Apple's 2021 in review with Jason Aten on the AppleInsider podcast

On this week's episode of the AppleInsider Podcast, special guest Jason Aten joins us to review everything Apple released in 2021, including iPhone 13, M1 iPad Pro, 24-inch iMac, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and more.

While the first quarter of 2021 featured no hardware releases from Apple, users did see mask unlock with Face ID launch, and App Tracking Transparency features come to iOS 14.5. Apple also discontinued iMac Pro and the original HomePod before their first big event of the year.

Apple's Spring Loaded event took place on April 20 and brought new Family Sharing features to Apple Card and the announcement of paid subscriptions in Apple Podcasts. Also announced at this event was the long-rumored AirTag, updated Apple TV 4K with new Siri Remote, 24-inch iMac, and M1 iPad Pro.

After these major hardware releases, Apple's WWDC Keynote took place on June 7 with updates across the entire software lineup. iOS 15 announced FaceTime improvements, SharePlay, Focus Modes, Live Text, and the controversial Safari redesign. iPadOS 15 saw Quick Note and on-screen widgets, Shortcuts was the stand-out feature coming to macOS Monterey, and new privacy-centric features came with iCloud+. One of the most anticipated features from WWDC was Universal Control, which has been delayed until 2022.

Over the summer, Apple quietly released the MagSafe Battery Pack to mixed reviews. We discuss our experience compared to Anker's MagSafe option, and dive into the widely reported Child Safety features announced in August.

On September 14 Apple held its California Streaming event and announced an updated 10.2-inch iPad, completely redesigned iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 7 with larger screen, and iPhone 13 lineup.

During its final event of the year on October 18, Apple released redesigned AirPods and the much-anticipated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Our hosts pick their favorite product launches of 2021, and discuss what we expect in 2022.

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