With the company’s 40th anniversary coming up on April 1st, Apple had much to celebrate at its Special Event on March 21st 2016. Leaders Tim Cook, Lisa Jackson, Jeff Williams, and Phil Schiller announced updates on two initiatives and four product innovations:
The Renewable Energy Initiative
Two years ago, Apple took responsibility for its impact on waste and climate change, and vowed to run all of its operations on renewable energy. Since then, 93% of its facilities have made the transition. This includes 100% of its offices, retail stores, and data centers in 23 countries, including China and the United States.
CareKit
Apple’s ResearchKit has enabled medical professionals to learn more about individuals’ health by conducting research studies via iPhone apps. Thanks to ResearchKit, experts have identified asthma triggers in all 50 States, created games that test for autism, and identified possible subtypes of diabetes.CareKit is the new framework that will allow app creators to put ResearchKit’s data into practical use. It takes that research and applies it to improve consumers’ health. Examples include an app that allows Parkinson patients to view their symptoms on a clear graph, and a checklist that surgeons can give their patients to help them stick with tasks that speed up their recovery.
Apple Watch
The #1 smartwatch in the world is getting a fashion upgrade with new types and colors of watch bands.
Apple TV
The “biggest screen in your house” now has 5000 compatible apps. New dictation abilities let users search photos and apps, access videos, and explores games without using a remote.
iPhone SE
Because some customers still prefer the 4-inch size over the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Apple is keeping the smaller models in circulation with upgrades of their own, including live photos and “Hey, Siri.”
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro intends to replace not only the laptop but the paper notebook as well. It now comes in different sizes (12.9in and 9.7) and there’s a new storage upgrade: 256 gigabytes.The Special Event started with a forty-second video summarizing the history of Apple’s “amazing products and epic moments.” With the momentum from these innovations and the interest and revenue sure to be generated by the technological innovations, Apple is looking forward to another 40 years of changing the world!
