The year 2020 was a challenging but exciting year that demanded a lot from us. Apple also had to fight with the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, numerous new products were introduced - here is an Apple 2020 review.
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a firm grip on us. Apple also had to struggle with the situation at the beginning and find new ways. Despite the various challenges, the company was able to release a whole series of new products and make history.
January & February – The start of the Apple year 2020
As in previous years, 2020 started off pretty quietly for Apple. After all, the Pro Display XDR and the Mac Pro were only released in December 2019. Both months were accompanied by countless rumors. But there was actually an expansion in the Mac range. Apple introduced the rack mount of the Mac Pro on January 14th for a price of $6,499. In addition, iOS and co. were updated in the meantime.
March – No keynote but new products
So after the year started slowly, March became more interesting. Apple introduced a new MacBook Air with Intel processor, two new iPad Pro models and the Magic Keyboard as an accessory for the iPad Pro. The new MacBook Air, introduced in March, featured a Magic Keyboard based on the scissor technology, improved internal components and was slightly cheaper than its predecessor.
Although the device was later replaced by the first M1 MacBook Air, it represented a notable update at the time. The new iPad Pro models have undergone a small update compared to the MacBook Air. The devices received the so-called A12Z processor and a triple camera with LiDAR scanner. Users who had a previous model saw little reason to replace their device - despite the new camera technology.
April – The iPhone SE 2020 is here
Rumors about a new entry-level iPhone have been with us for months. Finally, in April, the time came. On April 15, Apple introduced the iPhone SE 2020, based on the iPhone 8, via press release.
The device has a small 4.7-inch display, a home button with Touch ID and the A13 Bionic processor. Thanks to the chip, it can keep up with the iPhone 11 series in terms of performance.
May – Another Intel round in 2020
In May, Apple continued updating the Mac series with a refresh of the MacBook Pro. The company introduced the 13-inch MacBook Pro on May 4. The device received the same scissor keyboard that was already used in the MacBook Air. This marked the end of the controversial butterfly keyboard. In addition to the revised keyboard technology, tenth-generation Intel processors were installed and more RAM was used.
June – Apple Silicon is announced
The month of June, on the other hand, went down in history. As part of the World Wide Developer Conference, which was held virtually for the first time, the company announced Apple Silicon. We have read rumors several times before that Apple wants to switch to in-house Mac chips. But in June it was finally made official. In addition to Apple Silicon, the focus was also on iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS 11 Big Sur.
July – The calm before the storm
In contrast, July was very quiet in terms of hardware. The focus was on the betas of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS and macOS. In retrospect, it was the calm before the storm. In the months that followed, Apple put on a real product fireworks display.
August – New iMac in summer
On August 4th, Apple introduced a completely new iMac series, which included new Intel processors, SSD storage as standard and a new matte display with nano texture. The biggest changes were made to the 27-inch model. The feedback was overall positive - even if the transition to Apple Silicon was missing.
September – Apple Watch Series 6 / SE and more
In September, things continued - now it was time to get serious. On September 15, Apple held the first of a total of three virtual fall events. New Apple Watch and iPad models were presented. Specifically, the Apple Watch Series 6 and a cheaper version called the SE were unveiled. The company also announced the 8th generation iPad with A12 chip and a brand new iPad Air. The star of the month was the fourth generation iPad Air.
It has undergone a complete redesign and received the latest processor. Although the device was presented with the iPad Pro look, it does not have Face ID. Apple has instead decided to put Touch ID in the standby button. A new Magic Keyboard was also announced for this version.
October – The new iPhones see the light of day
In October, Apple held its second virtual event. The new iPhone 12 models were finally introduced. The devices received a new design, 5G connectivity, the A14 Bionic chip and more.
The company also introduced new MagSafe accessories during the event. In addition to the iPhone 12, the brand new HomePod mini was also presented. However, the device only went on sale in November.
Apple also had to take a different approach with the new iPhone models. While the two 6.1-inch models were available at the end of October (October 23, 2020), the 5.4- and 6.7-inch iPhones were not put on the shelves until the beginning of November (November 13, 2020). The iPad Air, which was introduced in September, debuted on October 30. Also included was Apple One - the new subscription bundle.
November – Apple makes history in 2020
In November, the focus was again on the Mac series. Now the time had come. Apple Silicon is here. On November 10th, Apple introduced new versions of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13″ and the Mac Mini.
All three devices were equipped with the brand new M1 processor for the first time. The design, however, remained unchanged.
December – One more to go
While fans thought that December would be the end of the line, a rumor was published that gave hope for more. Finally, on December 8th, the company introduced the brand new AirPods Max via press release.
The over-ear headphones were already available in stores on December 15th. Just one day before, Apple Fitness+ also made its debut in selected countries.
Apple 2020: Cupertino did a good job
Although Apple had to adapt in many areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has managed it all well. In addition to new iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models, new services were introduced introduced and more. If the rumors are to be believed, 2021 will be at least as interesting. New iPad Pro models with mini-LED displays could appear as early as the beginning of the year. So the whole thing remains exciting as always. (Photo by Gilmanshin / Bigstockphoto)
