Inside Everything Apple

AirPlay

Initially launched as AirTunes in 2004, AirPlay officially launched in 2010 as a part of iOS 4. The service received significant upgrades in 2017 when it made the shift to AirPlay 2. The service now allows users to stream content from the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac to compatible devices, which include Apple's own Apple TV and HomePod, as well as certain brands of smart speakers and smart TVs.

AirPods

AirPods are Apple's wireless headphones that aim to deliver a unique experience. Via the W1 chip, then later the H1 chip, these wireless earbuds offer seamless pairing with iOS devices and a strong Bluetooth connection to minimize interruptions.

AirPods 3

The "AirPods 3" are anticipated to launch in 2021 with more features and a smaller design similar to the AirPods Pro. The new generation could improve battery life, add water resistance, and gain changeable ear-tips.

AirPods Max

AirPods Max are Apple's premium, over-ear headphones that use computational audio to optimize listening. These expensive headphones hope to penetrate the high-end headphone market with stainless steel and aluminum construction and best-in-class audio. There are five available colors with matte finishes.

AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro are Apple's newest take on the totally wireless earbud. With a smaller design compared to the standard AirPods, the pro model is a premium version of the ultra-popular AirPods. Featuring ANC, changeable ear tips, and the H1 chipset, they certainly strive to earn their Pro name.

AirPods Pro 2

"AirPods Pro 2" are a rumored Apple product, expected to launch in early 2021. The earbuds are expected to have a rounded design with either no stem or a shorter one. They will have an updated chip that follows up on the H1 found in the current AirPods Pro.

AirPods Pro Lite

The AirPods Pro are classified by their new design and functionality when compared to regular AirPods. Little is known about the possible "AirPods Pro Lite," but rumors point to a cheaper model with similar features like the changeable ear tips with reduced functionality.

AirPods Studio

Apple was long expected to release a set of over-the-ear AirPods that rumors dubbed "AirPods Studio." Apple finally announced them on December 8, 2020 and called them the AirPods Max.

AirPods X

"AirPods X" is a rumored pair of workout earphones. Allegedly similar to BeatsX, a cable will connect two otherwise wireless earbuds. It was initially rumored to launch in late 2020 for around $200, but that didn't materialize. It's uncertain whether the leaks pointing to it were accurate, and if so, whether it's still in the pipeline.

AirPower

Apple announced AirPower in 2017 as Apple's proprietary wireless charger. The company finally canceled it in March 2019 after two years of near-silence about the product. Rumors began circulating in early 2020 to suggest an Apple-branded wireless charger may still come, but it now seems a safe bet MagSafe has taken its role.

AirTags

The Apple AirTags are item trackers that can be attached to objects like backpacks or keychains. They use the Find My ecosystem to ping nearby Apple devices when in lost mode so users can locate it.

App Store

Introduced in 2008, the App Store is Apple's one-stop-shop for content for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and iPod touch. Apps may be developed by Apple, like Keynote or GarageBand, or popular third-party apps developed by companies like Facebook or Microsoft. Since its inception, this digital storefront has seen over two million apps available for download, and Apple customers have downloaded more than 100 billion apps collectively.

Apple and Encryption

Almost all of the Apple devices and services you use today use encryption. This means that everything you do from communicating with friends to storing your health data is safely done on your iPhone. Apple encrypts this data and stores it in a way that only you, with your passcode or biometrics, are able to access the device. Governments and agencies worldwide have questioned the need for such security at the consumer level and have caused much controversy along the way.

Apple AR

Apple is rumored to be working on a few alternative-reality devices, including an AR headset, AR glasses, and a colloquially known "iRing." While there is little concrete evidence of any specific devices being created, the newly introduced ARKit 3, as well as several patents released in 2019, suggest Apple will likely step into the AR hardware arena before long -- perhaps as early as 2022.

Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade is Apple's video game subscription service that offers a "play all you want" model for a recurring fee of $4.99 a month. Designed to circumvent many of the problems of modern mobile games, Apple Arcade has been well received and features a game catalog of over 180 titles.

Apple Car

Perhaps Apple's worst kept secret, the "Apple Car" is being developed for a 2024 or later release. Rumors speculate that it will be a fully-featured self-driving electric vehicle that will compete with Tesla and other EVs. Apple could partner with other popular manufacturers like Hyundai or BMW, or seek another option.

Apple Card

In 2019, Apple and Sachs partnered to launch a new credit card. The Apple Card works primarily with Apple Pay, though there is also a physical card. Using Apple's credit card via Apple Pay, either online or at a point-of-sale terminal, will merit a user 2% cashback in the form of Apple Cash at most retailers. At certain retailers, including Apple, Uber, Walgreens, and Nike, users may earn 3% cashback.

Apple Fitness Plus

Apple Fitness+ provides Apple Watch owners with a streaming exercise service. Subscribers move along with professional trainers, viewing synced workout data from their Apple Watch. The service launched on December 14 and can be purchased separately or via an Apple One subscription.

Apple Glass

The next wearable from Apple may be a set of augmented reality glasses called "Apple Glass." One day soon, users will interact with information and digital objects via transparent glass worn over their eyes. AR has been a staple talking point for Apple in recent years, and it all leads up to this.

Apple Health

Apple Health is an iPhone app that conglomerates user health data. It draws on metrics from various sources. These include Apple Watch, iPhone, third-party apps and accessories, and manually entered data. Health uses a developer API, HealthKit, to work with third-party apps.

Apple Initiatives

Apple is a trillion dollar company that has initiatives and legal battles all over the world. As encryption and privacy become more important, governments and agencies will fight harder against them. Apple is also dealing with being called a monopoly while trying to buy up any company or talent it can.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps has a long history of trials and tribulation prior to its ultimate triumph. Apple has reached the inflection point in building its map data, and has shifted to aiming for feature parity against its rivals. The one feature that places Apple's offering separate from the rest is its privacy focus for users and the transparency behind how data is or isn't collected.

Apple Music

Apple Music is a streaming service that offers users curated music collections, algorithmically generated playlists, and live radio. Customers have access to all 70 million songs, music videos, and content for $9.99 per month for an individual, $14.99 per month for a family, or $4.99 per month for a student. The service competes directly with Spotify with its offerings, and has captured a large portion of the streaming market in only a few years.

Apple News

Apple News is an app that aggregates multiple news sources, blogs, breaking stories, video publications, magazines, and newspapers into one feed. Users can follow different outlets and have them appear in the news feed, which is sorted by topic and publisher. The app is also home to News+, Apple's subscription service for premium news content.

Apple One

Apple announced its Apple One services bundle during the Time Flies event in September 2020. It later launched that December. The bundle combines all of Apple's services into three tiers of packages for a reduced price.

Apple Park

The largest Apple product ever made is not something you'll be able to take home to enjoy, but it is something to behold. Apple Park is the company's second campus built in Cupertino, California. It's one of the final products pitched by the late CEO, Steve Jobs. The massive ring-shaped building is now an iconic symbol of Apple's dedication to design, green energy, and the future of technology.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is Apple's mobile contactless payment method that utilizes an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch's onboard NFC chip. The wallet app stores between eight to twelve cards on device to be used when purchasing goods from retailers. The program launched in 2013 in the US and since then has been adopted in over 50 countries.

Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil was introduced alongside the iPad Pro in 2015 as a tool meant to take iPad to the next level. The new innovative stylus hosts an entire computing chipset inside its slim chassis and operates with the iPad seamlessly. For digital artists and note takers, iPad and Pencil make for a seamless combination.

Apple Services

Apple offers many services across its product lines. These services include insurance against loss or damage, music streaming, original programming, and a smart assistant. Apple hopes to strengthen its brand through integrating private, safe, and secure software and services across its ecosystem.

Apple Silicon

The transition to Apple Silicon has been long coming, and developers are finally able to start adapting their apps for ARM-based Macs. Between virtualization software and live-app translation of Intel-based apps, Apple has developers and consumers covered. The company plans on supporting their Intel Macs for the next few years, but it is clear that custom ARM silicon is the future for Mac.

Apple Smart Battery Case

The Apple Smart Battery Case is an iPhone accessory that adds a secondary battery, one that can recharge an iPhone and effectively double its battery capacity. The case has an unusual design with a prominent battery hump, a concept that helps keep the iPhone itself as slim as feasibly possible, given the extra capacity.

Apple Software

Apple Software includes everything from development software to operating systems. By controlling the hardware and software, Apple can make highly efficient programs and operating systems for its platforms.

Apple TV

Apple's set-top-box started as an experimental hobby and has since evolved into its own platform. The Apple TV acts as the center of the living room with features for HomeKit, streaming services, and Apple Arcade. By having its own App Store, developers are able to make apps that target the living room experience.

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K is in its sixth iteration with high frame rate HDR, Dolby Atmos support, and an A12 processor. The inclusion of Thread connectivity means better HomeKit device support as well. Apple didn't change much about this set-top box, but did update the Siri Remote with a new design.

Apple TV 6

Apple updated the Apple TV 4K during its "Spring Loaded" event on April 20, 2021. While this new Apple TV 4K is the sixth-generation Apple TV, it retained the Apple TV 4K name.

Apple TV Plus

Apple TV+ is the company's high-budget, high-profile film and television streaming service. The service didn't launch with a very big library, but it is growing steadily. The company has aimed to use its famous simplicity and apply it to the world of video streaming.

Apple VR

For years, leaks have pointed to Apple working on cross-reality products. While the company sees AR as having the brighter future, "Apple VR" may come first as a niche product. An expensive mixed-reality headset could serve as a training ground for Apple as it moves towards its big bet on AR glasses.

Apple Watch

Apple announced its first major new hardware product in years, Apple Watch, in September 2014. It had three key features: a precise and customizable timepiece, an intimate way to connect and communicate, and a comprehensive health and fitness companion. It has since evolved into the Apple wearable of today centered around health and fitness.

Apple Watch SE

Apple revealed the more affordable Apple Watch SE during a September 2020 event. The device acts as a middle ground for those who don't want an older Apple Watch Series 3 but balk at the price of the latest models. The device is pushed towards first-time buyers and children.

Apple Watch Series 3

Launched in September 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 keeps the classic design of earlier models, but packs in quite a few new features. Alongside improvements including the faster S3 processor and W2 wireless chip was the addition of a cellular variant for the first time. Today, Apple sells it only in a GPS variant.

Apple Watch Series 4

The Apple Watch Series 4 signaled a change in design, including a new larger display, a faster processor, and the key addition of ECG monitoring, giving users more information about their heart health.

Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 5 saw iterative, but important, updates in 2019. The addition of an always-on display, a built-in compass, and software improvements of watchOS 6 make this a well rounded, but small upgrade. This Apple Watch launched with all new materials, and a new shopping experience called Apple Watch Studio.

Apple Watch Series 6

The most notable changes to the Apple Watch Series 6 include blood oxygen tracking, a faster processor, and a new 2.5x brighter always-on display. New colors include PRODUCT(RED), blue, and graphite. Apple's new Apple Watch band called the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop debuted alongside the Apple Watch 6 as well.

Apple Watch Series 7

The "Apple Watch Series 7" is the company's likely 2021 smartwatch. Though leaks have been few and far between, one report points to blood glucose monitoring as a possible key feature. The watch would likely include a faster processor, and it may add 5G and other health features.

AppleCare

AppleCare is the device service and protection platform for Apple products. If anything goes wrong with a device during the coverage period, you pay a small fee to repair the device using new or certified-new parts. Every Apple product gets 90 days of support with a one-year warranty. Users must upgrade to AppleCare+ prior to coverage lapsing to get the benefits for two years or longer.

ARKit

Introduced in WWDC 2017, ARKit is Apple's software development kit that enables app developers to incorporate augmented reality into their apps. ARKit handles many of the tough tasks associated with AR, including detecting movement and the local environment, simplifying the process for developers to place virtual objects in an everyday scene.

Beats by Dre

Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine founded Beats by Dre in 2006 to produce consumer headphones with a premium sound. The company went on to become one of the most popular audio brands in the world, create a music streaming service called Beats Music, and ultimately be purchased by Apple in 2014. Beats still operates its hardware brand mostly independent of Apple.

CarKey

Apple announced CarKey at WWDC and it will soon replace the need for key fobs for your car. Unlock, start, and control your car's features from your phone. Share keys with others and designate restrictions for some users like teens.

CarPlay

CarPlay is Apple's platform for using iOS devices in cars, allowing drivers and passengers to connect their iPhones to the entertainment system of the vehicle. By doing this, the car is able to use a wide variety of the iPhone's features, including managing calls and messages, using Apple Maps for navigation, and playing music.

Coronavirus

The 2019 strain of the coronavirus is a pandemic-level virus that has spread across the globe over the course of 2020 and into 2021. Apple and other tech companies are reeling from the constrained supply chain, limited demand, canceled events, and closed businesses.

Craig Federighi

Craig Federighi, sometimes called "Hair Force One," is Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering. He's in charge of the development of all of Apple's major operating systems, overseeing macOS, iOS and iPadOS. He also worked with Steve Jobs at NeXT. He's best known for his enthusiastic, funny, and self-effacing presentations at WWDC and other Apple events.

Dan Riccio

Dan Riccio is a longtime Apple executive. He joined the company in 1998 and has been instrumental in nearly every Apple product's hardware engineering. In 2021, he transitioned into an unnamed new role, reportedly centered around Apple's AR and VR initiatives.

Eddy Cue

Eddy Cue is Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. That means he's the man behind iTunes, Apple Music, Maps, and iCloud. He's been with Apple since 1989 and continues to work hard at improving the all-important services category.

Face ID

Apple removed the physical Home button and Touch ID sensor with the launch of the iPhone X. By supporting face recognition, users can quickly unlock an iPhone or iPad Pro, sign in to services, and approve purchases without needing to press a button or manually enter a password.

FaceTime

FaceTime allows users to make audio and video calls using their Apple devices. It is end-to-end encrypted and cannot be intercepted or recorded by an outside party. The service uses the internet to make calls rather than traditional phone networks.

Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is Apple's professional-level, non-linear, non-destructive video editing software. Originally designed by Macromedia in the mid-90s, the software has grown to be an industry giant in its own right. Newer iterations of the app have come to rely on Apple's Metal interface, making the program faster and more reliable than previous versions. Additional programs such as Motion and Compressor expand Apple's video editor, giving users the power to create eye-catching visual effects and easily export videos to a wide variety of formats.

Find My

Find My is an iPhone, iPad, and Mac app that locates devices and people. It allows users to track, lock, play sounds from, and erase lost devices. With permission, it also shows locations of friends or family. Previously existing as separate apps, all of Apple's Find My applications merged into a single app in 2019.

Greg Joswiak

Greg Joswiak is the senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing at Apple, replacing Phil Schiller. He joined the company in 1986 and eventually became Apple's Powerbook marketing lead in 1997. He took control of iPod marketing in 2004 followed by the iPhone, iOS, and iPad. He served as vice president of Worldwide Marketing for four years.

HomeKit

HomeKit is a software framework made by Apple that lets users control smart-home appliances using Apple devices. Control everything from the Home App, where you can designate rooms, name devices, and set up routines. Any device that uses HomeKit can be controlled with Siri as well.

HomePod

The Apple HomePod is a network-connected speaker unveiled at WWDC 2017, offering Siri access without using an iPhone or iPad. Available with a choice of white and space gray 3D mesh acoustic fabrics to cover the device, Apple is also positioning the HomePod as an audio entertainment accessory. It focuses on high-quality music playback and using Siri to help find new tracks on Apple Music. Discontinued by Apple and still for sale while supplies last.

HomePod mini

The HomePod mini is a smaller companion to the original HomePod speaker. Measuring around half the size of the HomePod, the smaller model offers a spherical design and computational audio for $99.

iCloud

Apple's iCloud is a service that encapsulates everything related to Internet-centric data storage and cross-device sync for its platforms. It is available across every Apple device, with some Windows compatibility, and performs most tasks in the background.

iMac

The iMac is the go-to choice for consumers and pros across the industry. Especially when you factor in the iMac Pro, Apple's most popular desktop computer reaches from the casual user all the way up to the most demanding pro. You can trace this iconic desktop's history all the way back to Apple's late 90s revival.

iMac Pro

The iMac Pro combines the design of the iMac range with hardware you would expect to see in the high-specification Mac Pro, creating an all-in-one desktop ideal for the professional market. Apple has put together Xeon processors with high core counts, powerful AMD Radeon Pro Vega GPUs, and up to 128GB of memory into the 27-inch iMac case, complete with a twin centrifugal fan system to help keep everything cool.

iMessage

iMessage is an instant messaging (IM) service in the Messages app on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It differs from SMS in its use of end-to-end encryption and enhanced chat features. On Apple devices, iMessage chats appear as blue bubbles, while SMS conversations have green bubbles. It supports easy media sharing, message effects, and stickers.

iOS

In existence for over a decade, iOS is one of the best-known pieces of software developed by Apple and is in use on every iPhone available to buy. Initially based on Mac OS X, iOS has blown up and grown with new features every year, coinciding with the introduction of new iPhone models. Due to the prevalence of iPhones, it is arguable that iOS is Apple's most important software release, and it is easily the most-used by its customers.

iOS 14

Apple announced iOS 14 at WWDC in June and revealed many new features and enhancements to the iPhone OS. This marks the first big change to the home screen since its inception and new privacy facing features were added across the system.

iOS 15

Apple is expected to launch "iOS 15" in 2021. The company would announce it at WWDC in early summer and release the final version in September. It will lose support for some older devices and add new features, possibly including new default app options.

iPad

The iPad is the last of Apple's iconic mobile devices launched during Steve Jobs's tenure. Before the iPad's launch, tablet computers had been bulky and utilitarian PCs that failed commercially. Powered by the App Store, Apple's tablet became an overnight sensation and still dominates today's tablet market.

iPad Air 3

The iPad Air 3 used the old iPad design with Home Button and Touch ID. While Apple Authorized Resellers still sell it at a discount, the iPad Air 4 took its place in Apple's tablet lineup. The A12 Bionic processor and reduced price may still appeal to those looking for an iPad at a discount.

iPad Air 4

Apple introduced the iPad Air 4 in September 2020 as the next evolution of the non-pro tablet line. It has a 10.9-inch edge-to-edge display, Touch ID in the power button, and powerful A14 Bionic processor. It also adds support for the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil, and USB-C. It brings pro-like power and design to the masses.

iPad mini

Initially released in November of 2012, Apple's diminutive 7.9-inch iPad mini has undergone substantial changes since its inception. Designed to go wherever you go, Apple's smallest tablet is great for cozying up with a book, jotting down notes, catching up on your favorite shows, and more.

iPad mini 5

The iPad mini 5 shows Apple's renewed commitment to the small tablet line. After nearly 4 years without updates, the iPad mini was released with a top of the line chipset, Apple Pencil support, and new brighter display in 2019.

iPad Pro

Launched in 2015, the iPad Pro packed more features, more storage, and a brand new accessory -- the Apple Pencil -- into Apple's beloved tablet line. It includes premium features like an edge-to-edge display, Face ID, USB-C, and support for external storage.

iPadOS

Apple has pushed the iPad to new heights with changes to iPadOS. It started as a simple fork of iOS and has grown into an independent operating system with unique functions. Cursor support, file management, and multitasking features make the iPad a viable laptop alternative.

iPhone

The iPhone is known as the most successful consumer-electronic device in history. Not only did it revolutionize the market, but it also changed the way people interact with data and each other.

iPhone 11

While the iPhone 11 did not receive major cosmetic upgrades from the prior generation, its revamped camera system, updated A13 Bionic chip, and budget-friendly cost garnered positive reactions from the general public.

iPhone 11 Pro

The new iPhone 11 line did not receive a major cosmetic upgrade, but instead brought a host of performance upgrades. The iPhone 11 Pro features Apple's three-camera system, the A12 Bionic chip, and a bigger battery for all-day battery life.

iPhone 11 Pro Max

The iPhone 11 line did not receive a major cosmetic upgrade, but instead brought a host of performance upgrades. The iPhone 11 Pro Max includes Apple's three-camera system, a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, the A12 Bionic chip, and a bigger battery for all-day battery life.

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is a device that feels both familiar and new rolled into one. Its flat sides are reminiscent of the iPhone 4, yet it has a 6.1-inch display capable of showing Dolby Vision content. Apple also introduced 5G with this iPhone, so game and work on the go without worrying about crippling data speeds.

iPhone 12 mini

The iPhone 12 mini is the smallest of four iPhone models Apple revealed in its October 2020 "Hi, Speed" event. It has a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, the A14 Bionic processor, and a dual-camera system.

iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro is the smaller of two pro-level phones in Apple's 2020 iPhone lineup. It has a glass and stainless-steel design with flat edges. The three-camera system and LiDAR sets this model apart from the standard edition.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro is the larger of two pro-level phones in Apple's 2020 iPhone lineup. It has a glass and stainless-steel design with flat edges. The camera system is best-in-class with better stabilization and larger sensors.

iPhone 13

The "iPhone 13" is expected to launch in late 2021 and could see some drastic changes that will affect day-to-day use. Apple may do anything from removing the Lightning port in favor of wireless charging to adding yet another camera for improved optical zoom.

iPhone 14

The "iPhone 14" is more than a year away, yet rumors about the 2022 iPhone are already here. Apple could remove the notch, add a hole-punch camera, and bring autofocus to the selfie camera. Other upgrades will include a new processor and a possible move to a port-less design.

iPhone 7

Apple launched next-gen 4.7- and 5.5-inch iPhone 7 models this September. The latest version of the iPhone received a faster processor, better camera, and the elimination of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Two new color finish options were also introduced: a solid matte Black and a high gloss Jet Black. Another major change is a new maximum offering of 256GB for both models, which is double the iPhone 6 options. The baseline storage also increased to 32GB, catching up with the rest of the smartphone industry.

iPhone 8

Ten years after the original iPhone's launch, Apple's 2017 refresh of the product line skipped the 'iPhone 7s' name in favor of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Unlike the iPhone X, these two phones stayed close to that era's established iPhone design, with the glass-backed smartphones supporting wireless charging for the first time.

iPhone Fold

There is a lot of evidence suggesting the "iPhone Fold" exists, though Apple may never release it. This concept device would use hinges and a foldable OLED display to give users a pocketable-clamshell smartphone.

iPhone SE

Apple announced the iPhone SE (second generation) in April 2020 to act as the new budget iPhone. It has 4K video recording capabilities, a 7MP selfie camera, wireless charging, and an A13 chipset, and is available in three colors. This phone completely replaces the iPhone 8, offering great specs for its cheap price.

iPhone X

The iPhone X (pronounced "ten") was created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the iPhone launch. It showcased an all new design with Face ID, a full screen display, and a stainless-steel frame. The new price point, move from Face ID to Touch ID, and "notch" were controversial at the time but have since become accepted features.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR was Apple's standard 2018 iPhone. It cost less than the company's 2018 flagships while still offering some high-end features. It continued with the full-screen design and Face ID sensors that had debuted the previous year in the iPhone X. Apple still sells the iPhone XR as the cheapest full-screen iPhone.

iPhone XS

The iPhone XS is Apple's now-retired 2018 flagship. It continued with the full-screen design and Face ID sensors that had debuted the previous year in the iPhone X. As the first iPhone with finer Portrait Mode controls and Smart HDR, its camera was one of its selling features. Apple discontinued it in 2019.

iPhone XS Max

The iPhone XS Max was one of Apple's two 2018 flagships. It continued with the full-screen design and Face ID sensors that had debuted the previous year in the iPhone X. It was the first plus-sized iPhone with a full-screen design. As the first iPhone with finer Portrait Mode controls and Smart HDR, its camera was one of its selling features. Apple discontinued it in 2019.

iWork

iWork is an office productivity suite that allows users to create word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. The three apps (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote) are free to anyone with an Apple ID. They're available on macOS, iPadOS, iOS, and the web.

Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams is Apple's Chief Operating Officer, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. He joined Apple in 1998 as head of Worldwide Procurement and stepped up to worldwide operations of all products in 2010. The Apple COO played a key role in the development of the Apple Watch and continues to pioneer new advancements in health and medical research initiatives at Apple.

John Giannandrea

John Giannandrea is Apple's senior vice president of Machine Learning and AI Strategy. He joined Apple in 2018 after his 8-year tenure at Google, leaving as head of Machine Learning. Giannandrea was born in Bridge of Allan, Scotland in 1965. His first claim to fame happened while he worked at General Magic, an Apple spin-off in the '90s.

Johny Srouji

Johny Srouji is Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies. He reports directly to Tim Cook and is responsible for products like Apple Silicon and battery technology. He's been with Apple since 2008 and led the development of the A4.

Jon Prosser

Jon Prosser is an avid Apple leaker with sources throughout the company and supply chain. His predictions based on leaked information became prominent in early 2020 as he nailed down details of the new iPhone SE weeks before launch. The often moving targets of release dates and prices are hit and miss, but when it comes to product details, Prosser has had a solid track record.

Katy Huberty

Katy Huberty is a 20-year veteran of financial-services company Morgan Stanley. She is the firm's leader in analyzing tech stocks, including Apple. She is often bullish on Apple, unafraid to buck the consensus when necessary.

Laurene Powell Jobs

Laurene Powell Jobs was married to Steve Jobs from 1991 until his death in 2011. Currently, she boasts a net worth of over $21 billion and sits on the board of many influential organizations, including Stanford University. She also founded the Emerson Collective, an organization that attempts to spur social change through entrepreneurship.

Lisa Jackson

Lisa Jackson is Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. She joined the company in 2013, months after resigning from her position as EPA Administrator in the Obama administration. She is the first African American to have held that position.

M1

The wait is over for Apple's custom silicon for Macs. The company's first desktop chip, the M1, now powers the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. The SoC uses 5nm architecture, like the iPhone 12 and iPad Air 4, and is faster than 98% of PC laptops.

Mac

The Mac is Apple's foundation and continues to play a vital role in the company despite the iPhone taking center stage. The lineup covers laptops, desktops, all-in-ones, and even $54k workstations. The future of the platform is Apple Silicon and the transition to powerful M-series processors.

Mac Catalyst

The Mac App Store still doesn't offer many favorites seen on the iPhone and iPad like Facebook, Netflix, and Hulu, but Mac Catalyst aims to change that by providing tools to make converting popular apps easier for developers. It also plays a significant role in the transition to Apple Silicon on Mac.

Mac mini

Apple's beloved Mac mini is the first desktop-class Mac to receive Apple Silicon. It is 1/10th the size of most desktop PC's while running 5x faster than many bought by consumers. The M1 processor and compact form factor will make your tiny desktop the perfect choice for the move away from Intel.

Mac Pro

Revealed in June 2018, and now available to buy after years of development, the Mac Pro is a return to form for the workstation in terms of upgradability, while also cementing its status as the most powerful desktop Mac Apple sells.

MacBook Air

It has been over a decade since Steve Jobs revealed the original MacBook Air, a laptop so thin he introduced it by pulling it out of an envelope. Apple's smallest laptop continues to fight for an ideal balance between size, performance, and price. It joins the new 13-inch MacBook Pro as the first Apple notebooks running Apple Silicon.

MacBook Pro

Apple introduced the MacBook Pro in February 2006 as the professional portable Mac, replacing the PowerPC G4 and ushering in the Intel era. Each generation has added innovations to the platform, but notably, Apple's eternal march to thinness led to a fourth-generation model that soured on some customers. These computers have always been the go-to choice for developers as the most versatile Macs available.

macOS

After remaining in the 10th iteration of Mac OS from 2001 to 2020, Apple moved to macOS 11 with Big Sur. Over its lifetime, Apple has made considerable improvements to the performance, security, and functionality of the software, making it one of the most robust and user-friendly operating systems around.

macOS 12

Apple's annual macOS updates typically arrive in the fall after an early-summer announcement. "macOS 12" will be the 2021 update, serving as a successor to 2020's macOS Big Sur.

macOS Big Sur

The operating system built for Apple Silicon and the M1 processor is called macOS Big Sur. This operating system brings optimized apps for the new system architecture, universal apps, and better responsiveness across the board. Also use your iPhone and iPad apps on the Mac when running an M1 Processor.

macOS Catalina

macOS Catalina was the next step in Apple's modern initiatives to control the user experience from top to bottom. This update closed off more walls, built up more security, and offered more ecosystem parity across devices. It also introduced Mac Catalyst, a system allowing developers to bring more iPad apps to Mac, including Apple's own apps. This update also ditched iTunes in favor of three new apps; music, podcasts, and TV.

Magic Keyboard

Magic Keyboard describes three different Apple products, all with scissor-switch keys. It can refer to a Bluetooth keyboard accessory, the updated keyboard on the latest MacBooks, or a keyboard for the iPad Pro that makes Apple's tablet significantly more laptop-like.

MagSafe

MagSafe is a magnetic accessory system introduced for the iPhone 12. A series of magnets in the rear of the iPhone allow accessories like wallets and chargers to align perfectly with the device. The term was previously used to refer to the MacBook magnetic charger that easily disconnected from the port.

Ming-Chi Kuo

Ming-Chi Kuo is a renowned Apple analyst, with over 10 years of experience reporting on Apple with data from the supply chain. Much of what we learn about upcoming products, delays, and potential price points are derived from Kuo's reports.

New iPad

Apple releases new iPads each year. Whether you want to learn about the 2020 lineup or the iPad updates coming in the new year, you can read up on the various models here.

New iPad Pro

Apple releases a new iPad Pro about every 18 months with one or two major changes each time. The fourth-generation iPad Pro is the latest model released in 2020 with a LiDAR scanner and A12Z Bionic processor. An updated model is expected in 2021 with mini LED and a new A-series processor.

New iPhone

Apple releases a new iPhone lineup each year in the fall with the occasional spring update. Whether you want to learn about the 2020 iPhone 12 or the potential 2021 iPhone, you can learn about the various models here.

Next iPad

The next iPad could come as early as March 2021. With the company typically refreshing at least two of its iPad models in each calendar year, we can expect a ninth-generation iPad, new iPad Pro models, and possibly more.

Next iPad Pro

The next iPad Pro will launch sometime in 2021 if rumors are accurate. Some suggest the 12.9-inch model will be the only one updated, while others say both. We can expect new display technology like mini LED and a new A14X processor, or similar.

Next iPhone

Apple will launch the next iPhone in 2021. We don't yet know if the company will only release the "iPhone 13" series in the fall, or if the year's lineup will also include an "iPhone SE Plus" or even a foldable "iPhone Fold."

People

Apple wouldn't be the company it is today without the people that make the magic happen. Steve Jobs built Apple from scratch, Tim Cook made it the efficient company it is today, and leakers like Ming-Chi Kuo help keep the fervor alive around new products.

Phil Schiller

Phil Schiller is Apple's former Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing. He's now the company's Apple Fellow, an honorary role, but will continue to manage the App Store and Apple events. Greg Joswiak now fills the SVP of Worldwide Marketing role.

Pro Display XDR

After abandoning the monitor market years before, Apple released the $4,999 high-end 32-inch Thunderbolt 3 Pro Display XDR on December 10, 2019. The Pro Display XDR targets professionals who need exceptional color accuracy and is one of the highest display resolutions on the market today.

Rosetta 2

Rosetta wasn't the ideal solution during Apple's hardware transition in 2006, but it was a decent temporary fix to run PowerPC-based apps on Macs with Intel CPUs. Now, Rosetta 2 arrives in macOS Big Sur promising faster performance and better support on Apple Silicon.

Safari

Safari debuted on macOS in 2003 as the default web browser running WebKit. It has been the default browser on iOS since its debut in 2007 as well. Apple has been reluctant to allow other browsers on its mobile platform, restricting all third-party browsers to WebKit engines.

Sidecar

Introduced in 2019 software updates, Sidecar allows users to extend or mirror a Mac desktop on an iPad. It works in both wired and wireless modes. It also supports the Apple Pencil and provides essential Mac controls in a touch-friendly sidebar.

Siri

Siri is Apple's smart assistant across all of its platforms. It uses machine learning to determine suggestions for users, answer queries, or control devices. Users can configure it to speak with multiple voices across several languages.

Steve Jobs

As the founder and late CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs is synonymous with success and is well renowned for his leadership and vision. Each decade of his adulthood is punctuated by world-shifting events, with Jobs at the epicenter. The story of Steve Jobs is the story of Apple and stands as the textbook example of success.

Swift

Swift is an open-source modern coding language created by Apple, designed to build apps within the Apple, Mac, and Linux system. While based off of Objective-C and other languages, it was designed to be more lightweight, more intuitive, safer, and easier-to-use compared to many of the alternatives.

Swift Playgrounds

Apple's development environment, Swift Playgrounds, aims at teaching novice coders to comfortably be able to write in Swift, Apple's custom coding language. Available on both the iPad and macOS, the app is designed to quickly offer programmers feedback without the hassle of constant recompiling after tweaks, and inspires experimentation through its approachable interface.

Tim Cook

Apple has officially been led by Tim Cook as CEO since Steve Jobs died in 2011. He has run the company before that, during Jobs' health absences, but since joining in 1998, he's been key to how Apple went from near-bankruptcy to its present status as one of the world's largest companies.

Touch Bar

The Touch Bar seemed more like a gimmick than a useful tool when it first appeared in MacBook Pros years ago. Now it's a common feature on all models and is supported by a multitude of Mac apps. It adds convenient, touch-based controls similar to mobile.

Touch ID

Apple introduced Touch ID with the launch of the iPhone 5S. While not as convenient as Face ID, it allows users to quickly unlock their iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, sign in to services, and approve purchases with just a touch of their fingertips. No manually-entered password is needed.

Translate

Translate is a new app and service launched in Apple's 2020 software updates. It includes a standalone app for iPhone, webpage translation built into Safari, and one-way translation capabilities for the Siri voice assistant.

tvOS

Apple TV has a dedicated operating system and software platform called tvOS. Apple optimized the software for use on large screens with big icons and simple on-screen navigation. Siri acts as one of the primary input options for navigating content.

tvOS 14

The Apple TV has a specialized operating system based on iOS that saw some minor improvements with tvOS 14 that launched in fall of 2020. The headlining features include more support for Picture-in-Picture across apps and Apple Arcade game resume syncing for user accounts.

watchOS

For the past five years, watchOS has evolved from an extension of iOS into a standalone operating system with its own App Store. The relatively new platform has seen multiple large revisions since its launch and each update brings Apple Watch closer to becoming an independent device.

watchOS 7

The latest operating system for Apple Watch debuted this September with all-new features for users. Updates include improved dictation and translation features through Siri, custom cycling directions, and the ability to share watch faces with others.

Xcode

Xcode is Apple's IDE, made for producing software on Mac for use on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Free to download and use, the IDE is chiefly used by developers to create iPhone and iPad apps, as well as programs for the Mac.

Inside Apple at AppleInsider

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