129: Apple's 2024: Year in Review

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Dec 13, 2024

This week, the hosts reflect on Apple's groundbreaking moments in 2024, starting with the Vision Pro headset's ambitious launch. They detail the upgraded MacBook Air models featuring M3 chips and the impressive redesign of the iPad Pro with OLED displays. The discussion extends to iOS 18 and exciting AI tools unveiled at WWDC. Humorously, they address Apple Pencil Pro's enhancements and share user experiences with Siri and the latest iPhones. The year wraps up with ratings and listener feedback, setting the stage for future innovations.

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ANECDOTE

Vision Pro Launch

Apple released the Vision Pro headset in February 2024.
It's their first new product line in years, blending physical and digital.

INSIGHT

Vision Pro Reception

Despite being a big product launch, the Vision Pro has mixed reception.
It lacks content and comfort for daily productivity tasks.

ANECDOTE

M3 MacBook Air Use Case

The M3 MacBook Air, launched in March, is a good laptop for everyday users.
It's suitable for web browsing, videos, and light document editing.

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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we take a look back at all of Apple's biggest announcements this year.

Apple's year started out with the launch of Apple highly anticipated Vision Pro headset in February. This "spatial computer" marked Apple's first brand new product line in years, seeking to blend the physical and digital worlds. Powered by the M2 and R1 chips, the Vision Pro uses over a dozen sensors and cameras to map environments in real-time, boasting two high-resolution displays for immersive experiences and advanced hand-tracking.

In March, Apple refreshed its popular MacBook Air lineup, unveiling new 13-and 15-inch models powered by the M3 chip. May brought significant updates to the iPad lineup. Apple launched the iPad Air 6, now available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes and powered by the ‌M2‌ chip, and the redesigned iPad Pro, featuring OLED displays for the first time and the debut of the M4 chip. Accompanying these devices was the Apple Pencil Pro, offering precision enhancements and haptic feedback for creative professionals, and the Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Pro‌, which further bridges the gap between iPads and laptops.

Apple hosted its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, unveiling iOS 18 with enhanced Home Screen customization, a redesigned Control Center, and more. The company also previewed macOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and visionOS 2, but the biggest announcement was Apple Intelligence – a new suite of AI tools for Apple devices.

As usual, September was packed with major announcements. The iPhone 16 lineup debuted, with the standard models embracing Pro-like features such as the Camera Control button, Action button, and spatial video capture. The iPhone 16 Pro and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max gained bigger displays, longer battery life, an improved ultra wide camera, and more.

The Apple Watch Series 10 launched in September, showcasing a thinner design, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 gained a back colour option and a new titanium Milanese Loop. Apple also debuted the fourth-generation AirPods, now with optional ANC, and a USB-C version of the AirPods Max. October saw a minor refresh of the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip and ‌Apple Intelligence‌.

Apple closed the year with a focus on its Mac lineup, bringing the M4 family of chips to the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. Most notably, the ‌Mac mini‌ was completely redesigned with an even smaller enclosure measuring just 5 inches by 5 inches. The ‌iMac‌ and ‌MacBook Pro‌ also gained enhanced cameras and a nano-texture display option for the first time, along with a series of other small but significant improvements. Alongside this, Apple finally refreshed its Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard with USB-C connectivity.

What do you think about Apple's releases this year? Let us know in the comments.