Apple is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. For the whole year, all critics are telling that 2016 was a mix of good and bad for the company. Here are the top stories that make Apple's complete.
Top Apple Stories Of 2016
During 2016, Apple experienced many ups and downs. While the company launched several new products—from the iPhone 7 to the recently released MacBook Pro—it has been over the past 12 months pigeonholed as a company that has lost its ability to innovate. According to Network World and CRN, here are the top Apple stories of the year.
Decline In Revenue. Apple reported an annual revenue decline for the first time in the iPhone era. The fiscal 2016 revenue came in at $215.64 billion, a drop of 7.7 percent on a year-over-year basis. Falling sales in all of Apple's major categories – iPhone, iPad and Mac – were responsible for the decline. "What Apple used to have as far as market leadership with some of the hotter [PC] technologies, now people are starting to look at other things," said Stephen Monteros, vice president of business development at Sigmanet, an Ontario, California.
Release Of New Products. Unveiled this past September, the iPhone 7 effectively has the same form factor as the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6s. Along with iPhone 7 series and MacBook Products, Apple also launched this year a new wearable tech watch and the wireless AirPods. The new version of Apple Watch, dubbed Series 2, includes built-in GPS and improved water resistance. "It's nice to see them come out with innovative technology because they've struggled lately [in that regard]," said Mike Hadley, CEO of Boston-based Apple partner iCorps Technologies.
The Apple Car. One of the many high-impact Apple tech rumors of 2016 centered on the company's desire to design, develop and manufacture its own electric vehicle. Throughout 2016, a handful of reports from reputed sources claimed Apple was aiming to release a car sometime in 2019 and 2020. According to Fortune, in January, rumors were swirling that this would be the year Apple would release a major iPhone update, all new Macs, and so much more. There were rumors of Apple’s grand car ambitions and reports that Apple had some surprises in store.
AirPods Delay Schedule. When Apple introduced the iPhone 7, it also took some time to unveil a brand-new pair of wireless headphones called AirPods. Initially, Apple said AirPods would be begin shipping in late October of this year. As November inched closer, however, Apple released a statement indicating that the launch was being delayed because it needed “a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers.” As some of the people reviewed it, "During my testing, one of the AirPods had trouble holding a charge, so Apple swapped it out," Walt Mossberg, of the technology website The Verge, wrote in September.
The Home App In iOS 10. The Home app, which makes its debut in iOS 10, allows users to control their HomeKit-enabled smart home devices via phone, tablet, and watch. As reported by the Mansion Global, Home app users can dim lights, tweak temperatures, lock doors, enable cameras and much more with simple swipes, or by speaking to Siri.
Apple Music Achievement. Apple Music officially launched in June 2015 and it has grown steadily since then. For that short time frame, the company hasn’t stopped it from reaching impressive highs or accruing sizable numbers. And now, Apple confirms in an interview that Apple Music has 20 million paid subscribers. While Apple Music was always functional, the user interface was nothing short of a muddled and counterintuitive mess. In iOS 10, Apple went back to the drawing board and made finding and playing music a much more seamless process.
According to a report, of course, Apple says everything is just fine. But it can’t hide the signs of softening that have surfaced. Next year offers new opportunities and new ways for Apple to regain some of its luster, of course, but it’s hard to believe the company wants to relive 2016. As Forbes are saying, "Samsung will be Apple's top supplier for iPhones again in 2017." So let us hope that everything will be fine.
