Apple is known for its consistent and predictable product launches, but 2023 was a year that broke the mold. The tech giant unveiled a range of new and updated devices, from the iPhone 15 to the Vision Pro headset, that showcased its creativity and ambition. Here are some of the highlights of Apple’s unexpectedly less predictable year.
The iPhone 15 was the star of the show at Apple’s September event, as usual. But this time, there was a major change that surprised many: the switch from the Lightning charging port to USB-C. This was a bold move by Apple, as it signaled the first time in more than a decade that iPhone users would need a different charger for their phones. It also aligned with the new rules requiring tech products sold in Europe to support USB-C by 2024.
The iPhone 15 also brought other improvements, such as the Dynamic Island display on all models, a faster A17 chip, a redesigned camera system, and a larger battery. The iPhone 15 lineup consisted of four models: the 5.4-inch iPhone 15, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Plus, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. The prices ranged from $699 to $1,099, depending on the model and storage capacity.
The Vision Pro: Apple’s First Mixed-Reality Headset
Apple made a splash in the mixed-reality market with its first headset, called Vision Pro, which was announced in March. The Vision Pro was a sleek and lightweight device that combined virtual and augmented reality, allowing users to immerse themselves in various experiences, from gaming to education. The Vision Pro featured a high-resolution display, advanced sensors, spatial audio, and a powerful M2X chip. It also came with a wireless controller and a pair of AirPods Pro for optimal interaction and sound quality.
The Vision Pro was not a cheap device, however. It cost $2,999, making it a premium product for enthusiasts and professionals. Apple also limited the production of the Vision Pro to about 250,000 units per year, according to Bloomberg, indicating that it was a niche product rather than a mass-market one. Still, the Vision Pro was a significant milestone for Apple, as it represented its entry into a new and growing field of technology.
The 15-Inch MacBook Air: A Larger and Thinner Laptop
Apple expanded its laptop lineup with a new 15-inch version of the MacBook Air, which was launched in June. The 15-inch MacBook Air was the first complete redesign of the series since its initial release in 2008. It featured a larger and thinner design, a sharper and brighter display, a new Magic Keyboard, and a Touch ID sensor. It also ran on the M2 chip, which was Apple’s second-generation custom processor for its Macs.
The 15-inch MacBook Air was Apple’s only laptop of that size, since its MacBook Pro lineup offered screen sizes of 13-, 14-, and 16-inches. It was also a more affordable option than the MacBook Pro, as it started at $1,299. The 15-inch MacBook Air was a popular choice for students, professionals, and creatives who wanted a larger screen and a powerful performance in a portable and elegant package.
The New Mac Pro: A Beast of a Desktop
Apple updated its most powerful desktop, the Mac Pro, with a new model that was released in November. The new Mac Pro was a beast of a machine, featuring a modular design, a stainless steel frame, and a cheese-grater-like exterior. It also had a range of configuration options, from the M3 chip to the Intel Xeon processors, from 32GB to 1.5TB of RAM, from 256GB to 8TB of SSD storage, and from the Radeon Pro 580X to the Radeon Pro Vega II Duo graphics cards. The new Mac Pro also supported up to six 6K displays, including the Apple Pro Display XDR.
The new Mac Pro was not a device for everyone, however. It was aimed at professionals who needed the ultimate performance and flexibility for their work, such as video editors, animators, and developers. It was also a very expensive device, as it started at $5,999 for the base model and could go up to $50,000 or more for the fully loaded one.
The Other Apple Products: Smaller Updates and New Categories
Apple also released and updated other products in 2023, such as the Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the iPad, the AirPods, the Apple TV, and the HomePod. These products did not see major changes, but rather smaller improvements and refinements. For example, the Apple Watch Series 9 had a slightly larger and brighter screen, a faster S7 chip, and a longer battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 had a more durable and rugged design, a blood pressure sensor, and a solar charging feature.
Apple also ventured into new product categories in 2023, such as the combined Apple TV, HomePod, and FaceTime camera device, which was announced in December. This device was a portable smart home device with a screen for watching TV and taking FaceTime calls, similar to Amazon’s Echo Show. It also had Siri integration, spatial audio, and a privacy shutter. It was priced at $399 and was expected to ship in early 2024.
