apple. This new iPad generation featured narrower side bezels, a thinner 7.9-inch screen, and a 28% reduced weight.
8. The Bigger iPhone 6
In 2014, the new and improved Apple models made their way to the public eye with a bigger 4.7-inch display (iPhone 6) and an even bigger 5.5-inch display (iPhone 6 Plus.)
Another feature of the iPhone 6 was Apple Pay, supporting contactless payments by simply adding their card details during the device setup and purchasing things in one tap.
9. The Apple Watch
In September 2014, Apple released the Apple Watch, a new way to communicate, help people with fitness and health by tracking a user’s heart rate through a sensor installed at the back of the watch, and triage incoming notifications from their phones.
10. No More Headphone Jack
When Apple came out with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the body was designed the same as the iPhone 6 series, but with additional features like a second telephoto lens, and a new chip, among others.
However, it also came with a surprise removal of the headphone jack, which caused an uproar. Little did the world know that this conviction to go “cordless” would stick around to this very day and pave the way for a new kind of audio experience.
11. iPhone X: Bye-bye Home Button
In 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone X, but one thing that shocked its patrons was the missing symbolic Home button. However, Apple seemed to have nailed the transition. Swiping up took you home and swiping sideways made it easier to switch between apps.
12. HomePod: The Premium Speaker
The HomePod is a smart speaker made specifically for Apple devices. Apple gradually added new updates throughout its course, like making phone calls, setting up calendar events, setting multiple timers, and allowing multi-user features.
13. iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro series were the most powerful smartphones Apple released during the time. It featured an advanced camera system, Super Retina XDR display, and longer battery life.
14. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini
In 2020, the iPhone 12 series offered OLED displays, 5G connectivity, improved cameras, A14 chip in a squared-off design. The two phones are identical except for their size, with the iPhone 12 mini targeting those who prefer one-handed usage.
15. iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini
The iPhone 13 series is pretty similar to the iPhone 12 series released in 2020; however, it boasts of a few upgrades like extended battery life, bigger storage, a more advanced chip, and a cinematic mode video recording with shallow depth of field.
What’s in Store for Apple?
It’s no secret that Apple has constantly been in the spotlight for its innovative products, and one can only wonder where else they are going to take it. The extensive upgrades they’ve done are too many to count, but that doesn’t seem to faze its designers and engineers. So, how far do you think Apple will take your tech experience?
