How has Apple evolved its products and services in the past year and what will it do in the next year?

by Milind Alvares

In 2021, Apple's app distribution platform 'App Store' was investigated by various countries for alleged antitrust violations due to its high fees. It was also a year that hit the advertising industry hard with the implementation of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) , which allows users to refuse ad tracking. Even so, Apple is expanding its products and services, and on Monday, January 10, 2022, we published an article looking back on the new features and services announced throughout 2021.

Apple services enrich peoples' lives throughout the year - Apple
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/01/apple-services-enrich-peoples-lives-throughout-the-year/

Apple Highlights Services in 2021, Recaps Upcoming Features Like IDs on iPhone - MacRumors
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/01/10/apple-highlights-services-in-2021/?scrolla=5eb6d68b7fedc32c19ef33b4

First, Apple mentions that developers have earned more than $ 260 billion (about 30 trillion yen) by selling digital products and services since the App Store was released in 2008. In 2020, it was announced to be `` $ 200 billion (23 trillion yen) '', so you can see that the scale of the App Store is expanding year by year, but on the other hand, this is `` just a part of the entire distribution ' also Apple indicated.

In addition, between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve 2021, iOS users spent a lot of time in the App Store, showing ``double-digit growth'' year-on-year. In addition, Apple has not announced the specific sales amount.

Also, in 2019, Apple announced the subscription-type video distribution service ` ` Apple TV + '' that distributes original content.

`` Apple One '', a super-value subscription plan that allows you to enjoy Apple Music and Apple TV + for 1100 yen per month announced - GIGAZINE

Regarding Apple TV +, Apple reported that it had 'achieved major milestones in just two years'. Original content has been nominated for 763 awards, of which 190 have won. In addition, the new Apple TV was announced on April 21, 2021, and it is said that it is already being used in 24 countries such as Belgium, Hong Kong and Russia along with the new remote control ' Siri Remote '.

Apple announces new Apple TV for the first time in four years - GIGAZINE

Apple Music has released various new features such as 'autoplay', 'lyric sharing', 'city chart', 'motion cover art', and 'listen now' tab. In addition, the support for spatial audio and lossless audio by Dolby Atmos is also a major change.

'Apple Music' supports spatial audio & lossless audio by Dolby Atmos at no additional cost - GIGAZINE

On October 18, 2021, Apple also announced the `` Apple Music Voice Plan '' that allows access to over 90 million songs and radio via Siri for only 480 yen per month.

Apple Announces Apple Music Voice Plans - Apple (UK)
https://www.apple.com/jp/newsroom/2021/10/apple-introduces-the-apple-music-voice-plan/

Also, Apple's health and fitness-focused platform ' Apple Fitness+ ' is a library with more than 2000 fitness classes and 4K UHD training content. In 2022 Apple Fitness + will show further expansion.

As a future function, first of all, it will be possible to add a driver's license or ID to the wallet app in the United States in early 2022.

An area will be announced where you can present your driver's license and identification card on your iPhone or Apple Watch - GIGAZINE

In addition, Apple has acquired the classical music streaming service 'Primephonic', and a dedicated classical music app is expected to be released soon. This is attracting attention along with the fact that the sound quality of the 3rd generation AirPods released in October 2021 has improved significantly from the previous model.

Apple announces acquisition of classical music streaming service 'Primephonic' and explains refunds-GIGAZINE

In addition, Apple announced in September 2021 that it will introduce 3D maps to Apple Maps in cities such as London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. In the second half of 2022, we plan to roll out the feature to cities such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Apple Maps introduces new ways to explore major cities in 3D - Apple