Just like every major tech company, Apple has faced coronavirus-related delays in 2020, but it has managed to launch a slew of products as it breaks into new categories. Apple has also redefined the virtual event for the rest of the tech industry.
On the surface, the highlight of the year was the new line-up of four IPhone 12 Cell phones, but the bigger news was new from Apple M1 chipThe company has pulled out of Intel while Windows laptop makers showcase how to do ARM-based computing properly. Apple has also responded fairly well to the challenging economy by offering many, albeit super-premium, value-focused products. AirPods Max Headphones valued at $ 550 left many in awe.
Apple has not excelled in all areas, as its ongoing dispute with developers — from Epic Games to Google Stadia — has become ugly at times. And the decision not to include a charger with the iPhone 12 came to many critics as being more greedy than the color green. Here’s how Apple stacks up in 2020.
Apple’s highest levels in 2020
Apple’s default events
While there is something special about attending an Apple event in person, no brand has even come close to offering the polish touch, appeal and (yes) fun that Apple has with virtual events in 2020.
It’s starting to see how Apple changes locations for each pre-recorded clip, like zooming down into what looks like a secret lab to discuss the new A14 Bionic chip.
Between Tim Cook, Craig Federighi, Greg Joswiak and others taking turns taking turns, the advanced animation and overall rhythm, Apple presentations made you feel like you were living there — and that’s an incredibly cool feat. They even photographed Lisa Jackson (Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives) on the roof of the new Apple campus, next to the company’s solar panels.
Apple’s game-changing M1 chip
2020 will be remembered as the year Apple silicon made its way to the Mac, and what a splendor it turned to. Apple’s M1 chip delivered exceptional performance on both models MacBook Air M1 And the MacBook Pro M1As well as new Mac mini. In fact, the MacBook Air is very fast compared to Windows laptops, making this $ 999 laptop «Pro» enough for most buyers.
The other big story is with M1 chip Battery life. MacBook Air lasted 14 hours and 41 minutes on its web browsing battery test. MacBook Pro 16:32 tolerance. Last Dell XPS 13 It lasts just over 11 hours.
iPhone 12 takes the crown
Apple has made the smartphone wars a little boring in 2020, as no other phones come close to overpowering the new quartet of phones. Thanks to Apple’s computer photography prowess, the IPhone 12 Pro Max It rose to the top The best phone List and Best camera phone List. Other iPhone 12 models offer similarly great picture quality.
The A14 Bionic chip is another feature, as this 5nm processor has blown the doors of every Android phone IPhone 12 standards. Apple made the iPhone 12 more elegant and tougher with the new Ceramic Shield screen. The IPhone 12 battery life It could be better, but overall Samsung Galaxy S20And the Google Pixel 5 And other competitors left in the dust.
High value products
In a bearish year for the economy, Apple has done a fairly remarkable job responding to products that offered high value. $ 399 iPhone SE It is the best example of Apple’s room reading. It packs a fast A13 Bionic processor inside a compact design, along with excellent image quality and wireless charging. $ 279 Apple Watch SE It is another good value, as it provides all the main features that people look for in a smartwatch, including the wide Retina display, fitness tracking and fall detection.
Last but not least, $ 99 HomePod mini It provides great sound quality due to its small size, and I like that you can bring your iPhone into speaker to have HomePod start up automatically.
Finally, you get convenient tools and customization in iOS 14
With IOS 14, Apple has helped iPhone owners create an interface that looks really personal. You can place multiple types of widgets on the home screen, resize them however you want and place them anywhere you want. You can also easily add Smart Stack from widgets and pages through it quickly with a swipe, whether you want to glance at your favorite photos, browse news headlines, or check calendar or stocks.
The other big upgrade is that you can create custom icons in iOS 14 to get a really unique look and feel. We have a complete guide on How to make custom iPhone icons and widgets in iOS 14 To personalize your experience. You just need to get to know a little bit about iOS Shortcuts.
Apple TV Plus showcased well at Ted Lasso
Apple TV Plus It has a lot of shows that aren’t convincing (see see), however Ted Lasso It turned into a success for the broadcast service. Its rating on Rotten Tomatoes is 90% Excellent, and Apple has already confirmed its third season.
Ted Lasso pursues the exploits of a Division 2 soccer coach who has been recruited to be the manager of Premier League football club AFC Richmond, a relentless positive, charming and contagious. Henry T. Casey Ted Lasso calls the perfect Apple TV Plus show: «From his original, original smile to all his wits, Lasso will melt your bad mood even after the longest day.»
Apple’s lowest levels in 2020
Where are the 2-in-1 laptops?
One of the best things about me macOS Big Sur Is that you can easily download iPhone and iPad apps — including games — and run them directly on your desktop. There are a lot of great titles now on the Mac App Store, too. But none of them work with a touchscreen because Apple still refuses to introduce a touchscreen.
Yeah iPad Pro A great productivity tool, but there are many Mac shoppers who want a laptop first and tablet second, and not the other way around. The true 2-in-1 Mac laptop gives users the ultimate in versatility, and Apple can finally pull off the rich Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro.
Refused to embrace USB-C
We knew the iPhone 13 wouldn’t use USB-C, but we didn’t feel any better once the phones landed. For some reason, Apple continues to stick to Lightning connectors for its phones and even for the new AirPods Max, while USB-C generally delivers more power faster. Apple is already using USB-C on the MacBook, iPad Pro, and The new iPad Air.
So what does it give? Apple makes a lot of money selling cables and accessories that use its Lightning port, and it also collects licensing fees from third parties. So it’s very likely an IPhone 13 USB-C will also bypass. In fact, Apple is rumored to be working on at least one Model without payload For iPhone 13 line that is supposed to use MagSafe wireless charging.
Epic Games failed
Its a great example of taking the ball and going home, in August Apple has banned Fortnite From the App Store after Epic Games violated their Terms of Service. Epic has basically overtaken Apple on payments because the App Store requires Apple to take a 30% discount on in-app purchases. A lawsuit has been filed against Epic accusing Apple of monopolistic practices. Of course, Apple responded with its own lawsuit.
No solution to this battle appears in sight, but a court date has been set for May 3, 2021. Meanwhile, it’s the players who are really losing.
There is no charger in the iPhone 12 box
Listen, I see. Not collecting a charger in the box of iPhone 12 It helps the environment because it leads to much less e-waste. Yes, a lot of people already have chargers at home that work with iPhone 12.
But if you want to charge at maximum speeds, you’ll need to get a 20W USB charger ($ 19), which makes iPhone 12 pricing misleading. If you want to try MagSafe wireless charging, you’ll have to get the $ 39 charger in addition to the $ 19 power unit cost. Boo.
