12 Months of Apple
Swift Developer Podcast - App development and discussion
Deep Dive
What were Apple's major changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union announced in January 2024?
Apple announced the introduction of alternative app marketplaces, a core technology fee of 50 cents euro per install annually, and a browser choice screen in Safari, allowing users to choose third-party browsers.
Why did the Apple Vision Pro launch underwhelm in February 2024?
The Vision Pro lacked a clear use case and post-release support from Apple, leading many users to put it in a drawer after initial excitement.
What was the primary purpose of the new Apple Sports app introduced in February 2024?
The Apple Sports app helps sports fans find upcoming games, track scores, and view league standings, providing a straightforward and clean user experience without gambling statistics.
Why did Apple introduce the M3 chip in the MacBook Airs in March 2024?
The M3 chip was a nice upgrade for the MacBook Airs, offering significant power and performance for a wide range of users, though it was not as advanced as the M4 chip announced later in the year.
What significant feature did Apple add to the Apple Podcast app in March 2024?
Apple introduced transcripts for Apple Podcasts, enhancing accessibility and engagement for listeners.
Why did Apple introduce the M4 chip in the iPad Pro in May 2024?
The M4 chip was introduced to boost performance in the iPad Pro, but it felt like an odd choice given that the iPad's software was not fully optimized to take advantage of its power.
What were the main developer-focused announcements at WWDC 2024 in June?
Apple unveiled Xcode 16 with automated code completion, Swift 6 featuring strict concurrency and type throws, and a new feature called Swift Assist, though Swift Assist has not been released yet.
Why did Apple expand the availability of the Vision Pro to more countries in June 2024?
Apple expanded the Vision Pro to China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, but the device saw a similar lukewarm reception as in the U.S., with users generally placing it in a drawer after initial use.
What was the purpose of Apple Maps on the web, launched in July 2024?
Apple Maps on the web allows users to share and view maps across platforms, including Android, and includes features like dark mode.
Why did the Compile Swift podcast add a new host in August 2024?
The new host was added to provide fresh perspectives and content, especially during a slow period of Apple news post-WWDC.
What were the key features of the Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 series released in September 2024?
The Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 series included updates like a titanium option for the Watch and improved camera controls for the iPhone, though both were overshadowed by the upcoming Apple Intelligence features.
Why did the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, released in October 2024, receive mixed reviews?
The first wave included features like notification summaries, writing tools, photo cleanup, and call transcription. Notification summaries were entertaining but often confusing, while photo cleanup was generally well-received for simpler tasks.
What were the significant updates to the iMac and Mac Mini in October 2024?
Apple introduced new iMacs and Mac Minis powered by the M4 chip, with the iMac available in new colors including a redesigned pink option. The Mac Mini received significant performance upgrades over earlier M-series devices.
Why were the new MacBook Pros with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips overshadowed in October 2024?
The MacBook Pros were overshadowed by the highly praised Mac Minis, which received a big leap in performance and features.
What were the most popular Apple podcasts of 2024, according to Apple's November press release?
Apple shared the most popular podcasts of 2024, though the Compile Swift podcast narrowly missed the list despite reaching 100,000 lifetime downloads.
What new features did Apple Intelligence introduce in the second wave in December 2024?
The second wave included image generation features like Image Playground and Genmoji, enhanced writing tools, and the ability to interact with ChatGPT through Siri.
Why was King Charles III's visit to Apple's UK headquarters in December 2024 considered a non-event?
The visit was met with little public interest, and it was more of a formality rather than a significant news story.
Shownotes Transcript