2024 Apple Feast: From iPad to iPhone, AI leads the future

In 2024, Apple held three large-scale press conferences, launching new iPad, Apple Intelligence and new iPhones. In addition, Apple has released new Mac computers equipped with M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips in the year instead of focusing on a single launch conference.

It is worth noting that Apple Intelligence has dominated all important Apple launches in 2024, and we expect generative AI capabilities to become the core theme in the releases in the next year.

In 2024, while Apple grew strongly, it also made major adjustments to its ecosystem to adapt to the strict regulations proposed by the EU. Nevertheless, we have seen some big releases in both hardware and software.

4. "Free Release": New 13-inch iPad Air and Ultra-Slim iPad Pro

In January and March, Apple released iOS 17.3 and iOS 17.4 updates respectively. The former introduces the “stolen device protection” function to prevent thieves from changing critical system information; the latter focuses on EU requirements, involving alternative app stores and new terms in the region.

It was not until May that Apple held its first major event. At the "Free Release" press conference, two new iPad Airs equipped with M2 chips were launched, as well as the ultra-thin iPad Pro, and the M4 chip was also launched. Both devices represent a key shift in Apple's vision.

This is the first time Apple has released the 13-inch iPad Air, marking the industry's transformation from small devices to large-screen devices. In terms of specifications, the device offers an 11-inch or 13-inch IPS screen, Apple's powerful M2 chip, two 12MP cameras, Wi-Fi 6e and a battery with up to 10 hours of battery life.

On the other hand, the M4 iPad Pro marks the beginning of a potentially new ultra-thin trend. This reflects rumors about the upcoming iPhone 17 "Air" model in 2025. With its latest Pro iPad, Apple offers a dual-sided OLED screen, the latest M4 chip, two 12MP cameras, studio-level microphones, and up to 2TB of storage space.

3. 2024 WWDC: Apple Intelligence debuts

Short after the release of the new iPad, Apple introduced its new generative AI capabilities at the Global Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024. In addition to the launch of the iPhone 16 (mentioned later), WWDC is one of Apple's most important events.

At this event, Apple talked about iOS 18 (and other operating systems). However, the main focus is Apple Intelligence, a general term for generated AI capabilities on iPhones, iPads and Macs equipped with A17 Pro or M1 chips (and newer chips).

Apple also showed off all the features that might have at the time, including enhanced search in photo apps, writing tools, notification summary, image playground, Genmoji and visual intelligence.

All new features are one of the main reasons why I bought the iPhone 16. However, I was a little disappointed when I discovered that Apple launched Apple Intelligence in phases. Still, upgrading from iPhone 13 to iPhone 16 is a great experience, and I have no regrets, just that all the new AI-based features are not all here yet.

At the 2024 WWDC, Apple also announced RCS support for its default messaging app, new iPhone mirroring capabilities, upgraded gaming porting kit, real-time activities for Apple Watch, and a few other announcements. Some may have missed it, but the conference also marks the global launch of Vision Pro.

2. September "Glorious Moments": iPhone 16, Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4

From June to September, Apple has been developing iOS 18 (and other operating systems) and released a beta version. Then on September 9, Apple released one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year: the iPhone 16. Apart from the new iPhone, there are a few other devices unveiled, including the Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 (with ANC).

Often, Apple's September event is about new hardware. However, the "Glorious Moment" event focused on Apple Intelligence and how it made the iPhone 16 better. During the event, the company showed off several generative AI features and how they work on new iPhones. Yes, camera control buttons are also an important topic in discussion.

The iPhone 16 series includes four devices: regular iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The first two (non-Pro iPhones) come with an A18 chipset, a dual rear camera, a 60Hz OLED screen (which can really be upgraded to 120Hz at this stage) and the same dynamic island and USB-C charging in previous models.

The other two Pro models add a camera to the back and are equipped with a ProMotion display and a more powerful A18 Pro chipset.

Apart from Apple Intelligence, the new iPhone is an incremental upgrade at best. The new Watch Series 10 has the largest screen and the thinnest body of all Apple Watches, including the Watch Ultra 2, and offers new features such as sleep apnea detection, exercise training loads and a new tide app. Last but not least, the new AirPods 4 is the only open headset that offers ANC.

Apart from that, the event also showed off iOS 18, which brings new control centers, improved password apps, dedicated game modes, and changes in the Photos app. In addition, the event also introduces the latest iPhone and ecosystem devices for 2025.

1. Mac new product release week: new iMac, Mac mini and M4 MacBook Pro

In late October, Apple released several Mac upgrade products, first of which was the new M4 iMac. With an upgraded chipset, the iMac now comes with optional nanotextured glass (first launch on the M4 iPad Pro), 16GB of benchmark memory and up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports. You can choose from seven iMac colors including silver, blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, and green.

The next day, Apple released the M4 Pro and M4 Max chipsets, which were first equipped on the new MacBook Pro. The new MacBook Pro is available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, equipped with Apple's most powerful chipset, with higher memory bandwidth and Thunderbolt 5 ports for superior data transfer speeds.

The new Mac mini is a powerful machine in itself. This portable computer comes with a regular version of the M4 chipset, providing enough power for creative professionals. Interestingly, the company managed to reduce its size to half the previous generation, while also equipped with Thunderbolt 5 ports. Both the MacBook Pro and the Mac mini come with 16GB of baseline memory.

With these new products, the company has added a USB-C port to all Mac accessories, including mouse, trackpad, and keyboard. During this time, the company released iOS 18.1, which includes the first Apple Intelligence features. This is a milestone for the company in itself, as it has been promoting these features since WWDC, but it took another four months to launch.

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2024 is indeed a busy year for Apple. Entering the new year, we look forward to seeing more progress in Apple Intelligence along with the usual annual updates, including the iPhone 17 series.

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