Apple 2022 report card — the best and worst of the year

Apple tree 2020 report card — the best and worst of the year

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)

Just like every major tech company, Apple faced coronavirus-related delays in 2020, simply it managed to release a slew of products while breaking into new categories. And Apple as well redefined the virtual issue for the rest of the tech industry.

On the surface, the highlight of the twelvemonth was the new lineup of 4 iPhone 12 handsets, but the bigger news was Apple's new M1 chip, equally the company pulled abroad from Intel while showing Windows laptop makers how to exercise ARM-based computing right. Apple also responded adequately well to a challenging economy past delivering several value-focused products, although the ultra-premium AirPods Max $550 headphones left many scratching their heads.

Apple didn't excel in all areas, equally its ongoing feud with developers — from Epic games to Google Stadia — got ugly at times. And the determination not to include a charger with the iPhone 12 came beyond to many critics as more greedy than green. Here's how Apple stacked upward in 2020.

Apple's highs in 2020

Apple tree's virtual events
While there is something special about attending an Apple event in person, no brand fifty-fifty came shut to delivering the smoothen, gravitas and (yeah) fun that Apple did with its virtual events in 2020.

I got a kicking out of how Apple tree would change locations for each pre-recorded segment, such every bit zooming way down into what looked like a secret lab to discuss the new A14 Bionic chip.

Between Tim Cook, Craig Federighi, Greg Joswiak and others taking turns speaking, advanced animations and the overall pacing, Apple'south presentations fabricated you feel like you lot were at that place live — and that's a pretty impressive feat. They even filmed Lisa Jackson (VP of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives) on the roof at the new Apple campus, next to the visitor'south solar panels.

Apple Report Card 2020: M1 chip — (Prototype credit: Apple)

Apple'due south game-changing M1 chip
2020 volition exist remembered as the year Apple silicon made its way to the Mac, and what a splash it has turned out to be. Apple'south M1 chip delivered phenomenal performance on both the MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1, as well as the new Mac Mini. In fact, the MacBook Air is and so fast relative to competing Windows laptops that this $999 laptop may be "Pro" enough for most buyers.

The other big story with the M1 chip is battery life. The MacBook Air lasted an average of 14 hours and 41 minutes on our web-surfing battery exam. The MacBook Pro endured for 16:32. The latest Dell XPS 13 lasts a little over 11 hours.

Apple Report Card 2020: iPhone 12 — iPhone 12 Pro Max (left) and iPhone 12 Pro (right) (Image credit: Hereafter)

iPhone 12 takes the crown
Apple made the smartphone wars a little tiresome in 2020, as no other phones came shut to beating its new quartet of handsets. Thanks to Apple's computational photography prowess, the iPhone 12 Pro Max rose to the tiptop of our best phone list and best camera phone list. The other iPhone 12 models evangelize similarly superb epitome quality.

The A14 Bionic fleck is some other highlight, as this 5nm processor blew the doors off of every Android phone on iPhone 12 benchmarks. Apple fabricated the iPhone 12 sleeker also every bit tougher with a new Ceramic Shield display. The iPhone 12 battery life could be better, but overall the Samsung Milky way S20, Google Pixel 5 and other competitors were left in the dust.

Apple Watch SE — Apple tree Study Card 2020: Apple Lookout man SE (Epitome credit: Tom'southward Guide)

Swell value-priced products
In a down year for the economy, Apple did a fairly remarkable job responding with products that delivered on value. The $399 iPhone SE is the all-time example of Apple reading the room. It packs a fast A13 Bionic processor inside a compact design, along with excellent photo quality and wireless charging. The $279 Apple Spotter SE is another good value, as it offers all of the central features people look for in a smartwatch, including a roomy Retina display, fettle tracking and fall detection.

Concluding only non least, the $99 HomePod mini delivers superb audio quality for its small size, and I like that yous can bring your iPhone upward to the speaker to brand the HomePod automatically starts playing.

iOS 14 custom icons — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Finally getting proper widgets and customization in iOS xiv
With iOS xiv, Apple has helped iPhone owners create an interface that feels truly personal. You can place multiple types of widgets on the home screen, size them how you want and place them wherever you like. You also hands add together a Smart Stack of widgets and folio through them rapidly with a swipe, whether yous want to await at your favorite photos, skim for news headlines or check your calendar or stocks.

The other big upgrade is that yous can create custom icons in iOS 14 for a truly unique await and feel. We take a whole guide on how to make custom iPhone widgets and icons in iOS 14 to personalize your experience. You just need to familiarize yourself a flake with iOS shortcuts.

A good Apple tree TV Plus show in Ted Lasso
Apple Idiot box Plus has enough of shows that are non compelling (see See), but Ted Lasso has turned into a hit for the streaming service. Its rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a stellar ninety%, and Apple has already confirmed a season 3.

Ted Lasso follows the exploits of a Division 2 college football game coach who is recruited to be a manager for the English language Premier League soccer guild AFC Richmond, and his relentless positivity is charming and infectious. Our own Henry T. Casey calls Ted Lasso the perfect Apple Boob tube Plus show: "From his wholesome and authentic smile to each and every 1 of his witticisms, Lasso will cook your bad mood even after the longest twenty-four hour period."

Apple's lows in 2020

2-in-1 Mac — (Prototype credit: Tom's Guide)

Where are the 2-in-1 laptops?
Ane of the best things near macOS Large Sur is that y'all tin hands download iPhone and iPad apps -- including games -- and run them right on the desktop. There are plenty of not bad titles now in the Mac App Store also. But none of them work with a touchscreen because Apple still refuses to offering i.

Yes, the iPad Pro is a neat productivity tool, but at that place are many Mac shoppers who want a laptop get-go and a tablet second, not the other way around. A true 2-in-1 Mac laptop would give users the ultimate in versatility, and Apple could finally retire the mostly vestigial Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro.

iphone lightning usb-C — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Refusing to comprehend USB-C
We knew the iPhone 13 wouldn't embrace USB-C, only we didn't experience whatsoever improve once the phones landed. For some reason, Apple continues to cling to Lightning connectors for its phones and even for the new AirPods Max, while USB-C generally delivers more power faster. Apple already uses USB-C on the MacBook,iPad Pro and the new iPad Air.

And so what gives? Apple tree makes a ton of money from selling cables and accessories that use the proprietary Lightning port, and also gets licensing fees from third parties. Then it'south very possible that the iPhone 13 will skip USB-C too. In fact, Apple is rumored to be working on at least one portless model for the iPhone 13 line that would presumably employ wireless MagSafe for charging.

Epic Games vs Apple — (Epitome credit: Epic Games)

The Ballsy Games fiasco
In a perfect example of taking your ball and going home, in August Apple banned Fortnite from the App Shop after Epic Games violated the terms of service. Epic substantially bypassed Apple tree for payments considering the App Store requires that Apple go a 30% cutting of in-app purchases. Ballsy sued, accusing Apple of monopolistic practices. Of course, Apple responded with a lawsuit of its own.

At that place doesn't seem to exist whatever resolution of this battle in sight, but a court date is reportedly set for May iii, 2021. In the meantime, gamers are the ones who are really losing.

No charger in the iPhone 12 box
Heed, I go it. Not bundling a charger in the iPhone 12 box helps the environment every bit information technology leads to a lot less electronic waste material. Yes, lots of people already have chargers at home that volition work with the iPhone 12.

Just if you want to accuse at the fastest speeds, you'll need to spring for your own 20W USB charger ($19), which kind of makes the iPhone 12'south pricing misleading. If you lot desire to endeavor MagSafe wireless charging, you'll accept to bound for that $39 charger plus the cost of the $19 power brick. Boo.

Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for nearly 20 years. In add-on to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Pop Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.