Apple officially reveals the Vision Pro headset, the standard-sized HomePod returns, the iPhone switches to USB-C... These are Apple's most important moments in 2023.

Vision Pro

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After years of speculation about its augmented/virtual reality headset, Apple officially introduced the Vision Pro in June. Apple said the headset would be available in the US starting in early 2024, starting at $3,499. The Vision Pro lets users interact with apps as if they were floating in the air.

The headset uses a brand new operating system called visionOS and can be controlled with your eyes and hands. It also has a Digital Crown similar to the Apple Watch to switch between virtual reality and augmented reality. There is also a removable battery case.

The Return of HomePod

The standard-sized HomePod returned in 2023 when Apple introduced a new model in January. The second-generation HomePod uses the same design as the model that was discontinued in 2021. However, it has fewer tweeters and two fewer microphones than the original model, and it adds a sensor to measure indoor temperature and humidity. In the US, the HomePod costs $299 and comes in black or white.

iPhone switches to USB-C

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It’s finally here after years of hope and rumor. All of this year’s iPhone 15 models feature USB-C ports instead of Lightning. However, only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max support USB 3.2, which can transfer data at up to 10Gbps. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are limited to USB 2.0, which can transfer data at up to 480Mbps, the same speed as Lightning on older iPhones.

All iPhone 15s can charge the Apple Watch, AirPods case, or other small accessories via USB-C.

Green Dream

In November, Apple announced that it would support the RCS cross-platform messaging standard in the iPhone Messages app starting “later next year.” Based on that timeframe, RCS support could be added in iOS 18. This will bring a number of improvements to the messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices. These include: Higher resolution photos and videos, audio messages, typing indicators, read receipts, Wi-Fi messaging, and better encryption than SMS.

These features already apply to iPhone-to-iPhone messaging, shown in blue. RCS-enabled iPhones will extend the features to green messages sent from Android devices.

Google has been pushing Apple to adopt RCS for years.

M3 Trio

During its “Scary Fast” event in October, Apple introduced the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. In addition to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, there’s also a 14-inch entry-level model with the standard M3 chip. Other features include a Space Black finish for the high-end model and a 20 percent brighter display.

Final Cut Pro on iPad

YouTube users can rejoice as Apple has brought its Final Cut Pro video editing app to the iPad. Previously, it was a Mac exclusive. Apple says Final Cut Pro for iPad is optimized for the iPad’s touch interface, providing “a mobile studio for music and video creators.” The app costs $4.99 a month or $49 a year in the US after a one-month trial. It’s compatible with iPad models powered by the M1 chip or later.

Additionally, Apple also introduced the music composition application Logic Pro for iPad.

Apple Watch ban

Apple has suspended sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US due to copyright infringement with medical device manufacturer Masimo, related to blood oxygen measurement technology. Masimo accused the iPhone maker of approaching employees and stealing trade secrets to develop a blood oxygen sensor on the Apple Watch Series 6 and later.

In January, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Apple had infringed on a Masimo patent and banned its sales and imports. Apple appealed to the appeals court and temporarily overturned the ban, just one day after it took effect.

(According to Macrumors)