Apple had a 13 year straight run of debuting new hardware lines, ranging from the iPad in 2010 to the Vision Pro in 2023. However, that all came to an end in 2024, as Apple failed to announce the debut of any major new hardware lines during the year.
While Apple made some significant hardware updates in 2024, including the revamped Mac mini and iPad Pro, these were updates to existing product lines, not entirely new categories. This makes 2024 the first year since 2009 in which we failed to see a new hardware product line come out of Cupertino.
Here’s a look back at the major new products announced each year from 2010 to 2023:
- 2023: Apple Vision Pro
- 2022: Mac Studio, Studio Display, and Apple Watch Ultra
- 2021: AirTag
- 2020: Apple Silicon, MagSafe for iPhone ecosystem, HomePod mini, and AirPods Max
- 2019: AirPods Pro, Pro Display XDR, and Apple Card
- 2018: iPhone XS Max
- 2017: iMac Pro, HomePod, and iPhone X
- 2016: iPhone SE and AirPods
- 2015: iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Apple TV HD
- 2014: Apple Watch
- 2013: iPhone 5C and iPad Air
- 2012: iPad mini
- 2011: Thunderbolt Display
- 2010: iPad
For 2024, Apple focused on updating existing devices and debuting new software features, like Apple Intelligence in iOS and macOS.
There can be several contributing factors to Apple’s lack of a new product line in 2024.
Apple unveiled its Vision Pro headset in 2023, but the device didn’t hit shelves until early 2024, launching a new “spatial computing” product line for the company. The device likely dominated Apple’s development focus for much of 2023 and 2024.
Apple also focused on Artificial Intelligence in 2024, developing “Apple Intelligence” features that allow iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to better interact with their devices, generate images, and generate content.
Apple’s ill-fated electric vehicle project was reportedly terminated earlier this year. Between that project, the Vision Pro, and the development of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s R&D department may have been faced with a significant drain on its resources.
Apple could also be still dealing with the lingering effects of the global shutdown caused by the COVID pandemic, as Apple products traditionally have a development cycle of two to four years.
There is a very good chance that Apple will debut a new product line during 2025, as Apple is expected to unveil a new smart home “Command Center” that could prove to be a new product line, fitting into Apple’s plans for a renewed focus on the smart home.
(Via MacRumors)
