The Most Disappointing Apple Products Released in 2022
Reading Time: 4 minutesNot every product Apple launched this year turned out to be successful. Here are some Apple products that we think missed the mark.
It’s no secret that people have high expectations from Apple devices. After all, it’s one of the most influential brands in the world. Sadly, as much as the company amazes us with innovative features and designs, some of its products can be disappointing.
To no one’s surprise, 2022 was no different in that regard, as Apple released quite a few disappointing products. While these devices are not necessarily bad, they fail to provide the value and experience people expect from Apple products.
Here, we will recap the most disappointing Apple products released in 2022.
1. M2 iPad Pro
Though we had high hopes for the M2 iPad Pro, it received a mixed reaction upon its launch in October 2022. Of course, the upgrade from the M1 chip to the M2 chip offers performance enhancements, but the M1 chip was already considered overkill for most iPad users.
The M2 iPad Pro also comes with the Apple Pencil hover experience, Wi-Fi 6E support, and ProRes video capture. But unfortunately, that’s where the differences end when you compare it to the outgoing model.
For most people, though, these features do not justify the price they need to spend on an upgrade. And the product did not receive a much-anticipated OLED display or a design refresh. Instead, the product piggybacks on the features that iPadOS brings to the scene.
2. iPhone SE 2022
Like many other Apple products, the iPhone SE lineup has a dedicated fanbase thanks to its sleek design. But Apple failed to amaze these users when it launched the third generation of the iPhone SE in March 2022. The iPhone SE 2022 packs the A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, improved battery life, and a slightly better camera inside an ancient design.
However, the lack of a design refresh is a major disappointment, especially considering the $429 price tag. It also misses out on features like Face ID, instead retaining Touch ID integrated into the Home button. And it is no surprise that most people choose an iPhone 12 or 13 instead of the iPhone SE 2022.
3. iPad (10th generation)
At first, the idea of a redesigned baseline iPad seemed impressive enough. We hoped Apple would make the device a better choice for entry-level iPad users. However, upon its launch in October 2022, we found enough reasons to hate the redesigned iPad.
On the bright side, the iPad (10th generation) packs an all-screen display, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support, better cameras, and much-awaited USB-C connectivity. But, at the same time, Apple increased the price to $449, making the device a not-so-budget-friendly option.
More importantly, while the redesign brings several features, the device still uses the first-generation Apple Pencil, which needs a separate adapter for charging. It does not work with the existing Magic Keyboards for iPad, either.
4. 13-Inch M2 MacBook Pro
The 13-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M2 chip is probably one of the most disappointing Apple products released in 2022. Launched alongside the M2 MacBook Air, which is an impressive device, the M2 MacBook Pro did not have a good reception. The device does not offer many upgrades apart from the M2 chip. It retains the Touch Bar and the same old display.
While we expected to see the entry-level MacBook Pro with a refreshed design, Apple had other plans. So, when Apple launched this half-baked upgrade and priced it at $1299, most people chose to go with the M2 MacBook Air or keep using their M1 MacBooks.
5. Studio Display
While we do not expect anything exceptionally affordable from Apple, there should be some balance in the value proposition. Unfortunately, Studio Display, the latest Mac monitor from Apple, lacks this balance. This 27-inch 5K monitor has a built-in webcam with Center Stage support, six speakers with Spatial Audio, and a decent array of connectivity options.
But, when you consider its base price tag of $1499, the Studio Display becomes a tough deal. And you have to spend another $400 if you need height adjustment. Also, it uses an IPS panel instead of a mini-LED panel and lacks HDR support. So, overall, the Studio Display was a disappointing product from the company.
6. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, launched in September 2022, are classic examples of Apple’s safe approach. While we understand the lack of a design refresh, it is frustrating that these devices use the A15 Bionic chip, the same chip you’d find inside the iPhone 13 Pro models from 2021.
On the bright side, iPhone 14 and 14 Plus come with emergency SOS via satellite support and Crash Detection for user safety. Also, the iPhone 14 Plus, in particular, offers the best battery life in the entire lineup.
Apple also added camera features like Action Mode, but these changes do not justify an upgrade, especially at $799. Altogether, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus were two of the most disappointing smartphones Apple released in 2022.
7. Apple Watch Series 8
Launched alongside the Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch Series 8 is not a bad product, per se. But when you compare it to the previous model, the Apple Watch Series 7, you’ll only find incremental upgrades across the board.
Besides the new temperature sensor and Crash Detection feature, the Apple Watch Series 8 brings nothing new to the table, so it doesn’t make sense to upgrade from the Apple Watch Series 7, especially at its $399 asking price.
Even if you don’t have an Apple Watch, the redesigned Apple Watch SE, which starts from just $249, makes more sense as it offers a better bang for your buck. And if you have the money to splurge, the Apple Watch Ultra sounds like an obvious choice.
What to Expect From Apple in 2023
While these products were not impressive enough, we do not underestimate Apple for a second. In fact, we look forward to checking out what the tech giant has in store for 2023.
Besides potential hardware launches like the iPhone 15, M3 Macs, and next-generation iPads, we’re also excited to see how Apple handles its software, especially iOS and iPadOS.
Reference: https://www.makeuseof.com/most-disappointing-apple-products-2022/