Like every major technology company, Apple faced coronavirus-related delays in 2020, but managed to release a slew of products as they broke into new categories. And Apple has also redefined the virtual event for the rest of the technology industry.
At first glance, the highlight of the year was the new series of four iPhone 12 phones, but the bigger news was Apple’s new M1 slide, when the company pulled away Intel while showing Windows laptop manufacturers how to fix ARM-based computers. Apple has also responded fairly well to a challenging economy by delivering several value-based products, although the ultra-premium AirPods Max $ 550 headphones made many people worry.
Apple has not excelled in all areas, as the ongoing feuds with developers – from Epic games to Google Stadiums – have sometimes gotten ugly. And the decision not to include a charger with the iPhone 12 seems to many critics to be more greedy than green. Here’s how Apple stacked up in 2020.
Apple’s highlights in 2020
Apple’s virtual events
While there is something special about attending an Apple event personally, there is no brand close to the polish, gravitas and (yes) fun that Apple did with its virtual events in 2020.
I got a chance at how Apple would change location for each pre-recorded segment, such as zooming in on a secret lab to discuss the new A14 Bionic chip.
Between Tim Cook, Craig Federighi, Greg Joswiak and others talking alternately, advanced animations and the overall pace, Apple’s presentations made you feel like you were there live – and it’s a pretty impressive achievement. They even filmed Lisa Jackson (director 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 slide
2020 will be remembered as the year Apple silicone came to the Mac, and what a splash it turns out to be. Apple’s M1 chip delivers phenomenal performance on both MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1, as well as the new Mac Mini. In fact, the MacBook Air is so fast compared to competing Windows laptops that this $ 999 laptop might be ‘Pro’ enough for most buyers.
The other big story with the M1 slide is the battery life. The MacBook Air lasted an average of 14 hours and 41 minutes during our battery test on the internet. The MacBook Pro lasted 16:32. The latest Dell XPS 13 lasts just over 11 hours.
iPhone 12 takes the crown
Apple made the smartphone wars a bit boring in 2020, as no other phones were close to its new four handsets. Thanks to Apple’s computer photography skills, the iPhone 12 Pro Max to the top of us best phone light a best camera phone list. The other iPhone 12 models deliver excellent image quality.
The A14 Bionic chip is another highlight as this 5nm processor blows the doors of every Android phone iPhone 12 benchmarks. Apple has made the iPhone 12 slimmer and tougher with a new Ceramic Shield screen. The iPhone 12 battery life may be better, but in general the Samsung Galaxy S20, Google Pixel 5 and other competitors were left in the dust.
Good price products
In a downturn for the economy, Apple has done a fairly remarkable job with value-added products. The $ 399 iPhone SE is the best example of Apple reading the room. It features a fast A13 Bionic processor in a compact design, excellent photo quality and wireless charging. The $ 279 Apple Watch SE is another great value because it offers all the key features that people are looking for in a smartwatch, including a spacious Retina display, fitness detection and drop detection.
Last but not least, the $ 99 HomePod mini delivers excellent sound quality for its small size, and I like that you can bring your iPhone to the speaker to let the HomePod start playing automatically.
Finally you get proper widgets and customizations in iOS 14
With iOS 14, Apple has helped iPhone owners create an interface that feels truly personal. You can place various types of widgets on the home screen, resize them as you wish and place them where you wish. You can also easily add a smart stack of widgets and flip through them quickly, whether you want to look at your favorite photos, check news headlines, or check your calendar or shares.
The other big upgrade is that you can create custom icons in iOS 14 for a unique look. We have a complete guide how to make custom iPhone widgets and icons in iOS 14 to personalize your experience. You just need to get a little familiar with iOS shortcuts.
A great Apple TV Plus program in Ted Lasso
Apple TV Plus has many programs that are not convincing (see View), but Ted Lasso became a hit for the streaming service. Its rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a stellar 90%, and Apple has already confirmed a season 3.
Ted Lasso follows in the footsteps of a Division 2 football coach appointed to be manager of English Premier League football club AFC Richmond, and his relentless positivity is captivating and contagious. Our very own Henry T. Casey calls Ted Lasso the perfect Apple TV Plus program: “From his wholesome and authentic smile to each of his quips, Lasso will melt your bad mood, even after the longest day.”
Apple’s lows in 2020
Where are the 2-in-1 laptops?
One of the best things about MacOS Big Sur is that you can easily download iPhone and iPad apps – including games – and run them on your desktop. There are also numerous great titles in the Mac App Store. But none of them work with a touch screen, because Apple still refuses to offer one.
Yes, the iPad Pro is an excellent productivity tool, but there are many Mac buyers who want a laptop first and a tablet second, not the other way around. A true 2-in-1 Mac laptop will give users the best versatility, and Apple may eventually exit the most-remaining Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro.
Refuse to accept USB-C
We knew the iPhone 13 would not embrace USB-C, but we did not feel better when the phones ended up. For some reason, Apple continues to cling to Lightning connections for its phones and even for the new AirPods Max, while USB-C generally delivers faster power. Apple already uses USB-C on the MacBook, iPad Pro and the new iPad Air.
So what gives? Apple makes a lot of money by selling cables and accessories that use its own Lightning port, and also gets licensing fees from third parties. It is therefore quite possible that the iPhone 13 will also skip USB-C. In fact, Apple is reportedly going to at least one job homeless model for the iPhone 13 line that presumably uses MagSafe wireless to charge.
The Failure of Epic Games
In a perfect example of taking your ball and going home, in August Apple bans Fortnite from the App Store after Epic Games violated the Terms of Service. Epic actually circumvented Apple for payments because the App Store requires Apple to get a 30% savings on in-app purchases. Epic has sued and accused Apple of monopolistic practices. Of course, Apple responded with its own lawsuit.
There seems to be no solution to this battle in sight, but allegedly a court date has been set for May 3, 2021. Meanwhile, it’s the gamers who are really losing.
No charger in the iPhone 12 box
Listen, I understand that. Do not pack a charger in the iPhone 12 box helps the environment because it leads to much less electronic waste. Yes, many people already have chargers at home that will work with the iPhone 12.
But if you want to charge at the fastest speeds, you have to charge your own 20W USB charger ($ 19), which makes the price of the iPhone 12 misleading. If you want to try MagSafe wireless charging, you have to use the $ 39 charger plus the cost of the $ 19 powerstone. Boe.