Whilst Apple is far from a universally adored brand, nobody can argue with the idea that it is one of the most influential corporations of modern times, leading the way in making smartphone technology a staple of everyday life. Whilst Apple’s products can be pricey, they have often set trends popularised new features, devices, and ideas, and there are many people who are utterly devoted to the brand – which goes a long way to demonstrate the impact the company has had.
When Apple’s founder Steve Jobs died in October 2011 of pancreatic cancer it sparked public mourning across the world. Whilst there has been much talk about the direction Apple has taken since that fateful time, with some employees expressing frustration with how the company has changed, it remains a financial and cultural juggernaut. The company is still the biggest in the US – a highly important and lucrative market – with current CEO Tim Cook earning an eye-watering $12.8 million last year alone.
So whilst nobody can play down or ignore the impact that Apple has had on our individual lives, and the world around us, you might be wondering exactly what their drive towards innovation and new ideas has changed for you. Whilst the ways in which Apple have influenced us are too numerous to discuss them all, here are three big ways in which the iconic brand has changed our lives.
Music in your pocket – iPod
It is perhaps a theme of Apple’s products that they have so often increased the ability of consumers to access things that might be important to them on the go, and that is, also, the case with the iPod. Whilst this sort of technology wasn’t brand new, the iPod did revolutionise the music industry with a much more sophisticated and advanced alternative to more primitive MP3 players.
Constant internet access – iPhone
It cannot be in any doubt that the most famous, and most important, Apple product is their iconic and legendary smartphone – the iPhone. There have been countless iterations of this product, which often spark public hysteria and large queues as fans rush to get their hands on the next generation. Whilst these products have never come cheap, they have led the way in popularising smartphone technology, prompting other brands to produce similar phones.
And perhaps the most vital everyday impact of the iPhone has been the way in which it has put the internet in our pockets. With almost everything in the world ever being online, having constant access to the internet has been a leap forward for society, both for business and leisure. When he unveiled the first iPhone, Steve Jobs made reference to this crucial future, stating that it was “breakthrough Internet communications device.”
Popularising the tablet – iPad
Windows tablets were around before Apple unveiled the iPad, but the product was relatively obscure and unpopular until Apple released their own version. This made tablets a mainstream item, making them widespread, and spawning copycat brands. The iPad was the first product of this sort that people actually wanted, and thanks to Apple, tablets now sell as well as PCs.
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